10 Questions with Manish Babla of West One Loans
It turns out that National Business Development Managers and Assistant Editors have more in common than you’d think...
James McDonald speaks to Manish Babla, new National Business Development Manager at West One Loans...
1.How long have you been at West One?
Since February 21st
2.What did you want to be when you were a kid?
When I was a schoolboy, I’m going to be a bit clichéd, but I wanted to be an airline pilot. I think I wanted to know, you know, ‘what’s going on up there’...
B&C: Was that the only reason? I was half-expecting you to say footballer.
Yes I think so. Well, that and I suppose the air hostesses.
3. If you could do anything you wanted this Sunday, what would it be?
I’d go to New York.
B&C: That’s quite a long flight just for the day...
Well, yes, but it’s been pretty full-on recently with my brother’s wedding and whatnot. Ideally we’d go for a nice meal and do a bit of sightseeing. Although I suppose as I’d be with the wife there’d be a spell of shopping on the cards. We all know that feeling...
B&C: Don’t we just.
4.Which football team do you support and why?
I’m afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you here, I’m not really interested in football, I’m a cricket man.
B&C: Well in that case, which cricket team do you support? England?
Yes I follow England. I’m following the ICC World Cup at the minute and enjoy the Twenty20s, which makes it a bit more interesting for a younger crowd. I once sat through a match, it was Somerset vs Gloucester and it was boring, boring, boring!
I used to play for Bessborugh Cricket Club many decades ago as well.
5. What is the best thing about your job?
Well I’ve just started but the best thing is probably the chance to work with a variety of introducers and brokers, which is quite exciting. It’s a different, varied and fast-paced environment. Every deal’s different which means it’s a much more creative role with plenty of problem solving.
B&C: And what’s the worst thing about your job?
The possibility of administration isn’t good, but it’s something I’m fairly used to.
6. What would you be doing if you weren’t working at West One?
I’d be working in financial services in property I suppose, as that’s where my expertise lies.
7.What’s your favourite movie and why?
I’d have to say The Godfather, it’s a classic.
B&C: It is a classic, no arguments there.
Another one I like, one that might be a bit surprising, is The Hangover.
B&C: Ironically, it makes for quite a good hangover film.
Yeah, they’re my two favourites.
8.What do you expect to happen in the bridging finance industry over the next 12 months?
Well it’s a growing market place and in the next six to nine months I expect to see more brokers resorting to bridging, with several new entrants in the market place, which is encouraging. The majority of clients who had a relationship with their banks are now turning to bridging due to the liquidity issues within the industry, so I’m looking forward to an exciting year.
9.What would you put in room 101 if you had the chance?
Traffic wardens - they do my head in! When I think about the amount of money they’ve made out of me...it’s a fortune. I’d have to say tube workers on strike as well. And Simon Cowell!
B&C: Is it the trousers, the hair, what?
Everything! Oh, and Cheryl Cole.
B&C: You’re not meant to have four, but I’ll let you off on this occasion because I agree with everything you’ve said.
10. What’s your favourite book?
I don’t have one; I’m not really into reading. I can’t find the time.
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