The Five Minute Interview with Chris Little, Managing Director, BEP Systems

By Tony Sanchez 20th February 2019

BEP Systems, the financial services software house, provide solutions for lenders and their Apprivo2 customisable platform can handle commercial lending, bridging finance, second charges, Shariah compliant mortgages as well as online customer and broker portals.

We speak to managing director, Chris Little:

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

In the last few years bridging finance has evolved and grown dramatically. As the managing director of a technology company serving this space, we have innovated to keep pace with the market demands to serve our clients.

Whilst bridging finance was once a specialist product, it is now being used more widely in investments made across the UK with more frequency.

Customers now recognise that they can apply for short-term loans and are utilising the funding to benefit their property transactions and also their businesses. BEP are benefiting from this move in the market and we are growing as a result.

What keeps you focused?

BEP’s customers keep me focused! They are demanding and expect the best from their chosen technology partners.

It’s important that we deliver a great service whilst also keeping an eye on the future and innovating to stay ahead of the game – this is a constant challenge requiring my attention.

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

Simple – hard work, focus on the important issues, commitment to the cause and a good level of communication with the rest of the team. Usually, those assets make for a very good employee. It’s not rocket science.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m clearly an optimist or I wouldn’t have started BEP! I believe every challenge can be overcome if you follow the rules above.

What did you want to be as a child?

Sorry – I don’t have an original answer here. I used to walk the dog with my mum and all she ever says was I wanted to be rich, possibly via being property developer – but IT will do.

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

I think that the biggest challenge is probably going to be the lack of skilled people available.

The market is currently growing fast but it’s quite a specialist industry and I’m not sure there are that many skilled people with the right experience available for the newer entrants to recruit.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Michael McIntyre – hilarious

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No not really – every day is a Monday when you run your own business!

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

I’d like to have a super power – the ability to go to sleep on demand – I’m a terrible sleeper unfortunately.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Roger Federer – legend.