The Five Minute Interview with Justin Cooper, Senior BDM, Octane Capital

By Tony Sanchez 9th May 2017

Launched in May 2017, Octane Capital arrived backed by years of experience.

Jonathan Samuels (CEO) began Dragonfly in 2009. Mark Posniak (MD), Matt Smith (Director of Credit and Risk) and Robert Graham (Head of Finance) were all part of the same senior team. Together, they lent more than £2bn on over four thousand loans.

Rather than be constrained by a restrictive price to LTV matrix, Octane Capital recognises that LTV is only one dimension. Every loan is different… so Octane does not have a price matrix.

They look at all aspects to deliver the best solution for you and your client.

We speak to senior business development manager, Justin Cooper:

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

EVERY day is different and when you get that call to say someone needs their money in a week, the “buzz” begins and there’s no feeling better than seeing deals complete on time!

What keeps you focused?

Targets! They always have, which probably explains why I’ve been in sales for a long time. I’m not sure what I’ll do, the day I wake up and find that there’s no target to smash??

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

They’ve got to love the banter. There’s always been a competitive edge and I think that’s healthy if it helps keep the business growing. In addition, there must be a keen interest in football!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist, always! My attitude is that there will always be something good coming around the corner. Why worry about anything unless there’s something to worry about?

What did you want to be as a child?

I was very nearly a car mechanic. My friends and I had a keen interest in cars and motorbikes and what made them tick.

But I fell ill just as I left school and didn’t start work for another three years, by which point I simply “happened” into Financial Services!

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

There’s naturally a degree of uncertainty in the market at the moment, mainly caused by Brexit being on the horizon.

From a credit perspective this can cause questions relating to sales and unfortunately questions over sales tend to limit appetite to lend.

Therefore, it’s essential that a lender can think laterally, and outside the box. You need a lender that has the potential to be creative and commercial, and find a way to make deals work.

That’s what Octane is all about.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Lots of things, lots of people, I love to laugh! I find Micky Flanagan hilarious and I’m due to see him live for the second time later this year.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No way! I feel sad for people who dislike their jobs so much that they dread going to work on a Monday.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the break at the weekend but trust me, I’m sure that my wife is as keen for me to return to work on a Monday as I am!

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

I think it’s clear to most people who know me that I could possibly do with being just a tad more patient!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

There would be many reasons I would want to have dinner with certain people. Micky Flanagan for example because of the reason stated above or perhaps Julia Roberts (although she’s maybe not as funny?!!?)