‘Strong lines of communication cannot be underestimated’

By Tony Sanchez 20th October 2022

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Jamie Jolly, director of bridging at Hampshire Trust Bank.

Hampshire Trust Bank has been a specialist UK lender for almost 50 years and the bridging team boasts over 100 years of short-term lending experience.

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

The energy and pace, the vast array of different opportunities that present themselves. It always keeps you thinking and drawing on past experiences.

What keeps you focused?

A desire to be known as someone who gives his all, who understands the market in which we operate and always strives for cohesion within our sector.

I always try and make myself accessible to my colleagues, the broker community and borrowers.

Strong lines of communication cannot be underestimated.

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

A good attitude, self-confidence and the ability to think outside the box.

The bridging industry is underpinned by decades of experience and individuals who have been exposed to all of the different types of lending opportunities.

The odd battle scar will only serve us well in the long run.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

An optimist.

What did you want to be as a child?

A dancer. I was fortunate enough to dance at Blackpool as a child (if you know, you know).

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

Bridging is incredibly fast-paced and the market tends to yearn for on-the-spot decision-making.

I feel that now we are in a period where we should perhaps take time to truly evaluate every potential opportunity and try to look at where we feel the market will be in 6-12 months.

Our focus is to ensure that the decisions we make today are the right decisions for us as the lender but more importantly the right decision for the borrower. This is where past experience is key.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My children make me laugh and cry in equal measure.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

If I am doing the school run then perhaps, but with regards to work absolutely not.

I feel fortunate to have a job I enjoy and within an industry that offers so much. What we do is challenging at the best of times but equally rewarding.

There is an excitement to what the week ahead will throw at you.

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

To have the ability to switch off from work; I can sometimes allow it to be all-consuming.

That is borne out of past roles and some of the wonderful characters I have worked with and for.

If you could have been a fly on the wall when I have been on past holidays you will often have been exposed to the many dressing-downs I have received from my partner for working when I am supposed to be on holiday.

My argument has always been it’s this work that pays for these holidays (this never goes down well).

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

George Best, but only if it could be the 28-year old version of myself and not the 40+ me of today – I wouldn’t make it past 8pm!

I have two football pictures in my house: Gazza (the best English player ever) and one of George Best sat on a bench in a shop he owned in Sale where I live. He was at the height of his fame and footballing prowess at that time.