The Five Minute Interview with Laurence Goodman, Managing Director, Bridgebank Capital

By Tony Sanchez 22nd November 2011

Bridgebank Capital are one of the UK’s leading property finance lenders in the area of Bridging and Short Term property finance, specialising in residential and commercial property transactions.

We speak to their managing director, Laurence Goodman:

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

Not an easy question to answer and a sarcastic flip may not go down too well , so I’ll pass on this one !

What keeps you focussed?

An in built driven desire to be successful and return valued rewards for my investors, employees and family

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

Hunger, enthusiasm, professionalism, intelligence and integrity

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist

What did you want to be as a child?

Like all kids a Professional Footballer and I played to quite a high standard at Schoolboy level. As a teenager, and still now, I wanted to be a professional rock guitarist. I’ve played semi professionally since I was 14 yrs old and still play regularly even now; many of my pals are full time professional session musicians.

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

There’s an ongoing battle to ensure Lenders play by the rules ! Unfortunately some of the alleged new “lenders” cropping up may not prove to be a good advert for the sector !

Who or what makes you laugh?

My current favourite is Karl Pilkington from An Idiot Abroad – pure gold ! The man just says and does what we all think but aren’t brave enough to say it !

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Never; only the final whistle on Match days if Man United haven’t won ! We have the added problem in our office that I employ a few scousers and a very bitter and twisted Man City fan !

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

I need to be more tolerant and laid back. Unfortunately my enthusiasm and passion is often misconstrued as aggression, and my mouth can often get me in trouble !

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Eric Clapton; most of the other great guitarists are Dead !