Meet The Team

Martin Higgins

Managing Director

Martin has been working for what was a family company since 1994. Together with his father, he developed it from a small family business to what is now one of the foremost providers of non-regulated commercial finance in Southern England.

He has a wealth of financial experience across varying markets including extensive knowledge of debt restructuring.

With over twenty years’ experience in solely providing business and property development funding, he has a strong grasp on the marketplace, the figures and debt structure. This enables him to quickly recognise the value of a proposal to both the lender and the borrower.

David Capra

Commercial Director

David is a Chartered Accountant with an extensive range of business experience across multiple sectors.

He joined MSP in 2010 as the original Finance Director of the MSP Group and has been instrumental in its growth since then. Now, David is an active member on the Board of Directors and oversees the strategy and risk management of the company. 

Paul Miracca

Director – Development Finance

From being an estate agent through to running his own construction and development company for ten years, Paul’s career has taken him through all areas of the property industry. As a shareholder and Director of MSP for over a decade, his passion for development and knowledge of the trade has lead MSP forward to become a best-in-class lender.

As well as managing the general performance of our loan book and keeping oversight of every lend we do, Paul’s unique viewpoint means his expertise are often called upon to help with the strategic initiatives and projects that improve each client’s experience.

His in-depth understanding of what property developers need from their lender continues to keep relationship-led lending at the heart of what we do.

Adam Tovey

Valuation Director

Born and raised in Dorset, Adam is a qualified Chartered Surveyor with nearly 20 years’ experience in the property and financial service industries.

Before joining MSP Capital in January 2010, Adam had gained an excellent reputation at a large multi-disciplined property agency where he undertook valuations for secured lending purposes for all the major UK banks.

Adam has played a key role in MSP Capital’s growth and evolution since joining. Not only has he been integral in evaluating and mitigating credit and risk but, using his ingenuity and keen eye for opportunities he has driven numerous successful initiatives for new products and strategies for growth.

As Valuation Director and a Board member of MSP, Adam leads both the Valuation and Underwriting teams and has accountabilities for all valuations and credit risk within the company. He also manages numerous longstanding client portfolios and continues to generate new business

Becky Harris

Finance Director

Becky joined MSP in 2015, having previously worked for a Top 5 Accounting Practice where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and is a Loughborough University Alumni with a degree in Banking and Financial Management.

Since joining MSP, Becky’s focus has been to grow and develop the financial and operational structure of MSP. This has included several Structured Finance transactions over the past six years including the prominent Private Equity transaction with Cabot Square Capital in 2018.

Now, as Finance Director and member of the Board, Becky’s focus is to use her 13 years’ experience in the finance industry to guide the strategic growth and operational management of MSP. Alongside this Becky is responsible for the Structured Finance of the Group and building on MSP’s relationships with institutional investors.  

Chris Sheppard

Business Relationship Manager

Chris joined MSP Capital in August 2016 and is a senior member of the Underwriting and Business Development team. He takes an enormous amount of pride and enjoyment from structuring the best deals for his clients and seeing their projects come to life.

After graduating from Plymouth University with a degree in Business Studies, Chris qualified as a chartered banker and spent 22 years with a Top 5 High-street Bank.

Originally working across both corporate and commercial markets, Chris moved on to focus on the real estate sector where he stayed for ten years before joining MSP. During that time, he provided funding for residential development as well as commercial and residential investment across Hampshire and Dorset. It was here that he developed his in-depth understanding of what a client in the property industry needs from their lenders in order to succeed – essential knowledge that he uses every day at MSP.

Lee Merrifield

Underwriting and Credit Manager

Lee is a qualified Chartered Banker who spent 28 years with a Top 5 High-street Bank, prior to joining the team at MSP Capital.

During his time in banking, Lee spent 15 years working in the real estate sector both in Bournemouth and Southampton. Initially this involved providing client funding and support for a range of residential development, commercial property, and residential investment projects. More latterly the focus was on the risk assessment and credit control elements of lending to real estate clients.

Lee joined MSP Capital in October 2017 to assist with the underwriting and credit control functions of the business to assist MSP’s continued growth aspirations.

Steve Wilson

Business Development Manager

Steve is a Chartered Fellow of the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) with a Masters (Msc) in Banking Practice and Management.

