A would-be QPR player and five time marathon runner, Bradley Illman, Bridging Case Manager at United Trust Bank - the lender's latest hire - sits down with B&C…

Are you looking forward to the Olympics?

Definitely. Tried for tickets but no luck - Golds galore for Team GB in the cycling and rowing hopefully.

Tell us one thing about you that not many people know?

I have run five London marathons all close to three hours.

What is one thing you’d put on your ‘bucket list’?

To travel to South America with the family, the Inca Trail would be a highlight.

If you were stranded on a tropical island what three things would you want with you?

A hammock, 64GB iPad fully stocked and Rachel Weisz.

If you had a dinner party, which three people would you invite and why?

Prince Phillip (for the stories), Vinnie Jones for the same reason and Lee Mack because he's just so funny!!

How did you get to where you are now and what appealed to you about working at UTB?

The UTB brand; its reputation for excellent customer service, great products and ability to get the deal done. I have previously worked for Barclays, have been a Senior Underwriter at Lambeth Building Society, a roving Underwriter at Morgan Stanley and with another bridging provider for the last three years.

If you weren’t working in financial services what would you be doing instead?

Playing for the new look Queens Park Rangers first eleven.

What do you expect to happen in the bridging finance industry over the next 12 months?

I expect it to grow and grow. There is even more competition for business and more lenders are becoming regulated which is where I believe the growth will be; main high street banks just aren't lending.

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

To enjoy a lie in - I have a one year old daughter so that’s unlikely! Blitz a long morning run, followed by a pub lunch with friends and more than a few pints.