The BIG Blimey Interview with Sara Barrie

In the latest issue of The BIG Blimey Interview we meet Sara Barrie one of our secured loans specialists. So what item will Sara banish into Room 101, what does she believe is the industry's biggest challenge and what attracted her to a career in finance? Let's find out...

Q: How long have you been working in financial services?

A: I have been working with Blimey Loans for the last two and a half years. Since I joined the company it's grown from strength-to-strength and it's great to be part of this. Prior to this I worked for Aviva for a year, however Blimey has taught me everything I know about finance.

Q: What is your role at Blimey Loans?

A: My role is a secured loan specialist, however I am currently going through training on other areas including bridging loans, commercial and residential mortgages.

Q: What attracted you to the industry?

A: Initially my interest in the industry was money, however now the main attraction is knowing that every day I go to work I will never come across the same case. The variation between applications and the relationships we develop between brokers, lenders and clients.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up and why?

A: I wanted to be a musician. I always knew I wanted to do something I was passionate about. I believe I have achieved this and have the best of both worlds as I love my job and can still play my music in my spare time.  

Q: What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in financial services now?

A: Join Blimey! Failing that, you need to be prepared for regulation.

Also, be loyal to your introducers and clients and they'll always come back to you and recommend your services.

Q: In your opinion what is the industry’s biggest challenge?

A: Currently I feel the industry’s biggest challenge is regulation and the potential and unknown changes this might bring.

Q: What one item would you like to banish to Room 101?

A: System problems. One minute everything is working fine, then for no rhyme or reason the printer doesn’t print, scanning device is removed, phones disconnect…. To make it worse whilst on phone to IT everything magically fixes itself. It drives me crazy.

Q: What one item couldn’t you live without?

A: I would imagine this is the most obvious answer but of course it’s my phone. If I ever forget my phone I feel like I’ve lost a limb! The trustee iPhone with music, internet, contacts, my calendar, alarm, satnav, all my apps. I would truly be lost without it.

Q: In just three words sum up what it’s like to work at Blimey Loans?

A: Interesting, amusing and challenging (in a good way)