In addition to celebrating the Association’s progress achieved thus far and what the future holds for the AOBP, two very important appointments were made, one of which is that of the new Chairman, Jonathan Newman.
Jonathan, who is senior partner at Brightstone Law LLP and has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, has been an Executive Committee member from the beginning and has acted as the legal expert on the board. Former Chairman, Sidney Cohen, will remain on the committee as an Executive Director.
Sidney commented:
“This brings me to the end of my one year term as chairman of the AOBP and I am very proud to have been the first in the seat.
"It is my pleasure to hand over the chair to someone I have known for a great number of years and who will, without a shadow of a doubt, benefit not only the AOBP but everyone involved in bridging.
"Jonathan has the ability to raise the bar far higher and I wish him the best of luck.”
On behalf of the Committee members, Craig Scott, director at Commercial 1 and Press Officer for the Association, said:
“I would like to thank Sidney for his contribution and assistance as Chairman during the AOBP’s first year of business.
"Sidney will be handing over the reins to Jonathan Newman, who has been a real inspiration, using his knowledge and experience to help the association move forward as a recognised and reputable trade body. We look forward to working with Jonathan over the coming year.”
Speaking for the first time as Chairman, Jonathan said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to chair the committee for the next year. Sidney Cohen has done a fantastic job over the last year, and I shall try to build on his work.
"The AOBP is now well established as a significant voice, network and forum for all professionals in the bridging loan industry.
"With that comes a responsibility to both inform, and have a “say” for all members, which will be listened to, whether that be with other trade associations, regulators or commercial connections.
"The Association has already produced a borrower information booklet for use by members, which offers enhanced transparency in bridging loan transactions, and engaged with the FSA and ASTL. Other exciting initiatives are planned for 2011/2012.”
The other motion which was unanimously passed during the meeting is the appointment of new Executive Committee member, Simon Juniper of Only Bridging. He replaces Danny Waters on the committee, keeping the distributor representation on the board at eight members.
Jonathan Newman said:
“Simon Juniper is an exciting addition to the committee. He has been elected due to his sheer dedication, status and popularity within the bridging finance industry. I am confident that he will do great work in moving the Association forward.”
Only Bridging is a Hertfordshire-based master brokerage and Simon brings with him over 20 years’ worth of experience within financial services.
He commented:
“Having heard about my appointment to the Executive Committee, I was honoured and delighted to accept the invitation to join such a prestigious group of people, especially as all the members on the committee are leading industry figures with whom I am truly delighted to be associated.
"The association is growing and is now recognised as playing an important part in acting as a trade body to help promote the bridging industry and assist all who work within it. I am sure that being a part of the committee will enable me to help them with their mission statement.”
Craig Scott said:
“Simon joins with a wealth of experience, from his days of running First National Bank branches to owning and running a very successful brokerage. Simon will add professionalism, passion and plenty of desire to the association.”
The AOBP is hosting its Annual General Meeting on October 6, to which all members of all tiers are invited.
