sfg

WHO IS SFG?

We are an independent specialist in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, unique in the UK market. We advise universities, funders, developers and operators on strategy, transactions, development and operations. With over 50 university partnership and PBSA projects closed, our track record means we can give clients the depth of experience they need. We pride ourselves on our independence and on providing direct, honest, pragmatic advice.

Our team has sat on every side of the table, as:

  • Universities, developing and procuring PBSA for their students
  • Developers and operators, bidding, winning and running 25,000+ UK beds and 60,000 globally
  • Advisors, guiding both sides through complex transactions

That means we understand your position, because we’ve been in your shoes, and we understand how important the student experience is to all strategies, transactions and projects.

THE SFG STORY

2018 | SFG is founded by Martin Hadland and Richard Gabelich to combine and use their unique and diverse PBSA and property experience. They grow SFG by building an impressive track record, facilitating solutions and providing value for clients and partners across a range of assets in multiple countries.

2019 | Phllippa Lane joins as Asset Manager.

2022 | The team is strengthened by Robert Kingham, Rebecca Jones and David Stephens from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) where they provided strategic Higher Education property and partnership advice.

2023 | Katie Lovett-White joins from York St John University.

2024 | Robert Kingham and Andrew May (who had been acting as advisory board chairman) are appointed as Directors and shareholders.

2025 | Sue Worden joins as Finance Director, and Izabela Prejzner-Cella as Finance Manager.

Our Approach

We’re problem-solvers as much as we are consultants. Our approach is built on genuine partnership: we get into the detail, challenge where needed, and stay with you through to implementation. You’ll work with the same senior people from day one to completion: no handoffs, no surprises.

Our Values

At SFG, we put people first: our clients, our team and the students they serve. We value independence, honest advice and long-term relationships over transactional engagements. If something isn’t right for you, we’ll say so. Our culture of people and relationships FIRST which is reflected in our values and principles:

  • Fun: create an environment that does things differently, makes work feel like ‘organised fun’
  • Integrity: stand and work by principles that that we are proud of, be independent and respected
  • Relationships: put people and relationships first and treat everyone equally
  • Solutions: find sustainable solutions that balance commercial, human and environmental needs
  • Trust: trust ourselves and our partners