‘Having a great sense of humour is not a necessity but is a definite bonus’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Emma Graham, Case Manager at Fiduciam.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business

Since joining Fiduciam earlier this year, my favourite thing about the industry, so far, is the uniqueness of every transaction.

I have the pleasure of managing UK loans from initial enquiry to post-completion.

Therefore, I can see first-hand the process of how our products are tailored to support the requirements of each property, developer, and investor.

With multiple completions under my belt and even more to follow this year, I’m especially looking forward to watching each project I have seen funded materially develop.

On a day-to-day level, my absolute favourite task is processing subsequent drawdowns.

What keeps you focused

I’m already pretty focused as it is. However, if I’m having a rough morning a large vanilla latte always helps clear the brain fog.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues

Empathy. Working in financial services can often be demanding and sometimes stressful.

An often-underrated quality, I believe having empathetic colleagues is key for keeping a happy work environment and building trust.

As well as this, empathy enhances communication between individuals, which I can only assume would lead to more productive collaboration and overall better decision-making.

Having a great sense of humour is not a necessity but is a definite bonus.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic

I wish I was the former but as someone who is always prepared for the worst outcome, I would say pessimistic.

Optimistically, I would make a great underwriter.

What did you want to be as a child

A horror film director; although I wasn’t allowed to watch the genre until I was 12.

Instead, I would look at the DVD covers in Blockbuster and imagined the story from there.

Today, my love for horror is still strong and I will regularly go to the cinema alone to watch any of the new releases.

My favourite this year was The Substance (don’t watch if you’re squeamish).

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

The implications of the UK’s Autumn Budget announcement on monetary policy and the labour market.

Although lower interest rates are still expected, it will be interesting to see whether the Central Bank will slower the trajectory of rate cuts in anticipation of higher inflation levels from changes in fiscal policy.

Who or what makes you laugh

Chatting with my friends about our time at high school and Scottish memes.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

This depends on how I spent the weekend.

If the house is clean and I managed to get the food shopping done, then Mondays are not a problem.

If I perhaps decide to go out both Friday and Saturday night, then yes… I very much dread Monday mornings.

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

There are too many to choose, but my top three are: to sing like Ariana Grande, speak a second language or be a pro at surfing.

With whom would you most like to have dinner. 

Charli XCX. This would be a night out though not a dinner.

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