‘You have to be able to deliver on your promises and reputation is everything’

By

Paul Gavin Alternative Bridging Corporation

Alternative Bridging Corporation is a bridging, development finance and commercial lender, providing loans from £150,000 to £10m.

This year the lender celebrated its 30th birthday, and over the last three decades, it has built its business on strong relationships with intermediaries.

One man responsible for helping to continue to develop those relationships is Business Development Manager, Paul Gavin.

We spoke to him about his role and insights into the market.

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

The best bit about the job has to be meeting new people, seeing new sights and generally having no two days that are the same.

One minute you can be helping a client with a straight-forward regulated bridge that enables them to own their dream home, the next you can be helping to structure a complex development containing multiple units. It’s never a dull day in bridging

What keeps you focused?

Obtaining the best outcome for the brokers and direct clients with whom I work. Within this market, you have to be able to deliver on your promises and reputation is everything.

If you fail to deliver, memories are long, so you need to be 100% focused to make sure the process is simple, straight-forward and as seamless as it can be.

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

There are lots of things you would want from colleagues. A lot comes down to the role they play in the business.

However, fundamentally a can-do attitude, coupled with being able to think outside the box and work proactively are a few of the things I would look for.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist – when one door closes another opens.

I’m a great believer in your life already being mapped out in some way and if it’s meant to be, it will be, just so long as you give every opportunity your all.

Not everything will work out how you want it to but that’s life. Crack on and go again.

What did you want to be as a child?

Police Officer.

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

I think the greatest challenge currently is spiralling inflation and the rising cost of living.

This is going to take its toll on many elements of buying property and its therefore so important for lenders to be sensible about LTVs and underwriting, because careless lending now could lead to serious problems in the future.

Finding that balance will be key.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My kids, the comments they can come out with and their youthful, yet brutal honesty, often at my expense never fails to make me laugh.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No not at all. It sounds like a cliché, but when you enjoy your job, Mondays aren’t dreaded at all.

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

I snore.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Whilst I love my kids, the chance of having a nice meal with Mrs G on our own, with a nice bottle of red on the go would be bliss.

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