1965
A Soho Beginning
BMS is incepted. Bernard Samuels utilises the proceeds from the sale of his shares in the cinema business in Old Compton Street — the founding capital of a firm that would lend privately for the next six decades.
Est. 1965
Six Decades
Our Heritage.
Sixty years of private lending, three generations of family stewardship, and the same principle throughout — a handshake worth more than a term sheet.
Founded
1965
A Soho Beginning
BMS is incepted. Bernard Samuels utilises the proceeds from the sale of his shares in the cinema business in Old Compton Street — the founding capital of a firm that would lend privately for the next six decades.
1970
The First £100,000 Loan
Bernard completes his first loan exceeding £100,000, financing a client who would go on to play a significant role in the gentrification and redevelopment of Hackney.
Chapter
1970
The First £100,000 Loan
Bernard completes his first loan exceeding £100,000, financing a client who would go on to play a significant role in the gentrification and redevelopment of Hackney.
1975
From Soho to Hendon
A new chapter begins as BMS leaves the vibrant Soho of the 1960s behind, relocating to larger offices in Hendon and positioning the business for its next stage of growth.
Chapter
1975
From Soho to Hendon
A new chapter begins as BMS leaves the vibrant Soho of the 1960s behind, relocating to larger offices in Hendon and positioning the business for its next stage of growth.
1987
The Second Generation
At just seventeen years old, Andrew Samuels joins the family business, working alongside his father Bernard — marking the arrival of the second generation at BMS.
Generation II
1987
The Second Generation
At just seventeen years old, Andrew Samuels joins the family business, working alongside his father Bernard — marking the arrival of the second generation at BMS.
1992
Priory Park School, Stockwell
One of the firm's landmark transactions: BMS finances the redevelopment of Priory Park School into forty residential apartments. The borrower secured planning and delivered the scheme to local press coverage. More than three decades on, we still work with that same client — a testament to the long-term relationships at the heart of our business.
Chapter
1992
Priory Park School, Stockwell
One of the firm's landmark transactions: BMS finances the redevelopment of Priory Park School into forty residential apartments. The borrower secured planning and delivered the scheme to local press coverage. More than three decades on, we still work with that same client — a testament to the long-term relationships at the heart of our business.
1996
Onwards to Finchley
Continued growth prompts another move, this time to larger premises in Finchley to accommodate the expanding team.
Chapter
1996
Onwards to Finchley
Continued growth prompts another move, this time to larger premises in Finchley to accommodate the expanding team.
2005
Peter Bloom Joins from Leopold Joseph
Peter Bloom joins the firm from Leopold Joseph, bringing with him further experience and expertise to strengthen the team and expand the loan book.
Chapter
2005
Peter Bloom Joins from Leopold Joseph
Peter Bloom joins the firm from Leopold Joseph, bringing with him further experience and expertise to strengthen the team and expand the loan book.
2006
A Permanent Home
With the loan book still growing, the opportunity arises to purchase the office building opposite our existing premises. That building remains the home of BMS today.
Chapter
2006
A Permanent Home
With the loan book still growing, the opportunity arises to purchase the office building opposite our existing premises. That building remains the home of BMS today.
2007
Holland Park & Chelsea
A series of significant joint venture transactions across Holland Park and Chelsea strengthens the firm's portfolio. The developments are successfully sold shortly before the onset of the global financial crisis.
Chapter
2007
Holland Park & Chelsea
A series of significant joint venture transactions across Holland Park and Chelsea strengthens the firm's portfolio. The developments are successfully sold shortly before the onset of the global financial crisis.
2008–09
Weathering the Crisis
As the credit crunch takes hold and high street lenders retreat, BMS establishes a purchasing vehicle to protect its syndicate investors. Through careful stewardship and decades of collective experience, the business navigates the crisis and emerges stronger.
Chapter
2008–09
Weathering the Crisis
As the credit crunch takes hold and high street lenders retreat, BMS establishes a purchasing vehicle to protect its syndicate investors. Through careful stewardship and decades of collective experience, the business navigates the crisis and emerges stronger.
2014
£85 Million, 200 Live Loans
The loan book reaches £85 million across more than two hundred live loans — a significant milestone in the continued growth of the firm.
Chapter
2014
£85 Million, 200 Live Loans
The loan book reaches £85 million across more than two hundred live loans — a significant milestone in the continued growth of the firm.
2022
Internal Loan Management Software
BMS acquires and develops its own internal loan management software, augmenting systems and automating processes to support the continued growth of the firm.
Chapter
2022
Internal Loan Management Software
BMS acquires and develops its own internal loan management software, augmenting systems and automating processes to support the continued growth of the firm.
2024
The Third Generation
Jamie Samuels joins the family business, taking it into its third generation. Jamie joins the business after qualifying as a chartered surveyor and was brought in to further develop the values, relationships and expertise that have defined BMS for decades and continue to shape its future.
Generation III
2024
The Third Generation
Jamie Samuels joins the family business, taking it into its third generation. Jamie joins the business after qualifying as a chartered surveyor and was brought in to further develop the values, relationships and expertise that have defined BMS for decades and continue to shape its future.
To be continued
The next chapter is being written — one loan, one relationship, one handshake at a time.
Part of the story
Every loan we write becomes part of this heritage.
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