Benson was a qualified chartered accountant, and the managing director at bridging lender Cheval, which he joined in 1998. 

He then became the CEO of the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL) in June 2012.

During his tenure there, up until the end of 2019, membership of the ASTL more than doubled, and the industry saw annual bridging completions grow from £885m to more than £4bn.

The reputation of the industry vastly improved under his leadership, in addition to increased representation with the FCA, HM Treasury, and other regulatory bodies.
 
Benson was hugely respected and very well liked, and helped develop several of the bridging leaders we all know well today. 

The news has prompted many who knew him as both a colleague and a friend to pay tribute to Benson, one of the industry’s greatest. 

Mark Posniak, managing director at Octane Capital, reflected on how Benson was his first manager at Cheval, and taught him the ropes.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without his direction and support,” he said.

“He was one of the most warm-hearted people you could meet, and also just that little bit eccentric, which made you like him even more. 

“In recent years I had the pleasure of joining him on the ASTL board, and he did a sterling job during his time as CEO, shaping it into an organisation with real credibility and influence. 

“Benson was one of the good ones, and I’m deeply saddened by his passing.

“My thoughts go out to his family and I’m sure many, many people in the industry will be toasting him over the Christmas period."

Allan Kay, director and chief operating officer at Alternative Bridging Corporation, worked with Benson for more than 30 years, even before their Cheval days.

“He was a true gentleman, who combined fierce intelligence and a wealth of knowledge mixed with a wicked sense of humour,” he commented.

“He led the ASTL with an energy and sharpness of mind that elevated the influence of the association and has benefitted everyone who works in the industry. 

“He was very supportive to me during my career and will certainly be missed. My thoughts go out to Benson’s wife and family.”

Alan Margolis, director of bridging at Masthaven, first met Benson when he joined Cheval.  
 
“They were interesting times and Benson was just so dedicated and passionate from the off,” he reminisced.
 
“Benson understood bridging finance; you cannot say that of everyone.

“He helped us build Cheval to great things, so much so that, from our documents to our people, [his influence is still felt in] the market in so many ways.
 
“He was strict and serious, and yet also very funny with a dry sense of humour — hand drawn Snoopy cartoons would often accompany his Post-It notes!
 
“After Cheval, I urged him to consider the ASTL chairman role that had become vacant.  

“I am so pleased he did, because not only did it help keep him occupied, he built on what Adrian Bloomfield had started and what Vic Jannels is now so successfully leading.
 
“And while Cheval and the ASTL are his bridging legacies, truly I will remember the wisdom, insights, scepticism of implausible borrower excuses, and, of course, the laughter and humour – they were great times.”

“On behalf of the board, I can say that Benson is the reason why the ASTL is where it is today,” added Vic Jannels, CEO at the ASTL.

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“He took the reins of the membership and transformed it into an association that was more representative of the industry, with a clear purpose to improve standards and encourage sustainable growth of the sector. 

“Even after his retirement at the end of last year, he maintained a close interest in the sector and has been of amazing support to me during my tenure. 

“To say that he will be sorely missed is an understatement. 

“He was an incredibly warm and insightful man, and he has played a significant role in the careers of many people within the industry. 

“Many will be aware that Benson had been poorly for some time and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Phileshia, and children. 

“Let us all take a moment to mourn the loss of a good friend and outstanding colleague – and celebrate the life of a man who was such a positive influence on the lending industry.”

Gavin Diamond, commercial director of bridging at United Trust Bank, commented: “I was so sad to hear of Benson’s passing, I knew he’d been unwell for some time. 

“I learned so much about all areas of lending through the experience of working alongside him after I joined Cheval back in 2007. 

“I will always be grateful for his strong guidance and support. 

“It was in no small measure down to Benson’s influence that I initially agreed to put myself forward as a director of the ASTL. 

“A true gent and giant of the industry.”  

Gareth Lewis, commercial director at MT Finance, commented: “I was extremely fortunate to come across Benson when I first joined the industry back in 2004, when he was managing director of Cheval. 

“He was a very kind-hearted man — always ready with support and advice. 

“He wanted things done correctly but would take time to help you understand his rationale for doing things a certain way. 

“He will be remembered for doing a great deal to advance the bridging industry. 

“When you look at some of the people who came through during his time at Cheval and then at the ASTL, there are many big names in bridging who learnt from him. 

“He gave a huge amount to the industry, which we should all be thankful for. 

“On top of all that, he was a genuinely warm person with a lot of time for everyone.”

Ellis Sher, co-founder and CEO of Maslow Capital, met Benson in 2005 and got to know him well in the years that followed.

"Benson was gentle, kind and patient and always available to help," he highlighted.

"Whenever I needed his time, he gave it without reservation.

"Benson had an amazing sense of responsibility which saw him work incredibly hard, without stopping until the job was done."

Caron Schreuder, managing director at Medianett, noted: “Benson was always a strong advocate for improving this industry and raising up the people who work in it, and he showed great engagement with us as a central trade publication. 

“He was a mentor to many of today's leaders in bridging, always smiling, and will be very much missed.”

Mo Mulki, CEO at Medianett, said: “Benson was a beacon of light that led the bridging industry towards the shores of prosperity. 

“His passing is a loss to us all.”

Anita Kirkbright, bridging operations manager at United Trust Bank commented: “I was fortunate enough to work closely with Benson twice in my life: the first time back in 2004 at Cheval, and again last year when I was on the board of the ASTL, and I learned so much from him.  

“Benson was a remarkable man and made such a difference to the industry.  

“Despite his health issues, he worked so hard to improve the perception and the standards of bridging, refusing to let retirement get in the way of achieving this.  

“I will not be alone in missing Benson — my thoughts go out to Phileshia and his family who he adored.  

“May he rest in peace.”

Mike Jones, chief sales officer at Propfin, met Benson in 2003 when he hired Mike for an underwriting position at Cheval.

“I had the pleasure and honour of working alongside him for many years; his knowledge and wisdom in our sector is unparalleled. 

“I will forever be grateful the opportunity he gave to me and will miss seeing him at the various finance functions. 

“One last note: Benson was a gifted artist and I recall he would sign off my files and always draw a snoopy cartoon or similar to make [me] smile. 

“[He was] such a kind and generous man — prayers and love to all his friends and family.”