I have been working in the financial services industry since I was 18, and have been with Shawbrook Bank since its inception under that name in 2011. I was working for Commercial First when it joined forces with Whiteaway Laidlaw Bank and Link Loans, and more recently Singers Asset Finance, to become the Shawbrook we know today. The various colleagues who have joined us in the 18 months since then have strengthened the team even further – each new person brings different experiences to the mix and this, I think, is one of the things that keep us fresh and forward-looking.
I find it genuinely exciting to be working for a bank that is at this early stage of its development, because it has such potential for growth and is dedicated to developing its employees. Everyone here has the opportunity to help shape Shawbrook’s future, and the whole team is united in wanting the bank to be successful - making it a stimulating and fast-paced environment in which to operate.
There’s certainly never a dull moment.
On a day to day basis my role involves underwriting and approving mortgage applications for our brokers - owning each case through to completion. As Senior Lending Manager, providing support to other members of the team is also an important part of my role, and one that I really enjoy. This teamwork extends beyond the Commercial Mortgages division to our interaction with our network of brokers.
Brokers really do complete the picture for us here at Shawbrook. All our commercial lending business is submitted through them, so supporting them – and always being on hand to talk things through– makes up a large portion of my daily routine. The brokers trust us to deliver on our word and this is not a responsibility we take lightly. That’s not to say that every deal is a ‘yes’, but we always review each deal individually on its own merits and do our utmost to reach a decision speedily.
It’s for this reason that as a team we look for real drive, determination and a strong work ethic in our colleagues – both current and potential, as we’re looking to expand the lending team at the moment. Shawbrook is committed to delivering on its word. We publish our service-level-agreements and work hard to stick to them, which means being open, quick and dedicated.
Above all the team is committed to continuing to deliver the personal service that characterises us. Because we underwrite mortgage applications on a case-by-case basis, a lot of my day is spent understanding clients’ models, backgrounds and financial requirements in order to reach the best decision for all parties. I am passionate about this personal approach, both in relation to Shawbrook’s clients and to my colleagues. No one is too important to take time out to help another member of the team when they need it. We are a friendly company and we all believe in the team. This is what makes Shawbrook such a great place to work. It’s hard graft but the job satisfaction is incalculable.
