COFFEE BREAK WITH...Raj Patel, Finance Consultant - Christie Finance
Coffee Break with… is a Christie Group series showcasing the brilliance, expertise, and diversity of our network of over 200 employees.
Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie Finance?
Was on annual leave but at home pottering around when I got the message.
What was your first job?
It was with a Bank (no longer in existence as merged with another financial institution) in Wolverhampton as a graduate trainee.
In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie Finance?
I help clients with securing the best loan facilities from the multiple lenders in the marketplace and project managing the deal to completion. These loan facilities are for practice acquisitions in the medical sector which includes the Dental, Pharmacy, GP and Vet sectors.
What’s your favourite thing about Christie Finance?
The people and the culture – my work colleagues who are very supportive and positive in their outlook. There in emphasis on a “can do” attitude which is refreshing.
What's a favourite project that you’ve worked on at Christie Finance so far?
Starting with a blank sheet and building my own brand internally - Building positive relationships with the colleagues / agents at Christie & Co and getting them to continue passing on leads and referrals.
What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Understanding the new systems and platforms that we operate on, and this is evolving so just keeping up with change. Working smarter not just harder has to be the goal in all aspects
What’s been a highlight of your career so far?
I picked up an existing case in my first month that needed completing as deadlines were approaching fast and we had issues that needed resolving – both legal, underwriting and with clients’ lack of understanding.
I projected managed this to completion working across the business with colleagues, legal and connected parties and aligned the road maps for all to see and adhere to get the deal done. The feedback I received from the client was positive as he was appreciative of my input and actions and gave a written endorsement.
Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?
Hobbies – I actively follow Leicester city football club – the ups and downs of this club – the journey we have been on from winning premiership, FA Cup to relegation and promotion…. the trials and tribulations continue. I also love my holidays in the UK and abroad and spending quality time with family and close friends.
What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?
I was born in Kenya, but Hometown is Leicester. However, I have worked and lived in various places in the UK over the years – Manchester, Sheffield, Telford, London and I am now back in the city I grew up in and enjoy very much.
Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
Tanzania / Zanzibar / Kenya – we travelled across East Africa and did the obligatory Safari. It was fabulous experience – humbling being at one with nature and seeing and experiencing the beautiful landscape, people and culture.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are petty, negative and have closed minds
If you could live and work in any city, where would you go?
New York - USA
What would be your desert island meal?
Lobster with all the surf & turf trimmings – Red wine / Beer!
What’s your favourite film?
The Usual Suspects
Tell us your favourite joke / What is your favourite movie quote?
Quote: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn`t exist” from the film The Usual Suspect
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Lots of countries still to be visited on my bucket list but priority now would be the Far East to include Great Wall of China
What news source do you read every day?
BBC news on the app / Radio BBC 5 Live
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