Yellow Door was established in 1993 and has averaged one or two projects every year since then. Initially, the company focussed on refurbishments in the London area and typically took run-down Victorian housing stock and restored it to its past glory, modernising whilst preserving the original features and character of the period.

After a dozen or so successful refurbishments, the company moved into 'new build' and has since built luxury homes in various locations. It has also bought a number of sites unconditionally and obtained planning consent for development.

Over the years, Yellow Door financed its deals with equity from its directors, senior debt from a number of banks, and occasional use of mezzanine finance from a small group of 'angels' and other friendly investors. Its projects tend to be low-risk, not highly geared, and generally about building quality homes for ordinary people to live in comfortably.

Paul Ashley, YDP's Managing Director, decided to expand the company in 2014 with a view to taking on a larger volume of bigger projects. As part of this process he elected to strengthen both the company's balance sheet and its board of directors.

YDP's new director, Steven Joseph, is very familiar with YDP and its aims. Steven has been a friend and occasional business partner of Paul's for more than four decades.

The new board is currently reviewing the company's medium-term growth plan.