He used the period to summon the United States Congress to deal with the huge issues that confronted what he had dubbed the “stricken nation”.

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily go as far to call the UK a stricken nation, but it does seem rather apt in the midst of what the UK is going through at the moment to reflect on my first 100 days at Tuscan Capital. 
 
Away from work, it has been a rather sobering time with the death of our Queen and, like many, I was hooked on the state ceremony and everything else that surrounded it. Life does of course move on, but it will take some time to get used to using the word King while singing the national anthem, not to mention new stamps, coins and bank notes, KCs instead of QCs, etc.

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During my first 100 days, there was a new prime minister installed into Number 10. Little did I know that there would be another around just after the 100 days were up! It will be fascinating to see how Rishi Sunak copes with the interest rate rises, cost of living crisis and the ever-devaluing pound — much of which was caused or exacerbated by his predecessor Liz Truss — and we think we have a tough job at times!
 
My beloved Chelsea have sacked the Champions League winning Tommy T and replaced him with untested at the top-level Graham Potter; the Aussie Open Championship winning golfer has moved to LIV Golf; oh, and I’ve turned 50!
 
I have had numerous meetings and catch ups with my industry colleagues and the question asked more than any has been, “So, why Tuscan Capital?”
 
The answer will remain the same: Tuscan Capital is an incredibly well funded provider of short-term bridging finance (even after Toorak Capital limited funding volumes in the UK for individual loan sellers). We have a small, but very select team that collectively has experienced the whole spectrum of financial services throughout our respective careers, meaning that we are quick and nimble enough to make affirming decisions that actually mean something. 
 
During my short time here so far, we have introduced a fast-track process where credit-approved term sheets are issued within four hours of enquiry, while AVMs and desktop valuations can be considered at up to 70% LTV. We have also developed an easy to use KYC electronic app, the use of title insurance and search indemnity to avoid delays, and removed the need of personal guarantees at up to 65% LTV. And this is just the start.
 
Tuscan Capital was one of the first specialist lenders to introduce a variable rate product to give the end borrower greater choice in choosing their financial structure in what is an ever-changing interest rate world — and it is encouraging to see that others have followed our lead.

Our appetite has also remained the same, despite other bridging lenders deciding to dramatically reduce their interest in new business — another example of where our team’s experience counts.
 
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first 100 days at Tuscan Capital and, with such a great team to work with and a bucket load of ideas to explore, I am very much looking forward to what the future brings.