‘For me, it’s all about the variety. No deal is ever the same’

By Tony Sanchez 3rd November 2021

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Adam Tauber, Development Finance Specialist at Crystal Specialist Finance.

Crystal Specialist Finance is a multiple award-winning specialist finance distributor based in Staffordshire.

Crystal specialise in smoothing out the most complex of deals and can place the most niche of cases with access to a vast panel of the UK’s best specialist lenders.

Each and every enquiry is reviewed on its own merits and they guide and work with you to find the very best product available for mortgage brokers and their clients.

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

For me, it’s all about the variety. No deal is ever the same.

The backstory of the site; the ambition and vision of the developer; and the intricacies of the proposal adds to the diversity and excitement of being involved in the development finance sector.

What keeps you focused?

Coffee in small doses! But honestly, it is delivering positive outcomes for my clients and brokers.

I have to stay focused as my day-to-day is full on managing the stages of a development loan.

This is from enquiry; reviewing development appraisals; presenting the deal to lenders; professionals being instructed; reviewing valuations and MS reports; including managing the legal process.

There are lots of moving parts, so being meticulous with the details is essential – nothing is better motivation than a happy client.

What qualities do you look for in your colleagues?

My colleagues at Crystal are awesome. We really are one BIG family.

You will find many excellent characteristics and skills amongst my colleagues, however, if I was to highlight one it would be honesty and integrity.

Crystal have nurtured a workplace culture where people feel safe being open and honest about previously tricky ‘workplace’ subjects, for example, mental health and wellbeing is a key commitment of ours.

There are many factors that contribute to that, including workload, work/life balance, challenging cases and areas for improvement.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Somewhere in the middle. I’d regard myself a realist and pragmatist.

I’m an enthusiastic and hopeful person, however at the same time, it’s important to consider any risks and plan for any ripples in the water.

I think it’s crucial to have a mixture of both to get the best results, my energetic personality means I can deliver excellent client service, but I’m also keeping focus on the case detail.

What did you want to be as a child?

A footballer for Manchester United, I was close until a Cristiano Ronaldo turned up and stole the limelight.

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

Covid’s impact on supply chain. One of the key issues for the construction sector has been the interruption to the supply chain; this was particularly the case for SME developers.

Whilst larger construction sites often have sufficient material onsite to continue the building work as quickly as possible, SME projects tend to require a more careful approach to supply chain management.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My daughter, the apple of my eye. She’s a cheeky little monkey and just approaching her first birthday.

She has developed a witty personality and a beautiful temperament.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

If Manchester United got beat, then yes – as there’s lots of banter amongst my colleagues!

I love Monday, but I think it helps if you love your job. Monday marks the start of new opportunity. A week filled with variety, promise and deals.

For me, Monday is one of my busiest days of the week.

Reviewing several new enquiries that I have received over the weekend; looking at my pipeline and highlighting which cases I prioritise; managing my diary for new appointments; calling my lending manager to discuss cases and organising my ‘To Do’ for the rest of the week.

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

To have the metabolism of an athlete, or failing that, be a little more laidback. I always strive to do everything now.

A wise man once said, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Sir Alex Ferguson, what an icon. The greatest football manager of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football.

I would love to recount his career and life outside football. He is a true inspiration after recently recovering from a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

He also loves glass of red as much as I do!