The Five Minute Interview with David Foster, Relationship Manager, Ortus Secured Finance

By Tony Sanchez 30th January 2018

Ortus Secured Finance are a secured lender providing short-term facilities in the commercial and unregulated residential sectors. They will consider a wide variety of secured facilities for customers with good asset cover.

Ortus Secured Finance also have experience and involvement in the pub sector and are therefore able to consider loans involving leisure assets such as pubs, hotels and restaurants.

We speak to relationship manager, David Foster:

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

I really enjoy the pace of the sector. You can move quickly from deal to deal and each has its own unique challenges which keeps it interesting.

What keeps you focused?

Getting deals over the line for our clients and brokers. Sounds a bit clichéd but that’s what I’m here to do.

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

I like people who are straightforward to deal with and don’t take themselves seriously – fortunately that’s the case in the Ortus office!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m definitely more of an optimist and try to approach everything with a positive attitude. Being called a pessimist does come with some negative connotations which I think is unfair. You need views from different perspectives to make informed decisions.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to drive a digger when I was younger – something I’d still love to have a go at!

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

Well judging from the first few weeks of 2018, keeping up with demand.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Karl Pilkington – an accidental comedy genius.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Monday is probably my favourite working day. I have the most energy and like to get things in order for the week ahead. However, I like Friday afternoon’s too!

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

Probably the fact that I’m going grey and I’m not even 30 …

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Sir Alex Ferguson (no points for guessing who I support). I know I’m biased but it would be fascinating to get to know the man who achieved so much continued success over such a long period of time.