In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Ashley Ilsen, CEO and Co-Founder of Magnet Capital, to unpack what developers, brokers, and even lenders often get wrong about development finance.
Ashley shares how Magnet Capital carved out a strong position in a crowded field of over 240 short-term lenders by focusing on relationships, service, and real understanding of developers’ needs, not just speed and pricing.
Whether you’re a broker, developer, or lender, this conversation is packed with lessons on standing out, surviving tough markets, and building trust in a sector where reputation matters most.
In this episode
The biggest misconceptions about development finance
How to stand out in a saturated lending market
Lessons from launching Magnet Capital and leading through uncertainty
Why “fast and flexible” isn’t enough anymore
How culture and recruitment shape long-term success
The future of tech and collaboration in development finance
About Ashley Ilsen
Ashley Ilsen is the CEO and Co-Founder of Magnet Capital, a specialist lender providing development finance for new-build residential projects. Since launching in 2018, Magnet Capital has become known for its straightforward lending approach and relationship-driven service, supporting developers across the UK through changing market conditions.
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