‘Helping turn plans into reality is the best part of the job’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks with Mikie Butcher, Senior Business Development Manager at Scotlend Group, about the fast-paced world of bridging and development finance.

Known for his optimistic mindset and straightforward approach, Mikie is driven by helping borrowers and developers turn plans into tangible results.

Outside of the office, he’s a Manchester United and darts fan who spends his downtime travelling, discovering hidden bars, and chasing new adventures.

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

The best part is helping people and businesses turn their plans into reality.

Whether it’s funding a property development, bridging a short-term finance gap, or enabling an investment opportunity, you get to see tangible results from your work.

It’s fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding, every deal is different, and knowing you’ve made a real impact is incredibly satisfying.

What keeps you focused?

I stay focused by keeping things simple: clear goals, small steps, and staying curious about what I’m doing.

I like to see progress as I go, and that keeps me motivated and tuned in without overthinking it.

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

I look for colleagues who are reliable and proactive, who communicate well and work effectively as part of a team.

I also value adaptability and a positive attitude, as these qualities help everyone navigate challenges and achieve results together.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m an optimist. I find it helps me stay motivated and see opportunities where others might only see challenges.

What did you want to be as a child?

As a child, I wanted to be a firefighter… though I used to tell people I wanted to be a fire engine!

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

One of the biggest challenges will be the rising cost of living and its knock-on effects.

Higher living costs put pressure on borrowers’ finances, which can increase default risk and make lending decisions more complex.

At the same time, inflation and interest rate changes affect development costs, project viability, and loan affordability.

Developers will need to carefully manage risk, maintain flexibility, and ensure projects remain financially sustainable despite these pressures.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Definitely a mix of Only Fools and Horses (David Jason) and Bottom (Rik Mayall & Ade Edmondson), even though I’ve watched every episode at least ten times — This time next year, we’ll be millionaires.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No, not at all. I think Mondays are the most productive day of the week.

It’s a fresh start, a chance to set the tone for the week ahead, tackle important tasks, and make progress on goals.

While everyone else might be groaning, I see it as an opportunity to get ahead, plan strategically, and start the week with energy and focus.

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

If I could change one thing about myself, I’d like to be less self-critical. I can be my own toughest critic, and learning to give myself more grace would make life a little lighter.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor

If I could have dinner with anyone, I’d pick Phil Taylor, the legendary darts player.

I’ve watched him dominate the sport for years, and it would be brilliant to sit down with him, hear the behind-the-scenes stories from his career, and find out what it was really like to stay at the top of the game for so long.

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