The Five Minute Interview with Steve Sanderson, Commercial & Bridging Specialist, Clever Lending

By Tony Sanchez 27th June 2017

Clever Lending are a master broker providing specialist lending solutions to suit a range of needs.

From second charge to commercial and bridging loans, their extensive experience and market knowledge means they understand the challenges you and your clients may face in sourcing suitable finance.

Clever can help you quickly meet client needs, identify more income opportunities and provide a compliant and trusted service.

We speak to Commercial & Bridging Specialist, Steve Sanderson:

What is the best thing about being in the bridging finance business?

The wide variety of wonderful deals that land on my desk every day! Working through them to see how I can structure them for a positive client outcome is something I thrive on.

It’s a pleasure to work with our bridging finance lenders who offer some incredible products that cater for all types of client income, property types and investment opportunities.

Bridging finance has so many uses now that we are very successful in matching client requirements with suitable lenders.

Whether the finance is for a specialist buy to let property, commercial unit or a mixed use renovation project, it’s exciting to see a tricky case through from enquiry to funding.

What keeps you focussed?

Getting the deals across the line whilst aiming to give our clients the best service. It’s also important to keep up to date with new products and to consider how they might be used for different cases.

Some cases might look very complex when I first get the enquiry, but by working with the underwriters at Clever and our lending partners it’s possible to get to the heart of the case and provide a solution.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

People who are hungry to complete business and dedicated to the clients and brokers that refer business.

We all work hard to keep Clever ahead of the competition so it’s vital that we all have a high level of market knowledge and we regularly discuss new and innovative ideas.

The team at Clever are really dynamic and there’s always a great camaraderie when we get together.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist! There’s always a way to do a deal!

What did you want to be as a child?

A policeman… everyone wanted to be a policeman or fireman when they were younger!

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging finance industry in the coming months?

Well, despite political uncertainty at the moment, people still want to compete property deals, just like they always have.

I think as long as the general economy is performing well, then there’ll still be a high demand for activity in the specialist funding market.

After all, developers and landlords are always looking for new opportunities. We still have a strong rental market so we are seeing clients looking for new ways to fund and develop a much wider range of property.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Micky Flannigan and Victoria Wood are my favourite comedians. I often listen to their audiobooks/dvds in the car, laughing to yourself at the traffic lights is never a good look though.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Never, I look forward to meeting new people and the deals that arrive that week.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I feel comfortable in my own skin, there are flaws but I’ve accepted them! Plus, I don’t like needles so botox would be a no-go!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I’m a foodie, so I’ll have dinner with anyone.