The Five Minute Interview with Paul Fitzsimmons, Account Manager, Seneca Bridging

By Tony Sanchez 2nd September 2016

Seneca Bridging specialise in offering private funding for short term bridging loans. They are quick and professional with vast knowledge and experience.

Seneca provide the personal touch, they like to visit every property they lend on and meet everyone they lend to.

We speak to account manager, Paul Fitzsimmons:

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

This is easy – we get stuff built. Knowing that our hard work and good relationships change the landscape of towns and cities is very rewarding for someone who graduated as an Urban Planner.

What keeps you focused?

Knowing that if we’re slow or don’t keep our promises, someone else will pick up our business.

The thought of losing a good deal because someone else worked harder and faster to get it is simply unacceptable and puts fire in the belly.

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

The most important quality in a colleague is a respectful and empathetic outlook. This is nowhere more true than on the golf course when said colleague is marking one’s card.

“Did I really take three out of the sand? Are you sure you weren’t distracted? Team work makes my handicap work.”

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Even if there’s only a drop of beer left in a glass, the next full pint is only a brief transaction away.

What did you want to be as a child?

The Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine. At the age of just 23 I managed London Victoria Station, sadly I was in good shape at the time so wasn’t able to fully live out my dream.

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

I’m not sure it’s the greatest challenge facing the industry, but responding to the potential opportunity provided by online platforms is intriguing, from the perspectives of borrowers, brokers and lenders alike.

We all know that big lending decisions on complicated transactions are best made through informed dialogue and trusted relationships – I can’t yet see how platforms will add value in this regard.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Family Guy. Though every time I watch it, my wife has to walk out the room muttering “I can’t believe I married a man who watches cartoons.”

My explanation that it’s an ironic and satirical reflection of the complexity of modern society does not cut the mustard.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Depends if I’m dressed or not before my baby son is awake. If he is up and eating, I’m terrified he’ll throw Weetabix on my suit, which is basically just concrete disguised as cereal.

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

To be able to play the piano in busy cocktail bar and get applauded, rather than being asked to leave.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s parents. They must have been pretty awesome to produce such a visionary genius.

I’d firstly discuss what other names they considered calling their son. Would he have been one of the greatest Britons of all time if he would have something less distinct?