SPF Private Clients

Office address: 33 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BT 
Website: www.spf.co.uk 
Year established: 1997 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 220+ 
Expertise: residential and commercial property finance, wealth management, home and contents insurance, overseas mortgages, development finance, agricultural finance, self-build mortgages, bridging finance, commercial property insurance, life and health insurance, chalet finance 
Parent company: Howden Group 
Key people: Mark Harris (CE), James Rodea (COO), Matt Neave (CFO), Chelsea Warren (director), Sean Charlton (director), Marcus Hodges (executive director), Miranda John (director) 
Financing status: N/A 

SPF Private Clients is a financial services intermediary offering solutions across mortgages, insurance, wealth management, and commercial finance. With a workforce of over 220 employees, the company operates from ten locations, including branches in the UK, Channel Islands, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The firm is a part of the Howden Group, enhancing its capabilities through extensive industry connections.  

History of SPF Private Clients 

SPF Private Clients was established in May 1997 as Savills Private Finance, the financial services arm of Savills. By 1999, the company expanded further, opening new offices and launching an insurance services team. In 2004, they established agricultural and international mortgages departments. 

The company experienced a management buyout and rebranding in 2011 as SPF Private Clients. In 2018, a majority stake was acquired by Cabot Square Capital. In 2022, it was acquired by Howden Group, and in 2023, it expanded with new offices in Edinburgh, Bristol, Singapore, and Hong Kong. 

Products and Services of SPF Private Clients 

SPF Private Clients has a range of offerings designed to meet the client's different needs. These include: 

• residential mortgages: tailored mortgage solutions for property purchases 
• buy-to-let mortgages: financing options for investment properties 
• short-term finance: bridging, development, and auction finance 
• commercial finance: bespoke financing for commercial real estate projects 
• insurance services: comprehensive personal and business insurance solutions 
• wealth management: retirement strategies, investment planning, and tax advice 
• international mortgages: financing for purchasing property abroad 

Culture at SPF Private Clients 

SPF Private Clients has built its values on a foundation of client-centric principles, ensuring that every interaction prioritises fairness and professionalism. By upholding these standards, it enhances its reputation and ensures consistent, high-quality service delivery across all operations. Key values towards its customers and business partners include: 

• dedication to customer fairness 
• comprehensive mortgage and insurance services 
• protection against unforeseen circumstances 
• professional care and responsibility 
• transparency and openness 
• longevity in professional relationships 

SPF Private Clients supports a meritocratic and inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities at every employment stage, from recruitment to termination. This policy safeguards all employees and associated persons against discrimination, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010. The company conducts regular reviews and provides comprehensive training to uphold these standards, promoting a workplace where diversity is valued and protecting characteristics like: 

• age, disability 
• marriage and civil partnership 
• gender, gender reassignment 
• sexual orientation 
• pregnancy and maternity 
• race (including ethnic origin, colour, nationality, and national origin) 
• belief and/or religion 

About SPF Private Clients Chief Executive Mark Harris and Key People 

Mark Harris is the chief executive of SPF Private Clients. Harris is also a global practice chairman at Howden Private Clients and has held various roles in NatWest and John Charcol. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has amassed extensive expertise in residential mortgages, sales management, financial services, mortgage lending, and income protection, among others. 

Key people that support Harris in leading the company include: 

• James Rodea, as COO, oversees operational functions and ensures efficiency 
• Matt Neave, serving as CFO, manages the financial health and strategic planning 
• Chelsea Warren, director - head of financial protection, leads the financial protection division 
• Sean Charlton, director - head of real estate Insurance, heads the real estate insurance sector 
• Marcus Hodges, as an executive director - head of mortgages, directs the mortgage operations 
• Miranda John, as director of international property finance, manages international property financing services 

The Future at SPF Private Clients 

SPF Private Clients is set for continued growth and innovation as evidenced by their recent activities. The reopening of their Edinburgh office in 2023 marks a strategic expansion in Scotland, enhancing regional service capabilities. The Edinburgh office will serve as a hub for delivering comprehensive mortgage and financial advisory services, capitalising on the city's vibrant real estate market. 

Their partnership with Mortgage Brain in March 2024 will integrate advanced technological solutions, improving efficiency and service levels for advisers. The company plans to leverage this technology to offer more personalised mortgage solutions, catering to a broader range of clients. It aims to further develop its geographical footprint and service offerings through these initiatives.