In this episode of Progress in Practice, Charlie Reading is joined by Bhavik Shah, founder of Providus Capital - a specialist in complex, time-sensitive property finance.

Bhavik shares how his business supports developers facing challenging situations where traditional funding falls short, and why thinking like a principal (not a lender) creates a powerful competitive edge.

This conversation goes deeper than deals. From experiencing insolvency to rebuilding with stronger foundations, Bhavik offers a candid perspective on integrity, resilience, and the importance of staying focused as you scale.

If you’re building a business in a complex environment, or simply want to make better decisions under pressure, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.

Key Talking Points

• What “special situations” finance really means and who it’s for
• Why conventional lending fails in complex property deals
• The importance of thinking like a principal, not a lender
• A founder’s origin story: solving problems others avoid
• Lessons from rapid early success and weak foundations
• Why strong core values and relationships create real leverage
• The “who not how” mindset for scaling a business
• A powerful legacy lesson: integrity under pressure
• What insolvency teaches you that no textbook ever can
• How reputation compounds just like money
• The biggest challenge in scaling: staying focused on your ideal client
• Avoiding distraction as opportunities increase
• Moving from reactive decision-making to intentional leadership
• How structured thinking and frameworks transform business performance

About the Guest

Bhavik Shah is the founder of Providus Capital, a specialist finance firm working with property developers, operators, and investors facing complex or time-sensitive situations.

Providus Capital provides flexible funding solutions, including bridging, mezzanine, equity, and structured finance for deals that fall outside conventional lending criteria. Known for their clarity, speed, and partnership-led approach, Bhavik and his team focus on unlocking opportunities where others see obstacles.

Find Out More

Website: https://www.providuscapital.co.uk/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bhavikjayendrakumarshah

Resources & Links Mentioned

• The Niche to Network Workshop: https://youtu.be/36gXZ-aW1Zk
• Upcoming collaborative workshops in 2026: https://thetrusted.team/upcoming-workshops/

About the Podcast

Progress in Practice is brought to you by The Trusted Team- helping professional service business owners build scalable, saleable businesses while working less and enjoying more.

Find out more: https://thetrusted.team/podcasts

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Until next time keep making progress in practice.