The Five Minute Interview with Joel Lea, Underwriter, Bath and West Finance

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Joel Lea Bath and west finance

Bath and West Finance provides bridging and development finance as principle lenders to intermediaries in the south-west.

The management team have considerable experience in short term lending and provide certainty of decisions, competitive rates and procuration fees.

We speak to underwriter, Joel Lea:

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

For me the best things about this business are no two days are the same, we are helping clients achieve their goals and you are constantly learning every day.

What keeps you focused?

Coffee and getting deals over the line.

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

Hard working, honesty and a good sense of humour.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist. I try to look for the positives in everything I do.

What did you want to be as a child?

I always wanted to be a pilot or something to do with sport like a coach.

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

I think Brexit, with so much going on there is still no clear answer or indication of what might happen after 29th March.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My two daughters, comedian James Acaster and A League of Their Own.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I used to but I love the challenge and variety each week now brings.

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

I’d love to be able to sing.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I think Will Ferrell, Winston Churchill and Neil Armstrong would make for an interesting evening.