The Five Minute Interview with Sam Howard, Managing Director, Magnet Capital

By Tony Sanchez 4th June 2020

Magnet Capital are a specialist provider of development finance. Their team has decades of experience in working on development finance facilities and offer unparalleled five star service for both brokers and clients.

We speak to managing director, Sam Howard:

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

I know it sounds trite, but it is knowing we are helping to build high quality houses in the areas that people need them.

We have a structural shortage of housing in this country and providing funds for SME housebuilders is crucial, if we are ever going to build enough houses.

What keeps you focused?

Knowing that I have a team of colleagues, that for the most part, I have worked with for many years and wanting them to work in a happy and thriving business.

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

Drive and determination and a willingness to help each other. Having worked for a number of years in large city law firms, the concept of everyone out for themselves has never appealed.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

What did you want to be as a child?

I watched a lot of LA Law when I was younger, so I wanted to be a lawyer – turns out the reality is nothing like on television.

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

The effects of COVID 19 on the economy and society, when the dust settles and the Government turns off the funding taps, that it will surely have to.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Seinfeld, Curb your Enthusiasm, basically anything that has Larry David involved.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No, running a business means I can’t wait to get back into the office. Weirdly, I have some of my best thoughts whilst shaving on the weekend.

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

Well my wife would say that she wishes that I look like Brad Pitt!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

As a lifelong Manchester United fan, it would probably be dinner with Alex Ferguson. Also I reckon a few beers with the England Rugby Union coach Eddie Jones would be entertaining.