From Dorset to ‘Down Under’ … and back again!
Born and raised in Dorset, Conor spent part of his early childhood in Australia. Throughout our chat, Conor shared vivid memories of the local wildlife—like a kangaroo that would follow his father to work each day and an unexpected encounter with the third most venomous snake in the world, that made its way into their home.
Though brief, his time in Australia shaped his early years before he returned to Dorset, where he would start carving out his career.
Venturing into hospitality
Conor chose to leave school at 16 and started an apprenticeship in business development with a local mortgage and pensions broker. After two years, he found himself drawn to the fast-paced hospitality sector.
By 18, Conor was a shareholder at a local restaurant. Running the business at such a young age brought significant challenges and opportunities. Conor shared “In any job, you are always learning something new every day, especially in that environment. But when you’re not only responsible for your own career, but responsible for everybody else’s, as well as the building around them, it’s a massive wake up call.”
Conor expanded that, at its peak, the restaurant had 15 employees, and he was sometimes working up to 80 hours a week to keep things going on.
Thriving in a fast-paced environment
While running a restaurant Conor honed many skills that have helped in his current career —working under pressure, managing relationships, and thinking on his feet.
In June 2023, Conor was approached by regular customer and MSP’s Commercial Director, Adam Tovey. Feeling that it was the right time to try something new, Conor took the leap back into the finance industry, this time with a focus on specialist property finance.
Now, as a Junior Business Development Analyst, Conor works closely with Arian Manouchehri and the underwriting team to manage broker and intermediary inquiries, build and maintain client relationships, and underwrite loans.
During his time at MSP, Conor has come to appreciate the balance of challenges and rewards in property lending. “What I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same,” Conor explains. “Whether I’m working with brokers, borrowers, or the compliance team, every task brings its own unique challenge.”
A full life beyond the office
While Conor’s professional life is certainly demanding, he’s built a routine that allows him to maintain balance. His involvement with Wimborne Town Football Club, where he helps manage the hospitality and catering side of things, keeps him busy for most of the football season. His ties to the local community also extend to offering informal consultancy to local pubs and restaurants, helping them overcome operational challenges.
When asked about his personal life, Conor is quick to highlight the importance of spending time with his partner, Rachel. Together, they stay active through running, tennis, and gym classes. They also make it a point to enjoy downtime—whether that’s dining out, traveling, or simply taking a break from their busy schedules. Conor values time away from work, and their frequent travels to Europe offer a necessary escape. Tuscany, Italy, remains a favourite destination of theirs and one where Conor could see revisiting time and time again.
How work-life balance drives success
When asked about how his active personal life contributes to his success at work, Conor is candid. “I have a busy brain, and I need constant stimulation,” he says. “Having a balanced work and personal life helps me approach every day at MSP with a fresh perspective.” His time spent away from the office, although often active, allows him to recharge, making him more effective when it comes to tackling the challenges of the job.
“Ultimately, I think maintaining that balance keeps me sharp,” Conor reflects. “It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, but taking time for personal activities gives me the space I need to come back to work focused and ready for whatever the day brings.”
Future goals
Looking ahead, Conor is focused on growth—both personally and professionally. He is currently working towards his AAT qualification, which will complement his hands-on experience in business development. His career goal is clear: to continue growing within MSP and take on greater responsibility as the company expands.
“I see real opportunities for progression at MSP, and I’m committed to developing myself along with the business,” Conor shares. “The team here is supportive, and the work is varied, which makes it all the more rewarding.”
On the personal side, Conor and his partner are interested in buying an apartment that requires some refurbishment, and he’s eager to apply the knowledge he’s gained from his role at MSP to a small-scale property development project. Though he doesn’t see himself jumping into large property development anytime soon, Conor is open to the possibility of further ventures down the line, depending on the opportunity.
A future of growth and opportunity
Conor Knight’s journey from hospitality to property finance is a story of adaptability and hard work. At MSP, he continues to demonstrate the energy, self-sufficiency, and strategic thinking that he learnt in his early career.
As he continues to grow within the company and pursue his personal ambitions, Conor’s story is a reminder of the importance of balance—and the opportunities that arise when you’re willing to embrace both challenge and change.
