‘We pride ourselves on offering bespoke solutions for every client’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Chris Roscoe, Business Development Manager – Northern Regions at Alternative Bridging Corporation.

Chris Roscoe is the Business Development Manager for Northern Regions at Alternative Bridging Corporation, a specialist lender providing innovative property finance solutions.

Chris has over 12 years of experience in financial services, having held senior roles at NatWest, Amicus Finance, Kingsley Asset Finance, Seneca Bridging and A Shade Greener Finance, where he was a Relationship Director.

His extensive expertise spans bridging, development, commercial finance, and real estate lending.

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

It’s such a dynamic industry, and what I love most is that no two deals are ever the same.

At Alternative Bridging Corporation, we pride ourselves on offering bespoke solutions for every client, whether it’s a bridging loan for a quick auction purchase or a term loan to stabilise cash flow.

Every case comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities, which certainly keeps things exciting.

What keeps you focused?

Being a BDM is all about building and maintaining relationships with introducers.

Keeping them informed and delivering responsive, quick service are all critical.

At Alternative Bridging, we aim to make the process as smooth as possible with our streamlined application process and fast decision-making.

Balancing new cases, meetings, and live applications can be a juggling act, but having a supportive team and clear priorities definitely keeps me on track.

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

A welcoming and collaborative culture is key.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve settled in so well at Alternative Bridging —everyone is incredibly friendly and ready to lend a hand.

It’s a company that values its people, and that comes through in everything we do, whether it’s assisting clients with complex financial challenges or working together as a team.

How do you support brokers with complex cases?

We understand that every client’s needs are different.

Whether it’s a residential bridging loan for a time-sensitive purchase or development finance for a ground-up project, I believe this approach sets us apart.

We’re also known for our speed, and our processes are designed to provide quick access to funds, which is often invaluable for clients.

Our flexible products, such as refurbishment loans for both light and heavy projects, our Alternative Overdraft and Term loans, give brokers the tools they need to deliver personalised solutions for their clients.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely an optimist—the glass is always half full!

In this industry, having a positive outlook is essential, especially when you’re handling complex cases or if you encounter unexpected hurdles.

What did you want to be as a child?

I always wanted to be a lawyer, just like my dad. While I didn’t follow that path, I think the problem-solving skills and analytical thinking that attracted me to law have served me well in finance.

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

The financial sector always has its challenges, particularly during uncertain economic times.

That said, I’ve found that the bridging and development finance sector tends to thrive even when other areas of the mortgage market are struggling.

At Alternative Bridging, our flexibility and ability to adapt to clients’ needs are real strengths in helping traverse these challenges.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I love comedy that’s rooted in real life. People who don’t take themselves too seriously and can laugh at the everyday absurdities always put a smile on my face.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all! Sure, a longer weekend wouldn’t hurt, but I’m fortunate to work for a company like Alternative Bridging that truly cares about its staff and operates in an industry I’m passionate about.

For anyone who does dread Mondays, my advice is to consider a change—it’s so important to enjoy what you do because it impacts your overall well-being.

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

I’d love to be better at saving money!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Peter Kay. I bumped into him once at an ice cream parlour in Chorley, and he was absolutely hilarious.

I’d love to sit down for a proper chat over dinner—he’s such a brilliant storyteller.

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