Hampshire Trust Bank backs national drive-thru and EV rollout with £25m multi-site development framework

14 November 2025

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced the completion of a £1.5m commercial development facility under a new £25 million multi-site framework that will support the rollout of drive-thru and EV charging schemes across the UK.

The inaugural facility funds the development of a branded drive-thru unit alongside 16 ultra-fast EV charging bays. The project combines long-term leases with major occupiers in both the retail and energy sectors, creating a sustainable roadside asset that blends established consumer demand with next-generation infrastructure. It reflects the increasing integration of EV capability into roadside retail and the growing requirement for lenders to support developments that meet both commercial and environmental objectives.

The move builds on HTB’s ongoing relationships with experienced borrowers operating in the roadside retail and mixed-use sectors. The framework provides a structured, scalable model for programme-led borrowers, allowing multiple projects to be funded efficiently under consistent terms. Each site is assessed and funded on its own merits within an agreed structure, enabling faster execution and greater certainty.

The transaction was introduced by Luke Rutherford at Vault Commercial Finance, with legal support from Brecher LLP, valuation by Allsop and monitoring by MDA Consulting.

Tim Mycock, Lending Director at HTB, said:

“The developer’s experience and delivery capability make them a natural fit for this type of structured funding approach. The framework we have established allows both sides to work with a clear, consistent process for each site, reducing duplication, accelerating delivery and ensuring every facility is shaped around the borrower’s wider strategy.

“We are seeing more experienced developers moving towards programme-based funding as a way to manage multiple sites efficiently while maintaining flexibility. It is an approach that requires confidence in the relationship and confidence in the structure, and this deal reflects both.”

Luke Rutherford, Director at Vault Commercial Finance, said:

“It has been great working with Tim Mycock and Beth Rungay at HTB on this deal. Their proactive approach, clear communication and commitment to getting it completed have really been head and shoulders above the rest. We have faced challenges on similar developments in the past, so it has been especially rewarding to see this one come together so smoothly thanks to their hard work.”

Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added:

“The roadside retail and EV sectors are proving to be among the most resilient areas of activity, supported by long leases, strong covenants and clear sustainability alignment. They also illustrate how the market is diversifying, with smaller format, service-led schemes creating dependable income streams and continued demand.

“This facility demonstrates how specialist lenders can provide structure and continuity for borrowers building at scale. It also shows how HTB continues to support experienced SME borrowers with pragmatic funding solutions that combine flexibility, discipline and long-term partnership. Providing that structure and certainty is what enables these borrowers to continue delivering across an evolving market, and it is where specialist banks like HTB continue to play a vital role in supporting growth across the real economy.”