Fortus launches property finance service as Ice3 joins

The service aims to meet clients' needs at every stage of their projects.

York-based accountancy and advisory firm Fortus has launched the new property finance specialism following the integration of Ice3 Property Finance into its business.

Tom Frank, founder and managing director of Ice3, will lead the new service as partner and head of property finance.

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Craig Herbert, CEO of Fortus, said: "Property businesses need much more than access to capital.

"They need a partner who understands the transaction, the market and the wider commercial and tax implications.

"Tom brings exceptional sector knowledge, strong lender relationships and a proven ability to structure complex property funding.

"This is an important step in building a more comprehensive property proposition for our clients."

Mr Frank brings more than 26 years of experience in the property finance market and has helped clients raise more than £500 million in funding.

He is well regarded among developers, investors, and lenders for his expertise in development finance, bridging finance, commercial mortgages, land and acquisition finance, and development exit facilities.

The new service will offer clients more than just funding, combining market insights, lender connections, and tax and commercial advice to support the full transaction process.

Mr Herbert said: "With Tom's deep experience in all stages of the property process – acquiring, developing, refinancing, and exiting – clients gain a specialist who’s been through the challenges they face and knows how to navigate the inevitable bumps along the way.

"His hands-on approach, combined with Fortus' broader expertise, ensures practical solutions and connections to the right people at the right time."

Mr Frank said: "Joining forces with Fortus gives our businesses the platform and wider expertise to support more clients and take the property finance offering to its next stage of growth.

"Clients will continue to receive the specialist, practical support they're used to, now supported by Fortus' broader accountancy, tax and advisory capabilities."

He said the property funding market can be "complex," and emphasised the importance of understanding clients' ambitions, structuring the right solutions, and seeing transactions through to completion.

The property finance arm will sit alongside Fortus' existing services, including tax, wealth management, and business advisory support.

In summer 2026, Fortus secured investment from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, to accelerate its growth plans.

The partnership will support further investment in people, technology, and services, as well as strategic acquisitions.

Fortus has offices in York, Leeds, and Scarborough.