The Five Minute Interview with Sonia Shortland, Managing Director, Apex Bridging

By Tony Sanchez 27th August 2019

Apex Bridging was established six years ago, joining the successful portfolio of companies within HBB Relocations Limited.

Their team and directors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in property and lending. This gives the business the confidence to lend on value and not purchase price.

Apex Bridging have enhanced the reputation of the business and the bridging sector in general . They have achieved this through their commitment to their stakeholder model and its focus on collaboration, communication and education.

Their mission and background reinforces their integrity in a market that now has a growing reputation for quality options for short-term funding.

We speak to managing director, Sonia Shortland:

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

Everyone says the same thing here, because it’s true. Every day is different in Apex Bridging, each property, each borrower, each broker, and it’s the individual cases that keep us all excited and enthusiastic.

One minute we are looking at a beautiful farmhouse with planning, and the next we are excited about a 2-bed terrace that is in the most horrific condition, with huge potential.

What keeps you focused?

Seeing the progress, month on month, building the team, growing the book, and making sure we all have the same drive.

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

It really sparks my attention when someone has a passion, be it a hobby or something work related. I look for drive and ambition, but without being overconfident.

It is essential that whoever works in the company doesn’t take themselves too seriously and can work well with others.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

It depends on the day! Overall, I try to be optimistic, I will always dig out best bits of a situation, rather than dwell on the bad. I’m a realist, the pessimism keeps my feet on the ground.

What did you want to be as a child?

It’s sad to say but I always wanted to work in a bank, or be Mary Poppins, I was obsessed with her umbrella, and can probably still remember all the words to a spoonful of sugar!

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

It is no surprise to anyone that Brexit will be the biggest challenge in the next few months. The uncertainty means that we will all have our feet on the brake a little longer.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My boyfriend makes me laugh every day. I tend to be that awful person that laughs when someone trips up the stairs or falls over!!!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Never, as much as I adore the weekends with my boys I never dread coming into work. Not only do I love my job, but my work colleagues are fabulous.

We all share the same ambition to make Apex Bridging even more amazing, and regularly have a giggle at the same time.

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

I overthink when making very difficult decisions. Experience has shown me that I should just go with my gut, but sometimes trusting it, is difficult to do.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Claudia Winkleman! Odd, I know. I have a huge love of her humour, and after a hard week at work, I love nothing more than winding down with my sarcastic friends and neighbours.

Claudia would fit in perfectly. We also have a shared passion for the darts.