I started working at United Trust Bank in April this year, so I’ve been here four months now. Before that I spent nine months refurbishing my house – serious DIY.

[On more quizzing about this B&C learns that ‘serious DIY’ is a bit of an understatement, Rob actually rebuilt walls and ceilings in his 150 year old house].

Whilst working on the house I worked independently as a bridging broker, before that I was a BDM for Blemain Group and before that a BDM for a bridging packager.

Before that I was a recruitment consultant and a waiter at TGI Fridays... do you want to see my CV?

2. What did you want to be when you were a kid?

Superman. I thought a lot about it.

B&C: OK, any other dreams and aspirations?

Not really, I just wanted to be rich... I did a paper round.

3. What would you be doing now if you weren’t working in financial services?

I’d like to own and run my own guest house in the Alps. That way I could snowboard during the season and then take the rest of year off when it wasn’t snowing... Otherwise I’d probably still be refurbishing my house.

4. What’s the best thing about your job?

That’s very difficult to choose. I think it would have to be being part of a new division and playing a key role in its development from infancy. It means I’m involved in every element, from sales to operations to products, pricing, website design, it’s brilliant. I’m part of a great team.

The worst thing would have to be the traffic and train delays [Rob commutes from Brighton to London]. I do a lot of travelling, taking the products out to the market and meeting brokers, I love doing this, working on cases, developing relationships, but the traffic can really spoil your day.

5. What trends have you noticed within the bridging industry over the last 12 months and what do you predict to happen over the next 12 months?

There are a lot more quality cases out there, that’s for sure. Mortgage products are still very restricted and there is still a lack of funds which means bridging is attracting mainstream cases. I think the sector will continue to grow, with more lenders and more innovative and specialised products.

6. Who do you fancy off the telly?

Well I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings; I don’t want to offend anybody so I best say a few... Carmen Electra, Heather Graham, Megan Fox… oh and Susan Boyle – all for their singing voices of course.

B&C: Of course.

7. What’s your favourite film?

Maybe True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger? Not deep, not meaningful but a good action comedy. I’m not very good with favourites...

B&C: Tell me some more then...

Kung Fu Hustle, Airplane, Scary Movie, Shawshank Redemption, Blade, Man on Fire...We’re getting into list territory I better stop now.

8. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I climbed Mount Everest.

B&C: No you didn’t.

No I didn’t, but you would have been surprised...

B&C: Hmmm

9. What’s your favourite book and why?

I’m a bit nerdy, are you ready? Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Life by Anthony Robbins. I always feel motivated afterwards... Is that really nerdy? I’m really interested in why people do things, why they behave the way they do. It’s about improving the main aspects of your life in all areas and involves a lot of NLP.

10. If you could have a super power for one day what would it be and why?

To fly, that would feel amazing. I could see the whole world and universe in a day. It would also be fun to tap on the outside of the windows at work and freak everybody out. [United Trust Banks offices are on the 11th Floor]