‘I’d love to be the guy that could meditate, maybe practice yoga, or just simply chill to some classical music’

By Tony Sanchez 22nd March 2023

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Carl Graham, Regional Director at Tuscan Capital.

Tuscan Capital provides non-regulated short-term bridging finance to the residential, mixed-use, and commercial real estate sectors across England and Wales.

Whilst headquartered in London, they have a strong regional presence with offices in Birmingham and Manchester.

Tuscan Capital launched to market in 2018 and offer funding on both a conventional and non-conventional lending basis.

Their approach to doing business is simple: our transparent lending philosophy and profound understanding of introducers and borrowers serve one overriding purpose- repeat custom.

Led by CEO and co-founder Colin Sanders, their team comprises of industry-wide known property lending experts with a vast breadth of experience.

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

How you’re able to structure solutions to challenges that most high street banks wouldn’t be able to transact. The sense of achievement is therefore key.

Thus, providing a catalyst to take a client from A to B, a solution through to term debt in a relatively short period of time.

What keeps you focused?

The 1^st coffee of the morning. And of course, my good wife, mortgage, and wider family – all great reasons to do my very best every day.

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

The ability to adapt to ever moving situations. Being part of a wider team and willing to put a different hat on when the time calls for it.

And let’s not forget one of the biggest qualities any one can have when part of a team and working in a customer focused industry….and that’s respect.

Opinions will always clash, but above all else, respect your colleagues.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I think realist would better describe me.

Certainly, an optimist within my day-to-day job, confident about creating solutions to problems.

But also, a realist when it comes to the challenges, we have to overcome in the industry…is that when the pessimist should kick in? No…. let’s just focus on the glass half full, please.

What did you want to be as a child?

Pilot or a professional racing driver (I got close with the racing driving).

Either way, the speed of the track has been replaced by the sheer speed of a bridging loan here at Tuscan Capital.

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

For me, this will be exits. Higher interest rates, tougher stress rates, slowing market, and the impact this then has on valuations.

Meaning we must assess exit strategies with heightened level of due diligence. Not only to protect our loan books, but to also factor in TCF and responsible lending.

A borrower’s risk is aligned to a lender’s risk.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My nieces and nephews bring more laughter and joy than any comedian ever could. All 9 of them take turns at staying over for the weekend (expensive times indeed).

Although, once they are sound asleep, Peter Kay (thank you for returning Peter), is one of the best stand up comedians you’ll ever find.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Nope – Our office in Manchester comes with the benefit of a fantastic barista – that first single origin coffee is enough to silence any Monday morning doubts.

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

I’d love to be the guy that could meditate, maybe practice yoga, or just simply chill to some classical music.

But unfortunately, I’m nothing like that guy, instead, I’m all about a pint of Guinness at the local watching my beloved LFC (in a Manchester bar haha) and running life at 300mph.