We spoke to Lucy Barrett, Director of Vantage Finance, about starting her own business, the uncertain economic climate and why she loves the south of France...

1) How long have you been at Vantage and what is your role?

I started Vantage Finance, which was then known as W&B Mortgage Solutions in late 2004/early 2005, and am the director of the business.
 
2) What do you see happening in the secured lending industry in the next 12 months?

There is uncertainty surrounding the current economic climate and if lenders start to become nervous that we will experience a double dip then I can see criteria being pulled back again despite the recent positive changes to certain lenders product ranges. If property prices start to fall then an obvious consequence will be for the secured loan market to suffer as it did first time around.
 
3) What is the best thing about your job?

The people we deal with has to be one of the main positives for me, I have made some great friends in the industry and genuinely enjoy coming into work every day. I also find that no day is the same as the previous; there is always something different happening which keeps you inspired and motivated.
 
4) What inspired you to get into the secured loan industry?

I can’t say I was inspired to get into the industry; it was just a natural progression for me. I began working in the mortgage industry firstly, which was purely by chance, and secured loans was an area which I later moved into.
 
5) If you weren’t working at Vantage what would you be doing?

I would like to say it would be something really exciting, but I can’t really think of anything if I am honest. Property really interests me, so something which relates to that in one way or another perhaps.
 
6) What do you like to do on your weekends off?

I like running, and try to go for at least one run at the weekend, I have two dogs which need walking and when it’s not pouring with rain I enjoy taking them out. I did have a horse until earlier this year but could not manage the time commitment and sadly had to sell him. Then there is the more obvious socialising with friends and family.
 
7) What’s the biggest issue you have to deal with at the moment in the secured lending area?

Other than the usual problems we all experience with valuations, problems can be varied and there is nothing that springs to mind especially.
 
8) Where is your favourite destination in the world and why?

The South of France, because I have spent many years visiting different parts and never get bored of what it has to offer… amazing scenery, good food, and great wine!
 
9) What was the most memorable case you have dealt with this year?

Each and every case we deal with has some kind of quirky aspect to it, and it would be difficult to choose!
 
10) What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I changed my mind all of the time! I never had one aspiration which I stuck with, but I did go through a stage when I was a bit older where I wanted to go into criminology… something to do with the subjects I liked at school I think.