The Five Minute Interview with Kevin Gibson, Director, Ascot Bridging Finance

By Tony Sanchez 13th November 2017

Ascot Bridging Finance is a family run and privately funded bridging lender. They offer first charge bridging for both purchases and refinance for non-owner occupied residential with loans from £37,500 to £300,000.

We speak to director, Kevin Gibson:

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

I got into bridging finance to dispel all the negative experiences that we’ve had during the period of our inception as a broker (Ascot Mortages Ltd).

I wanted to, in essence, build a bridging finance company by brokers, for brokers. Most importantly, I thoroughly enjoy and get excited by creating solutions for our clients that cater for their requirements.

What keeps you focused?

I keep focused by having the drive and determination to move my companies forward with a view to them developing into a well-established and well-known brand.

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

My employees are the backbone of the business. When looking for the right people to bring on board, they have to have the same drive and determination to make the company a success that I do.

This is alongside having the ability to work on their own initiative, be forward thinking and a real team player.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

An optimist. Always look on the bright side of….

What did you want to be as a child?

I always wanted to join the Thundercats and fight alongside Lion-O! I did eventually grow up and in my early teens I aspired to go into Financial Services, following the same path as my family.

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

I think the greatest challenge is the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and what impact this could/would have on the economy going forward.

That coupled with that there are a lot of new companies entering the market place and diluting some of the market share for the existing bridging companies out there.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My children! With all of the phrases and words they come out with on a daily basis. They’re even funnier when they wake up at 1am and decide to jump on Daddy’s stomach…

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Love them! Gets me back to work and driving the business forward again.

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

I couldn’t think of anything so I asked my staff….out of ALL the suggestions, the most appropriate would be to actually make them a cup of tea for the first time!