Stephen Beech has hired Former director of corporate banking for RBS, David Potter, has joined Manchester-based property developer Beech Holdings as finance relationship manager.

With more than 30 years’ banking experience, Potter has held a number of senior financial roles helping to build businesses and manage growth. He has led teams through considerable change, tailoring financial solutions to meet the business strategies of his customers.

At Beech Holdings he will build and develop strong long term relationships with existing lenders and manage new funding opportunities

Beech Holdings was established by Stephen Beech in 2001. Beech has an extensive portfolio of student accommodation with his business Beech Properties, and is currently expanding his Manchester city centre portfolio under the Beech Holdings umbrella, with a focus on providing carbon neutral homes and bringing old buildings back into use.

Beech’s first city centre development has recently opened on Princess Street. A building that had been derelict for more than 10 years, the apartments at 90 Princess Street are on track for achieving an outstanding environmental performance rating.

As well as green technologies including air source heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation system, it also benefits from space saving techniques such as built-in ottoman gas lift beds with storage and shared laundry rooms removing the need for washing machines in the apartments.

Beech said: “We are delighted David has joined Beech Holdings and we look forward to the contributions he will make. A passionate and genuine finance and property champion, he is uniquely qualified to meet the challenges and opportunities we face as we build our green property portfolio across the city. David’s broad-based skills, energy and strategic vision will be invaluable as we move into the next phase of our development.”

“Our most recent purchase of 25-27 Cross Street in June 2015 will be our next project to launch as we benefit from permitted development rights to convert the building into affordable one-bed starter homes within nine months of acquisition.”