The Five Minute Interview with Gina May, Co-founder and Director of Operations, VAS Group

By Tony Sanchez 16th May 2018

VAS Group consists of three separate divisions, all of which are designed to simplify the entire valuations process.

VAS Panel provides a full valuation panel management service which ensures the most relevant companies are instructed based on location, deal type and value; VAS Software is a cloud-based valuation panel management system, which allows lenders to effectively build and manage their own valuation panels; VAS Audit provides live and retrospective auditing to reduce property specific lending risks and ensure high standards.

We speak to co-founder and director of operations at VAS Group, Gina May:

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

I love working in a fast-paced environment, and I love the people. We have invested heavily in technology and efficiency, however there will always be a need to speak to customers on a daily basis in order to make things happen.

What keeps you focused?

Providing excellent customer service and making sure we provide our panel valuation reports to our lenders within the agreed times, all to the best of our ability.

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

We are like a family who all support, help and encourage each other in order to consistently improve our skills, which ultimately results in a better experience for our customers.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I would say a little bit of both. I am optimistic given the excellent business we have built, our employees and the potential for the business, but I do not take things for granted and I know that we have to work hard in order to improve and grow still further.

What did you want to be as a child?

I’ve always loved the water and swimming, especially in the sea. My favourite film for years was Splash, so you won’t be surprised to hear I wanted to be a mermaid!

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

Delivering speedy completions, controlling quality and minimising risks throughout the application chain during what is predicted to be a period of massive growth for short-term finance.

One of these areas is valuations, this is where VAS Panel and VAS Audit come into their own.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Everyone at #TeamVAS. Never a dull moment. Also Tom Hanks, referenced before and more on him in a moment……

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not now that I own my own business, I constantly enjoy being back around my friends and colleagues and sharing the amazing growth we are witnessing. Every day is different, and I love what I do.

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

Taking work home and struggling to switch off.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Forrest Gump! A man who has had an amazing, varied life but still manages to care deeply about people. Also, another awesome Tom Hanks film!