The Five Minute Interview with Lee Albino, regional BDM, Shawbrook Bank

By Tony Sanchez 13th May 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 Regional Business Development Manager for Scotland, North Wales and Northwest England, Lee Albino:

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

I love the speed and pressure involved in getting a deal done. It is fast paced and there is always a good buzz about the whole process.

It is such a rewarding area to be in, and working for a lender that only accepts business from intermediaries makes it a double winner as you get both a happy client and a happy broker.

What keeps you focused?

Most important to me is knowing and listening to what brokers want. This keeps the Shawbrook team on our toes to ensure that we are bringing out products that brokers want while continuing to get even better at what we do.

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

I value being approachable, honest, a good listener and having a ‘look to lend’ attitude towards deals. Luckily I work with people that have these niche qualities!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m definitely an optimist – a pessimist sees danger in every deal, an optimist sees opportunity in every deal.

What did you want to be as a child?

A footballer or an actor.

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

I think the biggest challenge will be the increased competition due to more lenders becoming active in this space.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Jimmy Carr is a great comedian, although you can’t beat a good party, especially stag weekends when you get to watch the stag perform his list of tasks.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Only when coming back from a holiday and thinking about what I’ve missed.

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

I would love to have the ability to switch off at the end of the week.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Sir Alex Ferguson – I want to know what really happened behind the scenes at Man Utd.