Get to know… The Black & White Bridging Team
In the 4th in our new series of ‘meet the team’ blogs, we caught up with team member Jess Caton to hear more about her role and what life is like for her at Black & White Bridging.
How long have you been at Black & White Bridging and what is your role?
I joined Black & White in June 2023, so I’ve been here around four months now. As a Lending Manager I oversee transactions from application to completion, liaising with valuers, solicitors, brokers and borrowers to ensure the best outcome for all.
How did you first get into property lending?
After I graduated from university in 2022, I began working as a graduate underwriter for a prominent bridging lender in Birmingham. It was there I entered the world of specialist property finance and I later joined Black & White Bridging with a keen interest in expanding my knowledge to include development finance.
What is the best thing about your role, and why?
I was recently involved in collating some information surrounding how many new homes we have helped to build or refurbish, to date this figure stands at 696. The best thing about my role is facilitating the provision of these new and improved homes to the UK housing market.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my own drive to succeed and provide the ideal level of service for clients and brokers. Completing deals is a great feeling!
If you weren’t a Lending Manager at Black & White Bridging, what would you like to be?
When I was younger I wanted to be the Queen…given that this is now somewhat unlikely I would probably go back to University and continue studying History. Ideally I would specialise in discussions surrounding culture and belief in late medieval England.
Tell us something about you that we don’t know?
Throughout my life I have taken a keen interest in Girlguiding, I volunteered at my local Brownie unit for around 8 years pre-Covid and I hope soon to restart my leadership qualification. Giving back to my community has always been a rewarding experience.
What separates Black & White Bridging from other lenders?
Black & White Bridging is separate from other lenders due to our truly transparent approach, we really do have no grey areas. In addition, when confronted with problems we prefer to work with our brokers and borrowers, looking at how we can do deals rather than why we can’t.
When you’re not at work, what are you most likely to be doing?
I am probably most likely to be in the kitchen cooking. I have to get my practice in for the B&W Wednesday lunch club! Aside from that I enjoy running, reading and horse racing.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Gin, my cat, family.
