A die hard QPR fan who loathes economy theorists wishes he could go deep sea-diving without the fear factor…

Alexandra Jones spoke to Martin Gilsenan, Director of Sales at Omni Capital...

B&C: How long have you been in the industry and how did you get to where you are now?

MG: I entered financial services straight after university in 1987 as at the time, it seemed like the quickest way to pay off my rather large overdraft - the rest as they say is history…

In truth, I have been fortunate to work with some great people in that time, so it seems appropriate that I’m now working with so many familiar faces at Omni Capital.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A professional footballer - unfortunately my natural enthusiasm was undermined by a distinct lack of talent.

What is the most significant difference you have seen in terms of bridging over the years up to now?

On a day to day level it's the high place in the pecking order which bridging has attained in the product suite of so many brokers.

Which sports team do you support, if any, and why?

I am a die-hard fan of Queens Park Rangers FC - why? I've been asking myself the same question for the last 40 years.

If you could change one thing about the sector, what would it be?

I wish it was even bigger! There is so much innovation and energy from both lenders and introducers that it makes the sector a great one to work in. Other areas within lending could and should take note.

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose and why?

It would have to be the ability to breathe naturally under water. Then I could go deep sea diving without the fear factor and I would no longer worry about making a complete fool of myself.

What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?

It was an excellent film called 'The Way' directed by Emilio Estevez. It stars Martin Sheen as a doctor who comes to France to collect the remains of his son killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as 'The Way of Saint James'. There he meets other pilgrims who are all looking for something - it’s moving without being overly sentimental, definitely not big budget Hollywood and all the better for it.

What would you put in room 101 if you had the chance?

Economists and other ‘experts’ who espouse economic theory as if it were scientific fact.

What do you expect to happen in the bridging finance industry in 2012?

With banks continuing to de-leverage their balance sheets, 2012 shows no sign of change in terms of the ongoing lack of liquidity in the wider economy. Although it’s always hard to predict, it looks like the short –term lending market will continue to grow this year. One thing’s for sure, the sector will become increasingly more competitive. While some may bemoan that fact, I think it’s a good thing – heightened competition can only benefit intermediaries.

If you could do anything you wanted this Sunday, what would it be?

This Sunday, I hope I wake up with a huge hangover after celebrating a famous QPR win over Chelsea in the FA Cup 4th Round, so I would need a hearty cooked breakfast to bring me back to life. This would be followed by a walk on Wimbledon Common with my wife, Cath and our 3 wonderful children, ending up in the Dog & Fox for some excellent food (and maybe a cheeky pint or two)..