The Five Minute Interview with Zuhair Mirza, Principal, Avamore Capital

By Tony Sanchez 28th March 2018

Avamore Capital is a special situations lender that provides loans to property traders, property developers, property investors, and other property entrepreneurs.

Loan sizes are between £0.5m and £10m with larger loans possible in conjunction with its partners.

Avamore Capital provides a flexible approach, quick feedback and very fast drawdown, subject to due diligence.

We speak to principal, Zuhair Mirza:

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

I find it dynamic and entrepreneurial, those two tend to go hand-in-hand. At Avamore in particular, we’re relationship focused and sometimes lend in slightly unusual or complicated situations, which means we’re often looking to finding solutions to issues.

What keeps you focused?

I get a real kick out of completing a loan!

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

I think being motivated, proactive and a problem solver is vital in our company. Our borrowers and introducers rely on us to deliver for them on important transactions.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I think I’m an optimist but I think through what a pessimistic scenario might look like.

What did you want to be as a child?

An air force pilot, but I soon realised I don’t deal well with heights.

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

I think we’re going to see a slower market which will mean the same amount (or potentially more) debt capital will be chasing fewer deals.

That dynamic could lead to significant pressure on the lending industry.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I find Michael McIntyre very entertaining.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all!

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