Before joining MSP, Steve spent 36 years working for a Top 5 High-street Bank, reaching the position of Director of Commercial and Corporate Banking. For the last 25 years of his time there Steve looked after real estate finance, providing finance solutions to clients for all types of projects.  

As a senior member of the Underwriting and Business Development Team, Steve joined MSP to further spread awareness of the MSP brand across the South of England. His in-depth regional experience and skills in relationship building makes Steve a valued team member who will be concentrating on finding financial solutions for client’s with properties based in Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds.

Arian Manouchehri

Head of Broker Relations

Arian joined MSP Capital in January 2021 and is responsible for overseeing the origination and completion of all loans introduced by brokers and other intermediary partners.  Arian’s focus is not only to form strong and long-lasting relationships with brokers but to lead on the further enhancement of our presence within the broker network.

Arian is a ‘Big Four’ Chartered Accountant with prior experience in private equity and investment management, and a London School of Economics Alumni.  With an extensive financial understanding and motivated by his own family development business, Arian has been working in Property Finance for a number of years. He has extensive experience in debt structuring and specialises in helping brokers to create simple solutions to complex funding requirements, securing the best solution for their clients.

Gavin King

Business Development Manager

Gavin came to MSP Capital with 34 years’ experience working with a major high street bank in both commercial and business banking. Of those years, 25 were spent specialising in relationship management. He therefore prides himself on providing excellent customer service, a crucial element of our Experience Beyond Finance ethos at MSP.

Later in his banking career, he specialised in the real estate finance sector, across Hampshire and Dorset, providing finance to clients for all types of projects.

He joined MSP Capital in March 2018 as the Business Development Manager having also spent some time brokering finance in the real estate market. He has an in-depth knowledge of all forms of funding solutions and is therefore well placed to help our clients and brokers find the best product to suit their needs.

Karen Sloyan

Deal Administrator

Before joining MSP in 2019, Karen worked for a Top 5 High-street Bank for 14 years. It was here that she honed her expert organisational skills, working closely with the Branch Manager to improve efficiency and drive business growth.

Her attention to detail meant that Karen maintained optimum service standards and took total responsibility for all controls and risks within the branch, as well as travelling to other branches in the Bournemouth area to improve their KYC and compliance controls – often taking branches to ‘platinum’ status within the Bank.

As Deal Administrator at MSP, Karen keeps the wheels turning smoothly when it comes to writing deals for our clients.  As well as being a key point of contact throughout the underwriting process, Karen manages the operational documentation for the department and ensures audits are completed to our usual high standard.  

Chris Wright

Valuation Surveyor

Since graduating from the University of Kingston in 2007 with an MA in European Real Estate Management, Chris has predominantly worked for firms on the South Coast, becoming a Chartered Surveyor in 2010.

His previous roles saw him undertake secured lending valuations on behalf of all major UK banks and advisory work for several private clients regarding the development of both commercial and residential properties. Chris concentrated on utilising his professional nature and industry expertise to build strong client relationships over the past decade. This has meant that many of Chris’ historic clients have gone on to become well-regarded clients of MSP.

Having joined MSP Capital in 2018, Chris is responsible for managing the valuer relationships, providing internal consultancy advice and quality assurance reviews prior to lending.

Lucy Mines

Sales Relationship Manager

Lucy joined MSP in March 2020, bringing with her over 20 years of residential estate agency experience.

Starting her career as a negotiator in 2000, Lucy has worked her way up to management level and has a vast working knowledge of all aspects of the profession. In July 2015 she acquired the NFOPP Level 3 award in The Sale of Residential Property, further refining her knowledge and experience of the residential market. 

With previous roles in both independent businesses and national firms, her experience covers city, country and coastal property markets and is always delivered with a high emphasis on customer service and professionalism.         

Louise Thomas

Valuation Administrator

Louise joined MSP Capital in November 2020 after working in the property sector for over 30 years’ assisting with the administration of commercial and residential property matters.

Louise joins the Valuation team to assist Adam and Chris with the day-to-day administration tasks, including sending fee quotes, confirming instructions and preparing reports.

