The Five Minute Interview with Georgina Lanario, BDM, Tiuta plc

By Tony Sanchez 31st January 2012

Tiuta is a short-term finance and bridging loan company and was launched in 2003.

Tiuta has experience of working with developers, brokers, one-off buyers and professional investors.

Tiuta aims to offer a Decision-in-Principle within one hour and where necessary make funds available within 24 hours.

Up to 100% finance is available with no hidden costs or redemption charges with monies advanced on the value of the property not the purchase price

We speak to Business Development Manager, Georgina Lanario:

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

No two days are the same and it sometimes feels like you can’t really plan the day ahead.

At first I found this frustrating (I used to be a bit of an organiser and liked to have control) but I have come to realise that it’s sometimes more exciting and interesting to not know what might be around the corner. It’s a cliché but this is genuinely a fast-paced industry to work in.

What keeps you focussed?

I set myself goals and map out what I want to achieve in set spaces of time. I find going to the gym and keeping fit really helps me focus overall and helps deliver on my strong passion for wanting to be successful and making something of my life.

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

Trust, honesty, dedication. I like to work with people who I can expand and develop the business with.

I think it’s great when you can be in a meeting and everyone’s on the same wave length; you’re able to bounce off each other.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I have always been an optimist. I believe in karma. I think you generate your own level of happiness from seeing things in a more positive light.

What did you want to be as a child?

To act or dance. When I was younger I loved the stage and was involved in film and commercial work. It is such a tough industry to break in to though – you need to be in the right place at the right time.

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

Some might say living up to the hype that currently surrounds the marketplace.

Clearly, it’s one of the few success stories in financial services at present and there is a lot of positivity around the sector.

This brings with it a number of considerations not least the fact that new entrants have to be responsible lenders and deliver on their promises.

Our own experience is that funders, brokers, introducers and clients will always want to work with an experienced team who have been there, done it and got the t-shirt.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My family, friends and my boyfriend – if ever I feel down I know I’m only a phone call away to someone who can make me laugh in an instant.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No, not at all. I don’t dread any mornings.

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

To be 5”7. I’m only 2 inches off but for the last four years I have genuinely believed I was 5”7. Could be a few inaccurate forms that I have completed out there.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Victoria Beckham. I know she sometimes gets portrayed in the media badly but as a child I loved the Spice Girls and I think this woman has done remarkably well for herself.

I admire her clothing and design work. If I got the chance to meet her I would have a string of questions to ask.