‘Planning ahead and setting goals helps to keep me focused’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to David Beard.

David Beard is the founder of Lending Expert, which he started independently in 2013 after working in finance for over 10 years.

The price comparison site is partnered with over 400 companies, with a specialisation in bridging finance and secured lending.

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

The best thing about the bridging finance business is that we get enjoyment in helping clients achieve their goals.

This might be property investors who are looking to buy a property at auction, or a family who are looking for bridge finance to help buy their dream home.

Good finance can be life-changing for people. Increased living space for their family, a better quality of life. We don’t see the end product, but it’s nice to know that people’s lives are improving as a result.

What keeps you focused?

Planning ahead and setting goals helps to keep me focused on all things and growing the Lending Expert business.

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

Trust, integrity and being reliable would be at the top of my list. Technical ability and skills to do their job is equally important.

Then it’s important to get along with the people you work with and then hopefully have some fun along the way.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely an optimist.

What did you want to be as a child?

I probably wanted to be popular, liked and happy. It was such a long time ago I can’t really remember?

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

Any uncertainty surrounding covid poses an ongoing threat to the bridging and development finance industry.

If potential buyers or partners suffer financially, this can have a knock-on effect to pending deals, either pausing, delaying or pulling them altogether.

So if there is yet another strong wave of covid and a lockdown in Q4, we could see some deals being terminated, especially if there are income criteria issues for some buyers.

But we may see increased demand in things like extensions or conversions from people looking to increase their living space which may be a plus.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My two kids make me laugh almost daily. They’re pretty funny.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Absolutely not, I see Mondays just as any other day. In fact, it can be the most interesting day.

You can see all the enquiries that came in over the weekend, the phones start ringing and you get updates on all your deals.

Monday morning is when you can get the biggest surprise and thrill if a deal is going through.

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

I’m quite forgetful so perhaps that is something I could work on or change. But hey, I’ll probably forget!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

My girlfriend and no one else (she forced me to add this).

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