Nicky Hollamby

Group Finance Manager

After completing her training with a Top 5 Accounting Firm to become a qualified Chartered Accountant, Nicky joined MSP Capital in November 2017.

Nicky is both AAT and ACA qualified from working as an auditor for five years in both a Top 5 and a Top 10 Accounting Firm. During her time in practice, Nicky gained significant experience working with a wide variety of clients from small owner-managed businesses to PLCs.

Nicky oversees the day-to-day financial operations and plays an active part in managing the current and future capital structure to support the continued growth of MSP.

Ellie Fitzpatrick

Management Accountant

Ellie joined MSP Capital in February 2020 after completing her training in a Top 10 Accounting Firm.

As an ACCA affiliate as well as AAT qualified, she has gained over five years’ experience through working in practice both as an auditor and financial accountant with a wide variety of clients including those in specialist industries as well as charities and large international groups.

Ellie’s role supports the operations within the finance team as well as undertakes project work to assist in preparing the finance function for growth via process improvements.

Tom Callaghan

Senior Finance Analyst

Tom joined the finance department at MSP Capital in 2019. Joining us with over six years’ of experience in finance, Tom has gained a high level of analytical and financial skills, working for both a high-net-worth family as a Finance Assistant and at a Conveyancing firm for 4 years.

Tom is an AAT certified accountant who is currently progressing through his ACCA qualification to become a Chartered Certified Accountant. At MSP Capital, he provides financial analysis to departments throughout the company as well as to external stakeholders. Tom also supports the day-to-day operations of the finance team whilst assisting with key projects that involve our current and future capital structure.

Duncan Ovens

Finance Analyst

After completing a degree in Geophysics, Duncan moved into the finance sector and became an ACA Qualified Accountant.

Now, with five years’ experience in audit, Duncan has worked with a wide range of businesses and will be helping to support and add to the high calibre finance function at MSP. Duncan will be analysing data and trends whilst liaising with stakeholders to help shape the future growth of MSP

Betty Martin

Assistant Accountant

As an AAT certified accountant, Betty joined MSP Capital in June 2015, bringing with her several years of property management experience, specialising in operational and financial management of freehold properties. Betty undertakes a number of key financial functions within the company, including being the MSP Capital correspondent for interest and loan statements

Sam Tidman

Finance Assistant

Sam joined MSP Capital in October 2021 with three years of experience as a Credit Controller – specialising in Debt Recovery and Repayment Negotiations.

Previous to this, Sam lived in London for six years, where he also studied Politics and International Relations at Kingston University, before returning to Bournemouth in 2016.  

With his natural affinity for numbers and practical nature, Sam will support the finance team with the day-to-day management of internal accounts to continue the growth of MSP Capital. Currently studying for his AAT qualifications, Sam looks to progress to either a certified CIMA or ACCA accountant.

Neil Woolgar

Legal Director

Before joining MSP in 2021, Neil worked in legal private practice for many years. Having graduated with a law degree from the University of Hull, Neil practised in the Southampton area and had longstanding roles as senior partner and consultant in two commercially-oriented law firms.

Neil brings a wealth of experience in property and business law and has represented many and varied clients over the years. His speciality is in commercial property as well as advising on business acquisitions and disposals.

Now, as legal director of MSP, Neil’s role is to utilise his experience to liaise with clients and their legal advisers, as well as to counsel the board on commercial and legal issues. In addition his role will encompass assisting with the company’s general strategic growth and development.

Sarah Franklin

Legal Assistant

Sarah joined MSP Capital in September 2021, bringing with her an extensive range of skills acquired from over 11 years working as a Legal Secretary –10 years of which were spent in the Commercial Property Department.  

Her wide-ranging legal knowledge, expertise in the property sector and organisational skills provide MSP’s Legal Director with full administrative support. Dealing with the sales, purchases and leases for development sites, Sarah will hold a key role at MSP applying these skills to keep the cogs of the legal team running effectively.

Jacqui Schott

Executive Paralegal

Jacqui joined MSP Capital in 2014, bringing with her over 15 years of administrative and organisational experience. Her previous roles were for the senior partners of a number of well-known legal firms in the Dorset area, as well as being PA to the CEO of a Hampshire based company working to improve the economy within the county.

