Downing Private Credit hits £1 billion lending milestone as it builds for the future

18/3/26
5 min
Private Credit
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The business engages in both direct lending and wholesale lending, with both strategies being underpinned by property, and has supported hundreds of property professionals nationwide with both residential and commercial projects.

The capital has been deployed via a diversified funding base with the business being well capitalised and well positioned for future growth.

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Investment manager Downing's Private Credit team has passed the £1 billion lending milestone as it continues to scale its business.

The business engages in both direct lending and wholesale lending, with both strategies being underpinned by property, and has supported hundreds of property professionals nationwide with both residential and commercial projects.

The capital has been deployed via a diversified funding base with the business being well capitalised and well positioned for future growth.

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

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Investment manager Downing's Private Credit team has passed the £1 billion lending milestone as it continues to scale its business.

The business engages in both direct lending and wholesale lending, with both strategies being underpinned by property, and has supported hundreds of property professionals nationwide with both residential and commercial projects.

The capital has been deployed via a diversified funding base with the business being well capitalised and well positioned for future growth.

Downing Private Credit hits £1 billion lending milestone as it builds for the future
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Parik Chandra, Partner and Head of Private Credit at Downing said: “Hitting the £1 billion lending milestone is a major achievement. We have scaled our lending sensibly over the years, supporting SME property professionals through both our direct and wholesale lending strategies, while ensuring we deliver attractive and consistent returns for our investors underpinned by an intense focus on credit risk and strong governance.”

Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

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About Downing Private Credit

Downing’s Private Credit strategy helps to solve the housing shortage across the UK and supports SMEs across a range of property sectors. The team creates tailored solutions that meet investors’ needs targeting attractive risk-adjusted returns through a diversified credit strategy.

It focuses on direct and wholesale lending providing secured senior lending against UK real estate with durations of 12 to 36 months delivering attractive returns with broad diversification across counterparties and loan types.

Find out more at Downing Private Credit.

The business engages in both direct lending and wholesale lending, with both strategies being underpinned by property, and has supported hundreds of property professionals nationwide with both residential and commercial projects.

The capital has been deployed via a diversified funding base with the business being well capitalised and well positioned for future growth.

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Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: Downing, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AF.

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