The Five Minute Interview with Harry Hodell, Senior Originator, Fiduciam

By Bridging Loan Directory 10th August 2018

Fiduciam is a pension-fund owned bridging and marketplace lender to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Granting business bridge loans to provide working capital or to finance expansion plans, standard rental loans to landlords who wish to extend their real estate portfolio and permitted development loans, to contractors and developers for straightforward construction projects.

With its flexible, efficient and competitive approach to lending it helps small and medium sized businesses grow and prosper.

We speak to senior originator, Harry Hodell:

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

We work in such a fast-paced environment and have to work quickly to find solutions for people in different circumstances, with varied needs.

It’s the speed at which we have to work to find those solutions that I really enjoy, and making a real impact for clients is extremely rewarding.

What keeps you focused?

The task at hand. I’m always looking for continuous improvement and think outside the box to get the best results for our clients.

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

Whilst it is important to have intelligent, driven and entrepreneurial colleagues who are willing to continue improving; I think enthusiasm and resolve to complete tasks to the highest of standards, are invaluable to any employee’s success within the industry.

It also helps if people don’t take themselves too seriously!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

An optimist. Well, more precisely a ‘cautious’ optimist. I always lean towards optimism but try not to get overexcited without looking at the detail first.

What did you want to be as a child?

Anything involving sport. I loved any kind of sport, but my dream was to be a professional rugby player.

I did okay and was lucky enough to run out at Twickenham a few years back; fulfilling one of my childhood ambitions.

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

Without trying to sound like a broken record, the political uncertainty in the UK at the moment has contributed to some skepticism within the UK property market, especially in London and SouthEast.

So ensuring that lending policy is carefully monitored will be increasingly important to lenders. In addition we are seeing more alternative lenders launching all the time, so products will continue to become more specialised and the borrower’s experience should continue to improve in an effort to gain an edge over ones’ competitors.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Much to the dismay of my friends and colleagues, myself- I find my own jokes much too funny.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No, not at all. I work with great people and I always see Monday as another day to get on and find the next potential opportunity.

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

I can sometimes get fixated on certain tasks. So, it would be good to be able to let go, every now and then.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

It would have to be the people who matter most to me; my family and friends. I have a wonderful partner, 9 siblings and have amassed a number of superb friends over the years so getting everyone around the dinner table at the same time would be great. Difficult, but great.