Jacqui’s role is to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Managing Director and is an integral part of the internal legal function – preparing all legal drafting for the company.

Lee Byrne

Head of Financial Crime Compliance

Lee is a highly respected financial crime prevention professional, with more than 35 years in operational and management experience in international financial services including regulat. His career has taken him around the world to work across many of the major international financial markets.

A member of the Institute of Directors, certified by both the ICA (AML Diploma with Distinction) and CAMS, Lee has also completed the IFS Certificate in International Trade and Finance and the Certificate in Terrorism Studies with St. Andrews University.

Working with MSP, he provides personal advisory support and guidance to the MSP senior leadership team as well as the compliance department. This can range from supporting the development of policies and procedures to advising on complex or unusual cases.

Emma Sutton

Compliance Officer

Emma joined MSP Capital in May 2016 and is responsible for the oversight of MSP’s Financial Crime Compliance and is invaluable to ensuring MSP policies, controls & processes are effective, efficient and support excellent customer service.

Prior to working at MSP, Emma has worked in both the technology industry and in human resources.

Lucy Green

Compliance Analyst

Lucy joined MSP Capital in November 2020 after recently graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a First-class Economics Degree.

With an incredible eye for detail and analytical thinking, Lucy assists the compliance team in conducting KYC procedures as well as undertaking projects aiding process improvements to support MSP’s continued growth with no compromise on our service offering to clients.

Rachel Bartlett

Marketing Manager

While studying for her degree in Business Studies with Marketing, Rachel worked for several small companies using market research to build intelligent and effective marketing strategies as well as managing their campaign plan. 

After graduating with First-Class honours Rachel went on to work for a large well-known financial services provider. Although she initially joined as an insight analyst, she later refocused on marketing, where she specialised in copywriting and brand management.

Rachel joined MSP in early 2021 to use her experience in content creation, brand strategy and campaign management to help build upon MSP’s ambitious and exciting plans for future growth.

Rebecca Lewis

Marketing Coordinator

After graduating from Bournemouth Arts University in 2018, Rebecca joined MSP Capital initially as a receptionist and administrator. Although still a key first point of contact for our clients over the phone, Rebecca’s role at MSP Capital has since evolved and she is now responsible for managing sponsorship activations and supporting the Marketing Manager with day-to-day marketing initiatives; encompassing both traditional and digital marketing activities to support the business on it’s growth journey.

Rebecca’s key responsibilities will be to continue to coordinate large networking functions and community events, manage and maintain social media platforms and to help create digital and print copy for marketing purposes. Known for her reliability, Rebecca regularly supports other teams in the business with various tasks and the coordination of internal projects.

Melissa Parker

Office Manager

Joining as the MSP Office Manager in October 2021, Melissa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a Personal Assistant and Office Manager. 

For the last 12 years, Melissa worked in the property industry at a local estate agent in Canford Cliffs. Here she honed her project management skills overseeing the installation of a new database and telephone system, all whilst managing the website and company re-brand at her last workplace.

Her experience in the high-end property market and ability to work closely with local developers is one of the key reasons MSP Capital knew she was the right person for the role.

Bringing her skills to MSP, Melissa is a crucial part of the office, ensuring the day-to day functions and processes of the office all run smoothly using her great organisational skills. 

Elliot Phelps

Senior Software Developer

Elliot joined the team in January 2017, after studying games programming at Bournemouth University. With two years studying software development, and an additional four years development experience, his role ensures that MSP’s IT department is scalable and coincides with the ongoing evolution of the business.

Using his skill set, together with his quick and innovative thinking, Elliot drives forward the technological performance of the company and aids MSP Capital’s growth. During his time at MSP, Elliot has lead the technical development of the company’s unique loan management system. This new system has transformed how MSP works, meaning staff have more time to look after clients, improve business relationships and continue to give a personal service.

Jonathan Green

Software Developer

Jonathan joined MSP in January 2021 after completing his Data Analysis apprenticeship, which he studied for alongside 18 months’ experience as a Research Analyst. Jonathan also holds a degree in Economics, having graduated in 2019 from Bournemouth University.

Jonathan utilises his mathematical and analytical background alongside his technological skills to help drive innovation, efficiency and growth at MSP.