The BIG Blimey Interview with Sharon Carling

In the latest issue of The BIG Blimey Interview we meet Sharon Carling one of our secured loans specialists. Find out what she believes is the industry's biggest challenge and why she always thought she'd be working with animals rather than lenders.

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

A: For approximately 8 years, I worked for Black Horse Finance after leaving school and then moved onto work for Dunfermline Building Society.

Q: What is your role at Blimey Loans?

A: My role is to assess new applications for clients and provide them with a financial solution that best suits their needs.

Q: What attracted you to the industry?

A: I started an administration training position through collage to gain experience working in an office environment. I quickly learned that I enjoyed the financial side of the work and decided to apply for a full time position in this industry.

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

I lived on a farm growing up and wanted to be a vet. Unfortunately I’m extremely squeamish so I’m sure I wouldn’t have lasted very long!

Q: What is the most surprising part of your job that people wouldn’t expect?

A: The level of debt that people are able to raise. I find it amazing that lenders will continue to accept people for credit cards and loans when they are already in a vulnerable situation.

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

A: Be prepared for change. Terms and conditions change as do rules and regulation on a regular basis.

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

A: I believe a lot of brokers are put off applying for a secured loan as they believe it is an expensive way to raise capital and may not consider it in their portfolio of products.

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

A: Reality TV shows – I find them very difficult to watch, they make me cringe!

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

A: My car, yes I’m sure this is very predictable but I live in the middle of nowhere and would be lost without it!

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

A: Challenging but rewarding