The Five Minute Interview with Sarah Bennett, Business Development Manager, The Bridging Group

By Tony Sanchez 16th July 2020

The Bridging Group launched with the sole aim to provide bespoke, non-regulated short-term finance for the UK property market.

Their funding is via their own private finance as well as institutional funds.

Using their own funds gives them an edge and shows that they are happy to put their own commitment into the deals they are lending on.

We speak to business development manager, Sarah Bennett:

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

The speed of how quickly everything happens – you can go from enquiry to completion within a matter of days.

When I worked in term mortgages, the turnaround from enquiry to completion was 3 to 6 months!

What keeps you focused?

I want to be successful and I want the company to be too. The Bridging Group has already made such an impact in the short time it has been around and there are only bigger & better things to come!

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

Teamwork is key! As I was new to bridging in September 2019, I spent a lot of the first month asking questions, I never wanted to feel that I was annoying anyone by doing this.

I love how we all have the same ethics – to work hard & make the company successful!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely an optimist! It must be very draining being pessimistic. I like to count my blessings every day & realise how lucky I am. I try to instill this into my children too.

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be a Nurse, I had a toy doctor’s kit and would make my sister pretend to have accidents so I could administer First Aid!

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

Confidence for the funders and valuers. The property market has been extremely busy since lockdown started easing so the supply and demand is there.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I have a whatsapp group with 12 of my friends – I can guarantee that one of the messages or photos that get sent daily will make me giggle!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all! I make sure I start the week off the right way by getting up early & exercising. I then feel more prepared to face whatever the week brings.

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

I wish I was more artistic. The children ask me to help with art projects & I have no idea where to start!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I just finished reading ‘Lady in Waiting’ written by Lady Anne Glenconner – she was Princess Margaret’s Lady in Waiting for many years and had the most interesting life.

I have so many questions I would like to ask her.