The Five Minute Interview with Emma Cox, Head of Sales, Commercial Mortgages, Shawbrook Bank

By Tony Sanchez 23rd July 2014

Shawbrook is a specialist savings and lending bank that offers a straightforward, no-nonsense alternative to the high street. In August 2012 Shawbrook announced it had broken even less than a year since it launched.

We speak to Head of Sales, Commercial Mortgages, Emma Cox:

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

The best aspect is that it’s a fast-paced market where expectations are high. It can be more exciting as there is usually a great deal at stake and things can move quickly so delivering swift responses is key.

No two deals are the same, just as no two days in bridging are the same!

What keeps you focused?

Getting results and focusing on achieving the best outcome for the brokers and clients alike.

This can often involve finding solutions to challenging cases, or adding value to a broker’s business by identifying how our products can help their clients achieve their goals.

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

Honesty and integrity with a work hard, play hard attitude. A good sense of humour is essential!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

An optimist! My glass is definitely half-full.

What did you want to be as a child?

An adult…

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

We are seeing an increasing number of new lenders enter the market which is a challenge that we welcome.

Increased competition fosters innovation which can only be a good thing and ensures that lenders do not rest on their laurels, but instead focus on continually improving for the benefit of the intermediary market and the customer.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My dad and his terrible jokes.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not really – only when the weekends have flown by.

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

Not to worry so much.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

My family as I don’t get to see them enough… If they can’t make it, then it would have to be Dolly Parton.