B&C: Tell us a little bit about your new role, and how you came to work at Mayfair?

JB: Being Head of Fund Distribution, in simple terms, is ensuring we have enough money to lend and our investors are happy with where their money is being placed. I have known Yasin and Shoaib for over six years, so finally being here is exciting. The guys really have a great business - and I think having the fund will really take us to the next level.

B&C: What challenges are you looking forward to tackling at Mayfair?

JB: There are a lot of good lenders out there, but I believe we have the right offering that will set us apart from our competitors.

B&C: What did you want to be when you were younger?

JB: A rugby league player.

B&C: What do you think is the biggest problem within the bridging industry at the moment?

JB: If I had to name just one, I would have to say education. Not enough people understand bridging, its uses and how important it can be to people.

B&C: How did Mayfair perform in Q1 and in particular, what response have you seen from the UCIS investment scheme?

JB: It’s been a great quarter, and I am looking forward to seeing if we can do better in Q2. We have received a great response, and it has been great understanding each investor’s reasons for investing with us. We’ve seen a variety of people invest with us, from professional investors who invest with companies such as Zoopla, to those who invest in family office ventures. We have also seen an increase in overseas investment, from Luxembourg to Monaco; it really is such a mixed bag, which is why my role is so interesting.

B&C: If a film was made about your life story - who would play the lead role, and why?

JB: That’s actually a very good question, as I am actually in talks with a very well-known writer and production company at the moment - so watch this space and you may actually see who will play me. If I could choose anyone, it would have to be James McAvoy, I think he is a great actor and seems like a genuinely nice guy off-screen.

B&C: What would you put into Room 101 if you had the chance?

JB: Timewasters.

B&C: What do you think will come to affect the bridging industry most in the next 12 months?

JB: I know there are a number of issues at the moment within our industry, but as I am a positive person, I will say an increase in business due to the banks still being cautious on what they lend on.

B&C: If you could have any one superpower, what would it be, and why?

JB: I would have to say being a mind reader. It would help in all aspects of life, work, and of course not putting my foot in it when my wife says black dress or red dress!

B&C: How would you spend the perfect Sunday?

JB: A perfect Sunday would have to be an early morning workout at the gym, followed by a nice day out with the family. I would love a bit of sun, if that’s not asking too much, as we see very little living in Manchester. In terms of food, as it’s a Sunday, it would have to be full Sunday roast with all the trimmings... now I’m hungry.