In this edition Sarah Woolf, regional BDM, commercial mortgages, North East, Shawbrook Bank is under the spotlight.
How many brokers do you see in a week?
I cover a large geographic region for Shawbrook Commercial which stretches from the England/Scotland border to Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, so the number of brokers I see varies from week to week. I like to see three brokers a day, where possible.
What issues come up time and time again?
The common issues we face on a daily basis centre around the client’s expectation of the value of their property. Our brokers play a vital role in helping to ensure that these expectations are realistic from the outset.
Favourite part of your job?
I am passionate about the job that I do and feel very privileged to work for such a progressive lender. My favourite part of the job, by far, is building on the relationships that I have with my brokers and helping them to ensure the best outcome for their clients.
Biggest challenge?
We are all facing the challenge of regulation and changes to the authorisation required to carry out credit broking. We’re embracing the new regulatory landscape and are committed to supporting our brokers through the transition.
Strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
I am asked strange questions every day in this job – that’s what keeps me on my toes.
What do you wish brokers understood about your job?
I like to think that the brokers on my panel understand the job that I do and the part that I can play in helping them get to grips with our products and process. Whilst I am not mandated, I can assist them in presenting the case to Shawbrook in a way that will help our underwriters make sense of the application and make the client’s journey with us as smooth as possible.
Last film you saw at the cinema?
Planes 2 with my two children.
Least favourite sport?
Golf without a doubt – although where there is golf there is often a spa, which is much more my cup of tea!
Current mobile phone?
iPhone 5s
Favourite biscuit?
Custard cream – my children have to hide the biscuit barrel from me.
