Lending never sleeps
By Beth FisherAfter their recent, hotly-anticipated launch into short term lending, Medianett talks to the dynamic duo behind Aldermore's new team. Somewhat predictably for one of the UK's fastest growing
Section: Features
After their recent, hotly-anticipated launch into short term lending, Medianett talks to the dynamic duo behind Aldermore’s new team. Somewhat predictably for one of the UK’s fastest growing challenger banks, they ask, “Who needs sleep anyway?”
Medianett meets the top dogs, Charles Haresnape, Managing Director, Mortgages and Commercial Lending and Lauren Dolezel, Head of Bridging and Operations, Commercial Mortgages, behind the newly-launched bridging arm at Aldermore, where they talk about working tirelessly to challenge the status quo and what makes Aldermore stand out, as well as giving us a glimpse into their personal lives.
A lot is expected of Aldermore’s latest product. We ask Charles and Lauren what they think sets them apart from their competitors as new entrants to the market. According to Lauren, they have launched a bridging offering that complements what they already do very well - residential and commercial mortgages, alongside a growing Property Development division.
Lauren said: “As we have done with our mortgage offering, we are prepared to challenge the status quo on how things are done. We actively challenge ourselves, as a business, to do things better and drive our own continuous evolution.
“We use our ability to be flexible, work closely with the broker and client to ensure we meet their needs quickly.
“We are a new start and so able to learn from the more established players and listen to the market. Our good base with our residential and commercial mortgage offering is something that we can call on, and this allows us to offer a more straightforward proposition to our customers.
“Aldermore offers the option of a smooth exit with a team you know.”
Charles agrees that this last point is fundamental to Aldermore’s unique approach. “Our proposition offers not only standalone bridging, but also bridge to term. Whenever possible, we offer an end solution as well as the short term need.”
We found out that Charles has held a variety of senior roles before his current position, for a variety of lenders, including RBS Group and Nationwide, as well as more recently heading up a Financial Services business at Connells Group. He is currently Chairman of IMLA and a member of the Executive Committee of the CML.
Charles’ current position makes him responsible for all aspects of the mortgages business, property development and the new bridging department.
Reflecting on the successful launch of the bridging product range, Charles said: “It feels like I never sleep in my current role as we are mega busy which is a good thing – who needs sleep anyway!”
Lauren previously held the role of the Head of Operations for the Commercial Mortgages division at Aldermore. “My current responsibilities include the launch and growth of Aldermore’s bridging offering, ensuring exceptional service delivery and a market leading proposition.”
Lauren also believes in the mantra that lending never sleeps and puts this ethos down to the fact that they are a very young, new team, who are keen to get out and lend, driven by growth and doing things well.
Lauren added: “Launching a new product is never easy. We have worked tirelessly to get to market and want to continue to do so to ensure we remain relevant, continuously evolving to deliver and provide what customers want.”
Despite his ascent in financial services, Charles used to aspire to be a PE teacher when he was younger. Why? “So I could play lots of sport.” However, he admits he now has the job that he really enjoys, so there are no changes on the horizon.
Lauren, on the other hand, said that when she was growing up she wanted to do anything that meant working with animals. Nowadays, though, if she were to do something different, “it would have to be in the police or a journalist.”
We think that with her tireless attitude towards her current role – and willingness to forgo sleep - she would fit quite nicely into the journalism world!
Charles and Lauren exposed:
Medianett also asked Charles and Lauren to fill in the gaps so that we can find out a bit more about the powerful duo, behind the scenes…
How they spend their free time:
Charles:
I don’t have much spare time! When I do, I like jogging and other challenging activities. Myself and some colleagues are about to do the Three Peaks Challenge.
Lauren:
A bit of a cliché, but traveling anywhere both within the UK and abroad, I love new places and people.
I do a love a country walk with the dog (and husband), when it is linked to a nice country pub with food and drink.
And my guilty pleasure? Emmerdale and Corrie…
Favourite place to visit:
Charles:
France. I really enjoy the food, wine and scenery (better not mention the women in case the wife reads this).
Lauren:
Going home to South Africa – nothing better than being somewhere warm and sunny, that still feels like home, and a huge bonus hanging out with my sister, to gossip and laugh.
Idols:
Charles:
In sport, Paul Scholes for his unassuming nature whilst being a legend. In public life, Tony Benn for sticking to his principles against all odds.
Lauren:
My mom – she is exceptional in what she does at home, in her career and pretty much anything else she tackles. She is honest, caring and loads of fun, and most importantly she has no idea how good she is.
Weirdest situation:
Charles:
Going to the loo on the train, opening the automatic door which was not locked seeing my boss sat on the loo.
Lauren:
I met David Hasselhoff when I was younger and he managed to make be blush A LOT, and that’s all I will say on it…
Three things not many people know about you:
Charles:
I’ve completed 3 marathons
I am the great grandson of a Blackburn Rovers professional player who still holds the record of inflicting the largest defeat of Aston Villa (he scored 6 out of 8 goals in that match)
Can touch my nose with my tongue
Lauren:
I have a completely irrational fear of birds flapping their wings
I have met Bill Clinton and Jerry Springer
I am obsessed with Bruce Springsteen
Keywords: Aldermore, Bank, bridging, commercial, Medianett, Lauren Dolezel, Charles Haresnape, bridging, new, market, team, lender
Source: Bridging & Commercial — https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/lending-never-sleeps