In our Ambassador Interview Series — Voices of Sydney Build, we spotlight leaders, advocates and rising stars driving change across Australia’s construction and design industry. Each episode features a handpicked ambassador sharing their story, inspirations, insights and positive wins.

< Introducing Renati Barel - Commercial Finance Broker at World Class Finance >

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1) A short Bio

Renati Barel is a Commercial Finance Broker working across the construction and property development space.

She helps builders, consultants, trades, and developers secure and structure the funding they need for cash flow, equipment, business growth, projects, and property. Her work includes working capital and equipment finance, as well as development finance, construction funding, mezzanine finance, residual stock funding, and commercial property lending.

She works closely with clients to make sure the funding structure fits the timing, cash flow, and practical needs of the project or business.

2) How did you end up working with the construction industry?

I came into the construction industry through finance, initially supporting builders, consultants, and trades with the funding they needed for cash flow, equipment, and business growth.

As that work evolved into development and project funding, I gained a much deeper understanding of the sector as a whole. One of the things that struck me most was that construction is an ecosystem, the strength of a project is closely tied to the strength of the businesses delivering it. When funding is well structured, it can support momentum, decision-making, and stability across the entire chain. That is what drew me further into the industry.

3) What do you see as one of the biggest challenges in construction today?

Construction and development projects involve many moving parts, and one of the less visible factors behind successful delivery is having the right financial structure and funding support in place.

That applies both at the project level and at the business level. Developers need funding that aligns with the needs and timing of a project, while builders, consultants, and trades also need access to working capital and business finance to keep operations running smoothly. When funding is not aligned properly, it can place pressure on the entire chain.

4) How does your role support better outcomes in construction and development?

I work behind the scenes helping developers, builders, consultants, and trades access the funding they need to keep projects moving.

That can mean arranging development, construction, mezzanine, or residual stock funding for a project, or helping a builder, consultant, or trade business secure funding for cash flow, equipment, or growth. My role is about making sure both the project and the businesses behind it are financially supported at the right time.

5) Why did you choose to become a Women in Construction Ambassador?

I wanted to be more involved in the industry and contribute to the conversations shaping its future.

Although my background is in finance, I work closely with people across the construction sector every day, from developers through to builders and trades, so this felt like a natural way to support greater connection, visibility, and opportunities for women in the industry.

6) What advice would you give to people in the construction industry?

Strong projects rely on more than good design and delivery, they also rely on strong support behind the scenes.

Having the right team, the right planning, and funding that aligns with both the project lifecycle and business needs can make a significant difference in managing challenges and creating long-term success.

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Tune in for fresh perspectives, practical advice and a closer look at the people shaping the future of our built environment!