Chameleon Associates has confirmed it will host the Security Executive Forum – London 2025, a premier event dedicated to high-ranking security professionals. Scheduled for 11–12 November 2025, the Forum will take place at the Victory Services Club, centrally located in London. Over the course of two days, participants from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will gather for expert-led discussions, operational briefings, and meaningful networking.

Unlike larger, generalist security events, this Forum has been purposefully designed for those with strategic oversight of organisational security. Each session will move beyond theory, delivering proven methodologies and tangible insights through case-based learning – all aimed at boosting situational awareness and resilience.

The Forum will explore several mission-critical themes:

• Predictive Profiling – Identifying threats before they materialise
• Insider Threat Prevention – Detecting and mitigating internal risks
• Red Teaming – Case studies from multinational QA operations
• Active Shooter Mitigation and Response – Real-world preparedness strategies
• OSINT Integration – Leveraging open-source intelligence into operational frameworks

With a focus on implementation, the programme offers participants a rare opportunity to reflect on best practice approaches drawn from recent international security incidents. The curated setting encourages direct engagement and the exchange of practical knowledge among seasoned practitioners.

The venue, the Victory Services Club, is a historic institution that serves the military community and provides a secure, professional atmosphere. A selection of reduced-rate rooms has been set aside for Forum attendees, available in limited numbers.

Chameleon Associates, a well-regarded global consultancy, brings over two decades of experience in security training and advisory services. Headquartered in California and active across Europe and the Caribbean, the firm is best known for its advanced techniques in red teaming, behavioural threat detection, and strategic security. It adopts a distinctive approach – “rooted in the attacker’s perspective” – which enables clients to “think like adversaries to stay ahead of them.”

Hosting the Forum in London signals Chameleon’s deepening commitment to the European security landscape and reflects the growing presence of its client base in the region. With global threats becoming more unpredictable, fostering collaboration and innovation at the executive level is now more important than ever.

Attendance is limited and subject to approval. As part of Chameleon’s ongoing commitment “to raise global security standards,” existing clients are invited to attend free of charge.

To register or request an invitation, please visit: https://chameleonassociates.com/security-executive-forum-london-2025/

Once viewed as a niche form of borrowing, bridging finance is now experiencing a remarkable rise. West One Loans reports the UK market is projected to hit £12.2 billion in 2025, signalling a clear shift in how people fund time-sensitive transactions.

Far from being a financial outlier, bridging is fast becoming a mainstream solution for those navigating today’s complex and competitive property and business landscapes.

Let’s unpack the key reasons behind the surge.

Data shows a rising trend

In the final quarter of 2024, bridging completions reached an unprecedented £2.3 billion. That milestone helped push the year’s overall total to £7.34 billion—an impressive increase from £5.76 billion the previous year. For the first time, the total value of loans on lenders’ books has surpassed the £10 billion mark, with experts predicting further growth this year.

Clearly, the demand for agile financial tools is growing stronger by the month.

Seven reasons bridging loans are on the rise

1. Rapid transaction speed
In fast-paced property deals, conventional mortgages often can’t keep up. Bridging loans are typically finalised within five weeks, allowing buyers to act decisively before competitors step in.

2. More flexible lending criteria
Bridging providers tend to concentrate on the asset’s value and the planned repayment method. That means people with non-traditional income streams or complicated finances can still secure funding.

3. Broadening use cases
While historically tied to property purchases, bridging loans are now funding everything from tax liabilities and home improvements to business expenses and debt consolidation. They’ve even become an option for those working in London property management, especially when dealing with urgent repairs, big renovations or improving rentals quickly between tenancies.

4. Access to larger borrowing amounts
Some lenders now offer up to 75 percent loan-to-value, allowing clients to tackle larger projects or raise capital that would be inaccessible through traditional lenders.

5. Customised loan structures
Borrowers can benefit from highly flexible terms, including interest roll-up, adaptable repayment schedules, and short durations designed for temporary needs.

6. Expanding borrower demographics
Landlords, developers, small business owners, and homeowners alike are now embracing bridging finance—whether it’s to renovate a property, fund a new build, or buy a home before selling the current one.

7. Defined exits reduce uncertainty
One of the strongest aspects of bridging loans is the emphasis on exit strategies—typically through refinancing or property sales. This focus on clear repayment plans helps manage risk for all parties involved.

Why now is the time for bridging

With banks tightening their criteria and interest rates staying high, bridging lenders are increasingly filling a much-needed gap in the market. Their speed and creativity make them an appealing option for borrowers who might otherwise face delays or rejections.

It’s a timely solution for anyone dealing with pressing opportunities or short-term liquidity issues.

A word of caution

As with any form of finance, bridging loans come with caveats. They’re intended for short-term use, so borrowers need to have a clear plan for repayment. Interest rates and fees may also be higher than other forms of lending, making it crucial to seek expert financial guidance before committing.

Final thoughts

Bridging finance has moved well beyond its specialist roots. It’s now an integral part of the UK’s lending ecosystem. With market activity expected to peak this year, bridging loans are no longer a last resort—they’re a first choice for those who need funding that matches the speed of their ambitions.