‘We have such strong people and it really shows in how we work together’

By Tony Sanchez 7th December 2023

Ortus Secured Finance is a principal lender providing residential and commercial bridging loans throughout the UK.

They have offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast, giving them the local market knowledge and physical presence to make quick decisions.

Ortus pride themselves on reliability. Since they were established in 2013, they have consistently supported brokers regardless of economic and political events.

Tony Sanchez speaks to Business Development Manager for Scotland and the North East, Chris Pallis.

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

Being able to hear a broker call me with a pessimistic view of a deal they have and to be able to turn round and say “100% yes, all day long”.

Every lender has their areas where we offer something others don’t and Ortus really excel in complex client structures, like SIPP’s, trusts, foreign companies and owners.

So I do love those moments when the broker is a bit shocked at how big a yes I can deliver.

What keeps you focused?

Coffee, lots of coffee.

On a more serious note, it’s all about delivery and reacting quickly to any issues that arise on deals and coming up with workable solutions.

Almost every deal I come across has an urgency to it, so being on top of this is so important.

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

Their tastes in coffee so that I can figure out if I’m willing to drink one they might make for me.

At Ortus I am so impressed by our team’s experience and knowledge of the industry, it makes handling strange quirks that crop up on deals quick and thorough.

We have such strong people and it really shows in how we work together.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist, if the glass is half full then I have room to fill it more.

What did you want to be as a child?

Formula 1 driver, at 41 I am a year younger than Fernando Alonso and he is still showing the younger drivers who’s boss so time for me yet!

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

The higher interest rate market we are in is having a big effect on investment property, rental yields no longer affording the loan sizes of a lower rate market.

This means that Ortus who can structure loans part serviced via rental income and part retained to cover shortfalls are in a position to help during this challenging environment.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My 20 year old son, he’s generally quite hilarious.

And every time one of my team members from our Northern Ireland office say “dead on” which seems to translate to an end of conversation statement along the lines of “good stuff”.