‘It’s a surprisingly close-knit market where everyone seems to know everyone’

By Tony Sanchez 7th July 2026

This week, Bridging Loan Directory speaks to Claire Welch, Director at Dobson Welch, about recruitment in specialist finance, why relationships remain central to the bridging and development finance market, the impact the right appointment can have on both businesses and careers, and why she would choose dinner with Jurgen Klopp.

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

It’s a fast-paced industry full of passionate professionals who genuinely enjoy building relationships and finding solutions.

It’s also a surprisingly close-knit market where everyone seems to know everyone, so there’s something really rewarding about reconnecting people and introducing businesses to talented individuals they may never have found otherwise.

What keeps you focused?

Knowing that every placement can have a real impact on both a business and someone’s career.

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

Kindness, honesty, resilience and a willingness to roll their sleeves up and help the team.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely an optimist. Recruitment has its challenges, but tomorrow can always bring the perfect candidate.

What did you want to be as a child?

A teacher. I’ve always enjoyed helping people and seeing them grow.

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

Finding and retaining great talent as the market continues to evolve and competition for experienced professionals remains strong.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My kids, my lunatic friends and Tommy Cooper.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No not at all I wouldn’t do what I do if I had Sunday night dread.

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

I’d probably learn to switch off from work a little more. Recruitment isn’t really a 9-to-5 job, and because my phone is my office, I always worry about missing an important call or message.

It’s something I’m getting better at, but it’s definitely a work in progress.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Jurgen Klopp. Mainly because I think he’d be brilliant company, but I’d also spend half the meal trying to convince him that retirement is overrated and Anfield still needs him.