1. What does your role consist of and what roles/experience have you had in the past?
I'm part of the underwriting team at Mint Bridging. My role is to assess the property, applicant and the applicant’s intention for the property to determine whether the applicant’s plan is capable of delivery, and ultimately to ensure that Mint's money is secure.
2. Did you always want to work in finance?
I didn't always work in finance. I qualified as a chartered surveyor and after a stint in a commercial property agency in Manchester, I worked for one of the largest regional co-operative societies, managing their extensive investment property portfolio. I entered the world of property finance around 2000 when I helped set up a new bridging company in Manchester.
3. Why did you decide to join Mint Bridging?
I had met Andrew Lazare (Managing Director) a couple of years ago to discuss my joining Mint but, unfortunately, the timing wasn't quite right. I have known Paul Wertheim (Operations Director) for many years. We bumped into each other at a family function and the discussions started again. This time the circumstances were perfect for me to join, and I consider Mint to have the best team in the industry.
4. What one thing would you change about the bridging industry?
Brokers with unrealistic perceptions of what is required to progress their client's case from application to drawdown and borrowers with an unrealistic view of the value of the property being offered as security. I’m not saying that valuers are infallible but, in the borrower’s mind, they are seldom right.
5. Would you agree that the bridging market is outstripping the mainstream mortgage market?
Given the time it takes for banks to underwrite, there will always be a place for bridging to thrive.
6. What exciting projects does Mint have this year?
Aside from introducing a wider selection of products to the market, we are in the process of finalising the acquisition of a new application and loans management system which will improve our processes, response times for brokers and our post drawdown case management.
7. What is the biggest challenge for the bridging market this year?
The proposed change to tax laws for buy-to-let investors which could see them having to pay a lot more tax on their investments.
8. Explain the most interesting deal you have seen at Mint:
All deals are interesting but I have to admit there's added excitement when a deal has only a few days of crunch time from inquiry to confirmation. The pressure is great as Mint’s team works around the clock.
9. What is your favourite part about the bridging industry?
The diversity of property types, reasons for lending and the chance to play amateur detective, investigating whether the case as a whole ‘hangs together’.
10. Who is your idol and why?
I've never really had an 'idol.' I do however acknowledge anyone who works hard to achieve their goals or has the skills to build or repair things. My DIY skills are somewhat limited and reached their zenith with the construction of a post holder when I was 11.
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