The Five Minute Interview with James Moore, Consultant, Regentsmead

By Tony Sanchez 6th March 2013

Regentsmead is a privately owned development finance lender and has been involved in property development as a provider of specialist financing services since 1934.

We speak to consultant, James Moore:

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

Regentsmead !! – we are self funded, not reliant on bank funding or private investors. 100% of the capital we lend comes from our property assets. BEAUTIFUL !

What keeps you focused?

Our brokers and clients. There is a real demand for our service in the development sector, we are writing record levels of business with incredibly talented builders and developers that have been refused funding for reasons beyond comprehension.

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

Hard working, honest and willing to listen to our clients/ brokers. For us this is the key to our success. Without this we can’t provide the 1^st class service.

Are you an optimist or pessimist?

Always optimistic ! There is always a positive opportunity even in a negative situation if you really look for it.

What did you want to be as a child?

A professional footballer. Unfortunately I had little pace and wasn’t strong or big enough but I did play competitively up until my mid 30’s. Still play the odd game now, I love it !

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

Professionalism!

Development Finance needs to be transparent. Too many clients come to us battered and bruised. If a deal does not fit terms – be honest, why this can’t be done at the outset is mystifying ! A quick NO is always better in the long run.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Only Fools and Horses or The Pink Panther films with Peter Sellers – Genius

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Thankfully I genuinely love what I do so I look forward to each and every day. I come to work because it is not a chore for me.

There is nothing quite like the sound of phones ringing off the hook……..our products are in demand and it’s our duty to provide our service to as many people as we can.

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

Stop smoking ! Shocking habit that needs to be dealt with.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Nelson Mandela. To have suffered like he did and not to carry resentment towards others is incredible. An amazing human being !