GRE Finance, the specialist lender to the UK real estate market has hired two associate directors.

Clare Grimes has joined from UK specialist real estate investor, Octopus Real Estate, where she specialised in the origination and execution of primarily commercial real estate debt transactions.

Grimes is chair of the Association of Real Estate Funds’ Future Generation Committee, a member of AREF’s management committee, and is also a chartered surveyor.

Archie Dickinson, who also joins as an associate director, has more than 10 years of experience in real estate finance. He began his career at Proseed Capital, a mezzanine development finance lender before moving to specialist development finance provider, Hilltop Credit Partners.

GRE Finance currently holds a loan book of £110m against residential and commercial property.

Commenting on her appointment, Grimes (pictured) said: “Because of GRE Finance’s unique approach to real estate debt, taking on risk profiles that other lenders don’t have the expertise to support, it’s one of the most interesting firms out there. Given the economic climate we’re in, this is one of the most exciting times to join such an agile team.”