B&C caught up with one United Trust Bank's new additions to find out why he made the move to the lender and how his first few months have progressed.
1. So, what was it about United Trust Bank that appealed to you as the next stage in your career?
UTB has a strong image in the bridging market and I liked the idea of working for a bank that’s committed to growing its business and looking after its customers.
I’m also quite ambitious so we have several common goals.
2. How have you found the swap from Regentsmead to United Trust Bank?
The move from Regentsmead to United Trust Bank has been great as far as I am concerned. [It] provided an invaluable training into lending which I have embraced and now utilise this in my new role within the Bridging Division.
UTB has a fantastic office location in the hub of the West End and a team which has welcomed me with open arms.
Of course, there’s a new office, people and culture to adapt to but having been here for just a couple of months I can say I already feel like part of the furniture!
3. What does your role encompass at United Trust Bank, how have you been settling in?
The role at UTB encompasses driving business in the Bridging Division forward and marketing our recently launched refurbishment product.
I touched on the second part of this question earlier and I think I’ve settled in very well – I have nearly memorised the team’s Starbucks order and have already been given a new nickname of Penfold!
4. Give us a picture of the bridging team at UTB:
The bridging team are a varied bunch ranging from the quiet(ish) to the really quite loud (I’m not going to mention any names but think I fall into the latter group!).
One thing we all have in common is a desire to be successful and provide our clients with the very best service.
5. What is your most memorable industry moment?
My most memorable moment in the industry is completing my first deal.
It was relatively small, but gave me the foundations to build on, and ever since, the loan sizes have grown and so has my experience, confidence and ability.
6. If you had to name the biggest issue the industry is currently facing, what would that be?
There are several issues of course, but it’s probably the large number of new lenders entering the sector.
There’s no shortage of good lending opportunities, and competition is good for any market, however in the unregulated sector there is a risk that some lenders may not conform to the standards and practices of regulated lenders such as United Trust Bank.
7. What is the future for development lending as you see it?
There is such a strong demand for new residential property that I can only envisage development lending growing. Specialist lenders, like UTB, are well placed to assist developers in meeting that growing demand for funding.
8. Pick your favorite country that you have visited?
A few years ago I would have said the United States, but now it would have to be Italy which possesses all the vital ingredients of a great country – culture, delicious food, great wine and a flair for producing beautiful cars.
9. If anyone was to play you in a film who would it be?
If you asked my friends it would have to be Ben Elton – Allegedly I look and sound like him. (I’m not sure this is a good thing!).
I’d say I’m much more ‘Clark Kent’, so my choice would have to be Superman or, at a push, Henry Cavill who played him in Man of Steel.
10. If you could take just three things to a desert island, what would they be?
I would take the gym, my Ipad and a generous supply of chocolate!
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