StreamBank’s Lorenzo Satchell and Paula Purdy on deal complexity, client caution and market balance

StreamBank is a regulated bridging lender focused on providing flexible, short-term funding solutions for brokers and their clients. With a relationship-led approach and a strong emphasis on clarity and delivery, the team works closely with intermediaries to support a wide range of property transactions across the UK.

We speak to Lorenzo Satchell, National Accounts Director South, and Paula Purdy, National Account Director North, who both joined the business earlier this year.

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

Lorenzo: For me, it comes back to problem-solving, because no two deals are ever the same and rarely straightforward. You are often stepping into situations where something has stalled or needs to move quickly, whether that is a time-sensitive purchase, a complex refinance or a development that needs backing to progress. What I enjoy is working through those layers and finding a way forward that actually works in practice, not just on paper.

Paula: I completely agree, and I would add that it is about helping people take action. We see clients at key moments, breaking a chain, securing an auction purchase, expanding a portfolio or looking at a future development project, and you are right there supporting that decision. The flexibility of a bridging loan is what makes the difference, because it gives people options that a more traditional mortgage product simply cannot.

Lorenzo: And when it all comes together, you can see the result quite clearly. It is not abstract; you have helped move something forward that might otherwise have been stuck.

What keeps you focused?

Paula: Delivering consistently for StreamBank and for our intermediary partners, because that is what everything comes back to. I have always believed in keeping things grounded, being clear, and acting with integrity in how we approach every case. If you get that right, the rest tends to follow, and you build relationships that last.

Lorenzo: I would say it is a combination of responsibility and momentum. Clients rely on us for speed and certainty, particularly in time sensitive situations, so there is a real sense of accountability attached to every deal. At the same time, the pace of the sector means there is always something new coming through, another challenge, another opportunity to refine how we work, and that naturally keeps you engaged.

Paula: There is definitely no switch off button in this market, which in its own way helps keep you sharp.

What qualities do you look for in colleagues?

Lorenzo: Adaptability is right at the top of the list, because this is not a rigid, process-driven environment where everything follows a set path. You need people who can think clearly under pressure, adjust quickly and still keep control of the detail.

Alongside that, integrity and clear communication are essential, because when you are dealing with fast moving, multi-stakeholder transactions, trust becomes the foundation.

Paula: I will always come back to integrity as well, because for me it underpins everything we do. Skills can be developed over time, but how someone approaches people, how they behave and how they follow things through, that is what really matters. It is something that has served me well throughout my career and something I look for in others.

Lorenzo: And when you have that in place across a team, it shows in how deals are handled and how relationships develop over time.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Paula: I am definitely an optimist, you need to be in this role. Even when there are challenges, and there always are, I try to focus on what can be done and what is still working. That mindset makes a big difference, both professionally and personally.

Lorenzo: I would describe myself as realistically optimistic. You have to believe in opportunities and be prepared to back them, but that has to be grounded in a proper understanding of the risks. In this industry, leaning too far in either direction can be problematic, so it is about striking that balance.

What did you want to be as a child?

Lorenzo: Like a lot of people, I had two very different ideas, firefighter or professional footballer. I actually played youth level football for Millwall, which gave me a good insight into what it takes in terms of discipline and consistency. While I did not pursue it long-term, those early experiences around teamwork and staying composed under pressure have definitely stayed with me.

Paula: Mine was a bit more creative, I wanted to go into fashion or interior design. I still have an interest in both, and I think that creative side does come through in how you approach problem solving, just in a different way.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the market in the months ahead?

Lorenzo: Market uncertainty and the cost of capital are going to remain key themes. We have fluctuating interest rates, ongoing regulatory pressures and a wider economic backdrop that is still changing, all of which feed into how deals are assessed and structured. The real challenge will be maintaining flexibility while still applying the right level of due diligence, so deals remain viable without increasing risk unnecessarily.

Paula: From a client perspective, we are already seeing more caution in decision-making. Projects that might have gone ahead twelve months ago are being looked at more closely now, and that is understandable given the day-to-day financial pressures people are facing. There are also regional differences, with some areas seeing growth while others are seeing softening values.

Lorenzo: That is where short-term finance has a really important role, because it can provide breathing space while the market stabilises.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Paula: Only Fools and Horses, without a doubt. It is one of those programmes that never loses its appeal, no matter how many times you have seen it.

Lorenzo: I would agree with that, it is hard to beat. I would also say colleagues, because there is always a bit of well-timed humour in the office, especially when things get busy.

Paula: Usually from Lorenzo, whether we ask for it or not.

Lorenzo: I will take that as a compliment!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Lorenzo: Not at all. In this line of work, Mondays tend to bring a sense of clarity, new deals coming through, new conversations starting. It feels more like a reset than something to avoid.

Paula: I am the same, it is just another day and part of the rhythm of the week. When you enjoy what you do, you do not really look at it in that way.

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

Paula: I would probably say not starting with a personal trainer earlier. It has made a significant difference, both physically and mentally, and I wish I had done it sooner.

Lorenzo: For me, it would be learning to switch off more easily. In a fast-paced, decision driven role, it is easy to stay mentally engaged all the time, so finding that balance is something I am still working on.

Paula: I think that is something most people in the industry can relate to.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?

Paula: My daughter, without hesitation. She is kind, thoughtful and keeps me grounded, which is something I really value.

Lorenzo: That is a strong answer. I would go with Sylvester Stallone, partly for the nostalgia of growing up watching his films, but more for his story. His resilience and determination, and the way he has handled setbacks, is something I have always respected.

Paula: That would certainly make for quite an interesting evening.

Lorenzo: I think so, yes!

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