COFFEE BREAK WITH...Tony Howard - Director - Christie Finance Unsecured & Asset Finance

Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie Finance?

At home, waiting patiently for a call from follow Director Shaun!

What was your first job?

I worked in the Timber Yard in a local Builders Merchants, assisting the machinist with large orders and also over the counter sales.

In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie Finance?

Based in our Chester office, we provide unsecured loans and asset finance facilities to companies of all sizes across the UK, ensuring the best finance solutions in a timely and professional manner. 

What’s your favourite thing about Christie Finance?

I have a great rapport with the people I work with, the company, and the sectors we operate within. I am given the flexibility to provide what I feel is the best solution based on individual circumstances.   

What's a favourite project that you’ve worked on at Christie Finance so far?

Probably one of my first care clients who had previously bought through Christie & Co, they’d only ever used their bank in the past but we ended up funding a new kitchen, followed by a second home and further refurbishments at a later date. Introducing a client to alternative funding, building a relationship and completing several deals thereafter gave me great satisfaction.

What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?

Leaving my previous employment, having been there for 17 years it felt like I’d become part of the furniture and it was also probably a bit of comfort blanket. However, whilst I’d previously gained many years of great experience, since joining Christie Finance, I’ve never looked back.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?

Gaining promotions to Associate Director and then Director wasn't necessarily a goal, but rather a result of doing my job well. It was a great recognition from the company and those around me, appreciating the work I do and the value I add to the business.

How has the industry changed since you started at Christie Finance?

It’s certainly become a lot more competitive with more funders and brokers out there. However controversially I’d say there are a lot less specialist or experienced brokers out there, this is where we differ at Christie Finance with our knowledge, the funders and our understanding of the sectors we work within.  

Who in your industry do you feel most inspired by?

I don’t know if I’d say inspired but I learnt a lot from those I’ve previously worked for/with – Matt Plumridge and Robert Hulse had a big influence.

Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?

Married with two teenage children. I use to play a lot of football, the wife would say too much! Unfortunately, age and injuries have caught up with me, so I now coach junior football and have done so at grassroots and County level. Football has always been a big part of life outside of work, having coached both my sons and daughters teams. 

What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?

I was born in Prenton Birkenhead, however moved over to a town called Buckley in North Wales as a toddler.

Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?

Ocho Rios in Jamaica, plenty to do and see but also a great please to Chill!

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People that aren’t prepared to graft!

If you could live and work in any city, where would you go?

Chester, yes I know I work there but I’d only want to work in a City that’s close to rural areas of both England and Wales.

What would be your desert island meal?

Garlic Bread with Cheese

Roast Dinner (Mum’s)

Strawberry Trifle (with a good ratio of custard)

Spiced Rum & Coke (double!)

What’s your favourite film?

Hard to pick one, Terminator, Robocop, Blade, The Matrix, Heartbreak Ridge, Sin City, The Green Mile, anything Bruce Lee, I just can’t choose!

What is one thing on your bucket list?

Am I the only person not to have a bucket list – I guess I’d like top play at Anfield or drive an F1 car.

What is your biggest fear?

Heights

What news source do you read every day?

I’d probably say BBC News online

What’s your social media platform of choice?

I’m not the most active but I have Facebook, Instagram and X.

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