I started Intelligent Loans with Rob Coles in January 2005; we studied together at Swansea University in 1995. We then both worked for HBOS and met up again at a second charge lender and decided we should do something together.

So my background is predominantly in finance, a bit of insurance to begin with, followed by commercial lending at the Bank of Scotland, then second charge lending and finally Intelligent Loans.

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

Not sure really, I suppose something sports related, I’m sure my mum’s got some stories about me wanting to be a lorry driver and a market trader, selling fruit and veg.

B&C: As a teenager?

Not too sure really, I don’t think I was thinking about anything like that... I was playing sport, thinking about sport. Perhaps a PE teacher, I was all set to study sports science but studied economics in the end.

B&C: Why?

Well I did much better in my A levels than I expected, or at least better than my teachers expected...

3. What would you be doing now if you weren’t working as a packager?

I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing this... I’d like to be a professional golfer, a professional sportsman of some sort...

B&C: Rugby or football?

Rugby definitely, football’s for girls.

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

Getting deals paid out. Getting the deals paid out, as simple as that. Doesn’t matter what it takes, it’s the end result that counts I think.

The worst thing? Not being able to switch off, I’m always thinking about work and deals.

5. What trends have you noticed within the bridging industry over the last 12 months?

Competition and new entrants. New faces and new brands, which has shaken things up. Lenders are also actively seeking business. Service has also improved.

As for the next 12 months, I think there will be a few more bridging companies moving into medium term finance, some have done this already and have started offering buy-to-let finance. So we may see a little more of that, due to the fact that high street lending is still pretty constrained.

6. Who do you fancy off the telly?

To be honest, I don’t pay too much attention to stars and celebrities, can you name some and I’ll pick one out?

B&C: Errr... Cheryl Cole, Kiera Knightly? Joanna Lumley?

No, not Joanna Lumley. Abbey Clancey.

7. What’s your favourite book and film?

I don’t read full stop.

B&C: Really? What, never?

No. My favourite film is The Usual Suspects; I particularly think Kevin Spacey is a top actor.

8. If your life was a TV show what would it be?

Shooting Stars. 

B&C: Really? Is that even still on?

It is! There’s a new series started on BBC two.

B&C: Err right, OK, why is your life like shooting stars?

Eh? It’s not like Shooting Stars, Oooooh I thought you meant my favourite!!! I misheard you; my life isn’t like Shooting Stars at all! I don’t know.... can I get back to you on that one?

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

I think it would be to heal or cure sick children.

[B&C swoons slightly]

Public transport. I just don’t like public transport, I’m pretty impatient: I’ve a particular dislike for Cardiff buses [B&C senses the truth coming out here] they tried and nearly run me over twice.

B&C: Are you sure it wasn’t one particular driver who’s got it in for you?

Laughing No, I hope not...