We ask BDMs up and down the country for their answers to the following 10 questions. In this edition Antonia Murphy, Leeds Building Society BDM for the central and east Midlands, is under the spotlight.
How many brokers do you see in a week?
This varies on a week-by-week basis – usually up to 16. It depends on how many days I’m on the road that week and the location of the meetings.
What issues come up time and time again?
Inability to assist when applicants have changed their self-employment status from sole trader to partnership or limited company within the last two years and want to use both types of income.
Unfortunately we can only assess it on their most recent status and need a minimum of two years’ accounts, even if the business or business type is the same.
Favourite part of your job?
All of it. I love the variety of each day: meeting brokers face to face and helping them to develop their business; answering queries on lending policy and helping iron out problems with ongoing cases; and analysing the figures and researching the market for future opportunities.
Biggest challenge?
Responding to high volumes of messages and emails on a daily basis, particularly when in meetings.
Strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
What’s my favourite biscuit!
What do you wish brokers understood about your job?
There are a couple of things – firstly, BDMs get a very high level of calls and emails to respond to on a daily basis so it can be difficult to get back to brokers within their specified time frame.
Secondly, it’s not me who sets the lending policy.
Last film you saw at the cinema?
I enjoy watching movies but don’t get to the cinema as often as I would like. The last film I saw was Gravity in 3D.
Least favourite sport?
I am a keen sports fan and enjoy watching most sports. My least favourite is probably sailing.
Current mobile phone?
I have two – an iPhone 4s for work and a Samsung Galaxy S4 for personal use.
Favourite biscuit?
I’m partial to a Bourbon cream.
