‘It is an industry I have loved and thrived in’

By Tony Sanchez 20th July 2021

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Charlotte Rutter, Head of Marketing & Communications at Roma Finance.

Roma Finance provides property professionals and landlords with bridging loans, development finance and buy-to-let mortgages.

They offer first and second charge loans from £50k to £5m and have operated successfully in the buoyant UK bridging finance market for over ten years.

Providing finance for property projects such as renovations, change of use, property auction purchases and ground-up developments on residential investment, commercial and industrial properties throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

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

It’s truly an industry where no day is ever the same. I worked in various industries before I landed in finance. It is an industry I have loved and thrived in.

I have witnessed an incredibly supportive community and I love that I spend my days in it. The environment changes all the time and there is always a buzz and a lot of conversation going on.

What keeps you focused?

The fact that, as a woman, it is possible to have it all if you work hard. I still hear that it is not possible, but with the right company, it most certainly is.

I have time to take my daughters to swimming and gymnastics, to grab the odd lunch date with my husband…all while furthering the business and my career.

I am focused because Roma looks after me and I strive to look after my colleagues and the wider business.

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

The will to win and following through on plans. There are plenty of ideas floating around in every industry, but it takes drive and determination to make them a reality.

Many ideas and aspirations, sadly, stay floating around as pipe dreams. I look for people who actively help achieve a goal and are making a difference.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist. I like to think the best in people and situations. Pessimism draws darkness and that can be a slippery slope.

What did you want to be as a child?

A midwife! I still wonder what would have happened if I had pursued that path – still time I suppose!

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

There’s still uncertainty with inflation and we’ve not yet seen the full impact of the UK’s EU withdrawal. What we have seen has been partly masked by the pandemic.

Obviously Covid is another huge challenge, but hopefully vaccination will mean we can avoid further restrictions down the line and continue building back.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Other people laughing makes me laugh, and my children really make me laugh.

As a style I like older comedy – The Two Ronnies, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Open All Hours and the likes. I can watch them over and over and I never get bored.