In our latest Chats on the Chesterfield, we sat down with Michael, Business Development Manager at MSP Capital, to discuss his journey into property finance, what drives his approach to broker relationships and how he’s settling into life at MSP Capital.
With more than 13 years’ experience in financial services, Michael joined MSP Capital in March, bringing a wealth of specialist lending knowledge and a passion for helping brokers and borrowers secure the right funding solutions. As the business continues to grow, he’s focused on expanding MSP Capital’s network while developing his expertise in development finance.
Building relationships that matter
As Business Development Manager, Michael’s role centres on generating new business through broker and direct client relationships. Working closely with intermediaries, he helps identify suitable funding solutions and supports deals from initial enquiry through to completion.
No two days are the same, with his time split between broker meetings, issuing terms and progressing live applications.
“Every day is different. I’ll usually spend the morning catching up on admin and issuing terms before meeting with brokers to discuss our products and criteria. Then it’s about progressing the applications already in the pipeline.”
One of the things Michael enjoys most is the opportunity to learn. While he has spent years working in property finance, joining MSP Capital has given him greater exposure to development finance and the chance to learn from experienced colleagues across the business.
“I’ve learned a lot since joining. Being surrounded by people with so much experience is worth its weight in gold.”
A career built in property finance
Michael’s career began at just 17 years old as an administrator at a brokerage before progressing into an advisory role. From there, he built experience across several well-known lenders, working in residential mortgages before moving into bridging finance, where he spent the last five to six years refining his expertise.
Having worked across underwriting, servicing, collections and advising, Michael has developed a broad understanding of the lending process that now helps him build strong relationships with brokers.
When the opportunity to join MSP Capital arose, it was the company’s reputation and ambitious growth plans that stood out.
“Meeting the team before I joined made a real difference. Everyone was welcoming and open about the company’s plans for the future. Having already been part of growing businesses before, I wanted to be part of that journey again.”
Working towards the same goal
Having previously worked as a broker, Michael understands the pressures intermediaries face and believes the best outcomes come from collaboration.
“We’re both trying to achieve the same goal. If there’s something unusual about a case, tell us from day one. The more information we have upfront, the easier it is to make informed decisions and keep things moving.”
He also believes MSP Capital’s greatest strength is the experience within the business. With expertise spanning banking, surveying, legal and specialist lending, customers benefit from a knowledgeable team with a genuine appetite to lend.
For Michael, communication, responsiveness and resilience remain the key qualities of a successful Business Development Manager.
A hands-on understanding of property
While Michael spends his working day helping brokers and borrowers bring property projects to life, he’s also experienced the realities of renovation first-hand. Taking on a full back-to-brick refurbishment of his own home while raising two young children, he gained a genuine appreciation for the time, planning and commitment involved in transforming a property.
“It was absolute madness. I’d definitely never recommend doing a full renovation with babies in the house.”
Completed over the course of three months, the project included a full strip-out, a new kitchen and bathroom, replastered walls, new flooring and a complete transformation of the garden with new patios and fencing. Although it wasn’t a ground-up development, the experience gave Michael a practical understanding of the challenges that come with managing a renovation from start to finish.
Life outside the office
Outside of property, Michael enjoys the unusual hobby of aqua scaping. His 250-litre tropical aquarium is carefully designed using wood, rocks and aquatic plants to create detailed underwater landscapes, alongside a second tank dedicated to raising baby fish.
Alongside his aquariums and home projects, Barry the Beagle keeps Michael active outside of work. Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, is his collection of 62 tattoos. Even his neighbours were unaware until recently, with two of those tattoos proudly dedicated to his lifelong support of Newcastle United.
Whether he’s supporting brokers, learning more about development finance or creating intricate aquascapes at home, Michael brings enthusiasm, experience and a collaborative approach to everything he does. As he continues to build relationships across the industry, he’s already making a valuable contribution to MSP Capital’s ongoing growth.
Looking ahead
Although only a few months into his role, Michael is eager to continue developing his knowledge of development finance while strengthening relationships across the broker community. As MSP Capital grows, he hopes to grow alongside the business and continue building his career. Whether he’s supporting brokers, learning more about development finance or creating intricate aquascapes at home, Michael brings enthusiasm, experience and a collaborative approach to everything he does. As he continues to build relationships across the industry, he’s already making a valuable contribution to MSP Capital’s ongoing growth.