‘Bridging is fast-paced, no deal is ever the same’

By Tony Sanchez 4th September 2025

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Tom Herbert, Relationship Manager – North & Scotland at MS Lending Group.

Tom is a key figure at MS Lending Group, where his role centres on strengthening relationships with the wide network of brokers and direct borrowers the business already serves, while also acting as a brand ambassador for the lender.

His focus is on driving growth by building new connections and developing the ever-expanding pipeline of enquiries, ensuring MS Lending Group continues to scale with integrity and service at its core.

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

Definitely the ability to shape a deal. Here at MS Lending Group we have the flexibility and autonomy to work with the broker to make a deal work.

Bridging is a fast paced industry and no deal is ever the same.

What keeps you focused?

Working with a team of colleagues who are all striving to be the best they possibly can be.

We all have a common goal at MS Lending Group and we must all stay focused to achieve this.

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

Respect, reliability and determination.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist. In an industry where nothing is guaranteed you have to remain positive.

What did you want to be as a child?

Paramedic, unfortunately I don’t do well with blood so was a non-starter really.

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

The bridging industry’s biggest challenge today is balancing speed and flexibility. Many lenders are stretching their proposition which can cause problems with service.

At MS Lending Group we want to “Stay in our lane”, being the best at what we do, constantly thriving to improve the service.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My 15-month-old daughter. She is the biggest personality already in our house and makes it very clear to all that she is the boss.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

The complete opposite. I always come into the office with a raft of new and interesting enquiries to deal with which have been sent in over the weekend and also we have our weekly sales meeting where we review the previous week and get all the team together either in the office our over a virtual meeting.

Also it’s nice to have a breather from chasing a 15-month-old round the house/park all weekend.

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

Relax and trust the process. In sales we can become obsessed with the details and getting things over the line.

At MS Lending Group we have a fantastic internal team managing the cases all the way through. I need to trust the process and focus more on filling the funnel!