Interview
Learning from the biggest
Rob Goodall Since its launch this time last year, MS Lending Group has amassed a loan book of more than £30m—and, with new funding in the wings, it has an eager ambition to amplify this in 2022.To assist with the evolution of the business, the unregulated bridging lender announced last month that it had snapped up ex-Together specialist lending head Rob Goodall as its new managing director Words by
BETH FISHER
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n his new role, the chartered surveyor—who has almost 29 years of experience in the property industry— will focus on growth opportunities in specialist lending and work closely with brokers to develop the business. I speak with Rob to see what he has planned. Why did you decide to join MS Lending and how will your prior experience help with its expansion plans? I was looking for a fresh challenge outside the corporate environment and a business with entrepreneurial flair. MS Lending and, more importantly, its founder and CEO Michael Stratton, have that—and I’m excited to be part of the journey. While working at a large lender previously, I had exposure to all types of securities, customers and loan sizes. There is very little I haven’t been asked to review. Being involved in the end-to-end process will ensure that this experience can be used to maximum effect moving forward.
How did you get into the bridging industry and what lessons have you learnt throughout your career? I had acted for a very successful businessman for many years, and he approached me to work as a consultant in his development funding business. I did this for five years, which gave me an understanding of the sector. I had known Henry Moser [founder and group CEO of Together] and Marc Goldberg [commercial CEO at Together] for over 20 years when they asked me to join— initially as a consultant, before going full time. I knew Together was a big business, but never appreciated the size and scale. In terms of lessons, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside and gain knowledge from some of the biggest names in the property sector: Fred Done, Tom Bloxham and, more recently, Henry. His mantras are ‘skin in the game’ and LTV—something I will always remember. I have learnt to never be afraid to challenge opinions, and to be open,
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