Meet the processing team behind the bridging completions surge at Precise

The lender’s processing team also saw completions rise by 30%, while phone calls to the team increased by 13.7%.

Precise’s processing team has continued to expand in sync with the surge in demand for bridging finance.

In 2011, when annual completions in the bridging market were just £474m, Precise set up a one-person team to handle bridging applications. 

Six years later, with the market estimated to be worth in excess of £4bn, the Precise team has grown to 30 members. 

“Precise Mortgages has been banging the drum for the industry as a whole to treat customers fairly and be transparent in respect of charges and interest,” said Richard Lawton, head of short-term lending at Precise (pictured above).

“We endeavour to make the application process as smooth and quick as possible and to help introducers’ customers reach their end goal, whether that’s downsizing to a new home, purchasing a property at auction or financing the refurbishment of a property for either an onward sale or to add to their portfolio.”

Precise has recorded year-on-year increases in applications, completions and phone calls since its launch and receives thousands of applications from brokers each year.

The team processes and underwrites new enquiries and applications as well as discussing potential deals with introducers.

The processing team at Precise share their top tips for brokers

Saul Brock, short-term lending senior underwriter

Saul Brock, short-term lending senior underwriter at Precise, said he enjoyed working in a close-knit, friendly and professional team.

“We enjoy each other’s company and we get the job done. 

“We all strive for the best service for our brokers and packagers.

“Fully packaged cases move to completion much quicker. 

“We’re only at the end of a phone line and we’re always contactable.”

John Bremner, short-term lending senior underwriter

John Bremner, who is also a short-term lending senior underwriter, added: “I enjoy the sense of achievement you get from being able to manage a case from enquiry to completion, and informing the broker that their case has been submitted.

“If you’re in doubt, call us and ask the question.”

Venita Sehdev, short-term lending processor

Venita Sehdev, a short-term lending processor, has been part of the short-term lending team for almost two years and had no idea what bridging finance was when she joined. 

“I really enjoy processing as it’s intense, challenging and really exercises your management skills.

“Ask as many questions as you need to.”

Rachael Tennant, short-term lending team leader

Rachael Tennant, short-term lending team leader, said she loved the variety each day brought.

“I enjoy the challenges we overcome when working to tight deadlines. 

“I feel very fortunate to work with such a great team of people.”

“For brokers who don’t regularly deal with bridging enquiries, it’s not as daunting as you might think. 

“You can chat the case through with one of our experienced underwriters who will give you guidance on how to position a deal.”