The Five Minute Interview with David Hughes, Finance Director, Signature Private Finance

By Bridging Loan Directory 30th September 2015

Signature Private Finance is a well-funded principal lender offering market leading rates.

A flat management structure facilitates quick decisions and certainty of delivery.

We speak to finance director David Hughes:

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

Filling the finance gap and providing the funds to help unlock the development potential of properties across the UK, to keep the sector moving

What keeps you focussed?

The market and its current fluidity – there’s a lot of optimism right across the sector for projects of all size and complexity.

This requires us to constantly review and refine our product offering to better reflect the needs of clients and prospects alike.

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

A good mix of skills. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but by recognising these and recruiting the right individuals, we ensure we have a balanced team, able to cope with any deal we’re presented.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m optimistically pessimistic – I always look on the bright side, but assume it will go wrong.

What did you want to be as a child?

I was always fascinated by my toy money as a child, so my leaning towards accountancy came as no surprise to my parents.

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

The market moving towards becoming regulated and the challenge this poses to everyone in the industry; brokers and lenders.

The call for regulation of all types of lending appears to be gathering momentum, with the Financial Conduct Authority implementing a universal set of standards and principles that will ultimately see bridging become more like residential lending.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Michael McIntyre, although predicting the vagaries of the property market comes a close second.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No, I welcome the new challenges they bring.

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

I’d like to give up smoking.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Golfer Rory McIlroy and I’d expect some great stories along with a free lesson.