Renowned for our decision making, speed and clarity, it was something of a surprise when as the industry’s most ardent non-golfer I was chosen to lead the Signature Private Finance team at the White Rose Commercial Finance Charity Golf Day.
A highlight of the property finance sector calendar, this year’s event takes place on Thursday, 8th June at the excellent Selby Golf Club, one of Yorkshire's oldest clubs and a beautiful par 71 course of tree-lined fairways and unforgiving gorse.
Nevertheless, I accepted the task with relish, immediately excluding myself from the competing four and procuring the immense golfing talent of our Finance Director, David Hughes. Let’s face it, he lives in Portugal so golf should come naturally to him. Well normally yes, but he has already started a bid for the sympathy vote claiming an injured finger.
Our hopes may rest then, on our invited guests; Keith Pearson of Red Chilli Finance accepted the invitation with gusto, stating he couldn’t wait to get there. He said it would be good practice as he had not picked up a golf club for over a year!!
New Source Finance in Harrogate are providing Mark Craven and his colleague Dan Bell, who it seems are both keen and regular players so they are the Signature secret weapon (no pressure lads). When it comes to financing the ambition of property developers, we are rarely bested; the golf may be a bridge too far!
It looks like being an excellent day, with hopefully, a substantial amount being raised for the charities White Rose is supporting. As well as entering a team, Signature will be sponsoring a hole where I hope to shamelessly take advantage of some great photo opportunities.
There has been some muttering from the team in our office that whilst not playing, I’m likely to be availing myself of the available liquid hospitality; I have confirmed I will be working hard to explain the Signature offering to the finance brokers and property professionals in attendance – but they remain unconvinced!
Admittedly, the whole match will be reviewed, discussed and dissected over dinner and a few drinks, with prizes awarded in the clubhouse at the end of the day.
Will Signature’s name go on the trophy? I’ll let you know.