The Five Minute Interview with Dave Humphrey, Sales Executive, Commercial Mortgages, Shawbrook Bank

By Tony Sanchez 5th April 2013

Shawbrook is a specialist savings and lending bank that offers a straightforward, no-nonsense alternative to the high street.

In August 2012 Shawbrook announced it had broken even less than a year since it launched.

We speak to Sales Executive, Commercial Mortgages, Dave Humphrey:

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

I’m always looking at different cases and tasks each day. I’m proud of the support we offer to our brokers and it’s great to see people achieve their property goals through what we do at Shawbrook.

What keeps you focused?

Knowing that I can help brokers support their clients to expand their portfolio. We work hard to add real value to an application and the input we have can see a deal make it across the line.

That’s a great feeling to keep you focused.

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

I would say having integrity, taking a pragmatic approach to everything and being enthusiastic.

For us, brokers are at the centre of our business and that needs to come across when we talk to them. They should be able to tell that their case is the only thing on our mind when we speak to them.

Are you an optimist or pessimist?

That’s really difficult to say. My job is half sales and half assessment of risk so I have to be both.

I’m optimistic about wanting to lend and I am really enthusiastic about each deal but I don’t want to waste a broker’s time if a deal isn’t right for Shawbrook.

I have to be a realist in those cases and brokers appreciate that honesty.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be a PE teacher but I realised that I would struggle to keep up with the youngsters as I got older!

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

I think it is the exit by major banks who are rehousing their lending, however I see this a great opportunity for the Specialist banks to fill the gap.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Anything funny makes me laugh. It doesn’t take a lot really, I have a really diverse sense of humour. We are a close team at Shawbrook and always mix hard work with a lot of laughs.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Since working at Shawbrook I can honestly say that I don’t anymore. I know that sounds like something most people would say but it’s really true.

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

I would be 20 years younger. Well, I would be as fit as I was then but I would take all the knowledge I have now back with me.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Tom Hanks. I think he’s a great actor and has had some great roles. I also think he has a great sense of humour so I hope that would make for an entertaining dinner.