‘I think the whole industry thrives on the mostly excellent people within it’

By Tony Sanchez 17th June 2025

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to George Sanford, Specialist Advisor at VIBE Finance & Director / Co-owner of the Specialist Finance Academy.

An award winning broker with over a decade in financial services, George has a passion for problem solving and education in the complex lending world.

His two roles allow him to not only help clients from all over the world directly as a broker but upskill and educate new or aspiring specialist brokers through the Specialist Finance Academy.

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

Hands down, the people. I think the whole industry thrives on the mostly excellent people within it.

Relationships between brokers, lenders, valuers, solicitors, and more are so often the difference between a deal completing and it falling down.

What keeps you focused?

I have three main drivers which keep me going, my family, wife, and two young children, my hate of losing and the sense of pride in accomplishing something that seemed impossible or at least unlikely!

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

I’m huge on people being straight-talking and honest, no fluffiness or hiding from mistakes, we all make them.

Communicating directly and succinctly can head off problems early and equally ensure people feel rewarded and appreciated.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Probably somewhere in the middle as a ‘realist’, perhaps leaning slightly towards an optimist.

I think it’s important to highlight any potential issues as early as possible, but equally to be confident in my ability to work through those and deliver a result for the client

What did you want to be as a child?

I think my parents would tell you my earliest career aspiration was to be a caterpillar.

Once I realised that wasn’t likely, I was looking towards a career in sport and exercise science until being picked up on an apprenticeship scheme at JP Morgan, and now loving life at VIBE & now alongside my role with the Specialist Finance Academy.

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

I think a slower sales market could impact those looking for sales as their exit strategy.

This is where using an experienced broker can make all the difference in ensuring that a plan B (and maybe Plan C, D, E, etc.) has been looked into and multiple exit strategies can be applied as needed.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My kids, unintentionally hilarious! If you can’t smile with a 4-month-old giggling despite having just been sick on his lap then I’m not sure what you could enjoy.

Equally, my little girl has a wild imagination, so I never know what I might be role-playing that day.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all, I’m at my best when my days have a purpose, so getting back to the routine after a weekend recharging excites me more than it fills me with dread.

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

In contrast to my earlier comments around direct communication, I do appreciate that some situations require a softer touch, which is something I am actively working to improve on.