The Five Minute Interview with Tom Branson, Director, Charterbank

By Tony Sanchez 4th August 2020

Trusted principal lenders of fast, short-term, non-status property finance. Charterbank specialises in small facilities for bridging and development ranging from £30,000 – £500,000 with larger requirements considered.

We speak to director, Tom Branson:

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

I know this has been said before, but for me, it has to be the overall day-to-day diversity – in terms of the cases that we receive, the broker contacts that I engage with (many of whom have become friends over the years) and the interactions I have with our diverse range of borrowers.

What keeps you focused?

My inherent desire not to stand still, continuing to build on and promote our niche.

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

It has to be trust and reliability. A strapline that we use regularly is: “trusted principal lenders” which is the backbone of who we are and what we do – so it makes sense that this philosophy starts with our employees.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Without doubt, out of the two, I am an optimist, but if you were to let me provide a bespoke answer I would say that I am an optimist but a realist.

What did you want to be as a child?

There were, of course, many musings, however the one that springs to mind the most was the idea of being an Architect. However, I think I realised that this may not hold my interest for long!