Meet Sue Nicholson from our specialist Auction Finance team.

Having owned a business for almost 20 years, Sue has always had a deep-rooted interest in finance and has always strived for success.

Now, as Senior Business Development Manager at Together for Auction Finance, Sue looks back over the experiences that have shaped her as a person and her career journey to date.

How did your Together journey start?

“I opened my own printing and embroidery business on Bury Market over 14 years ago. Over the years, I have met a number of people who have become regular customers, and many have even gone on to become close friends. One of my regular customers just so happened to work at Together and had always spoken so highly of it.

“When the pandemic hit, it was a really difficult period for me personally, and the business. I had staffing issues and no real financial support and had to loan money to pay my staff. The customer who worked at Together still came to the market during the pandemic and saw first-hand how difficult things were – I asked them for a job, tongue in cheek!

“When we were forced to close for a while, I took on a job at an office and if I’m being honest, I really didn’t enjoy it. As a people person, I really missed face-to-face interaction and knew that I needed to be somewhere that would give me the opportunity to have that. A few months later an opportunity presented itself to join Together, so I jumped at the chance and haven’t looked back.”

How do you find working at Together?

“One thing I can say is this has been a massive life change for me. Working alongside an experienced team I have learnt almost everything there is to know about bridging loans, buy-to-let and commercial mortgages and of course how auctions work. I’ve relished every moment.

The thing I’ve loved most about this role, is attending live auctions, talking to customers face to face discussing their ideas and the ‘Dream’ and just getting a better understanding of property and our customers.

Just navigating customers through that whole auction experience has been really eye opening. Since being here, I have found the auction market fascinating and have come to realise the importance of it. The auction team have a real can-do attitude and so do I.”

What attracted you to working at Together and in particular financial services?

"Trust is a big thing for me. I trusted the work ethic and authenticity of my work colleagues and have gone on to make great friendships. Everyone was so lovely and the open door approach was refreshing. I have always loved sales and find myself thriving in that environment. Years before I owned my own business, I worked in financial services - I excelled in selling and would often find myself smashing sales initiatives set by my then employer. I have always been a competitive person and have always pushed myself. I got the overwhelming sense from Together that they would support me in achieving my long term goals.”

How do you build (and maintain) strong relationships with clients?

“I like to maintain relationships with customers by being honest, frank and personable with them. It’s important for them to know that we’re there for them, and whatever it is we say we will do, we try and do it to the best of our abilities. Striking up a rapport with customers is so important to me - I want to be trusted enough that customers come back to me. In an online world where it’s not as personable anymore, I think it’s become even more important to be courteous and at the end of a telephone for my customers - giving them a bit of your time, whenever you can.”

Tell us about the types of people you can help?

All people from all walks of life– I’ve met and funded applications for Barristers, Brain Surgeons, Heart Surgeons, Royal Protection Officers, Builders, entrepreneurs, family businesses, small and large portfolio landlords to first time couples looking to purchase their first buy to let. It’s so interesting listening to their stories, dreams and the path that put them there.

Describe your job in three words

Fast-paced, diverse and amazing.

What does a typical week look like?

Fast and furious – visiting Auctions North and South of the country, no two days are the same!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

“My home life is also extremely active and having three children, two at critical points in their education our house is constantly full and active.

One of my children is doing an apprenticeship, with another just started university. I also have a daughter who is a school teacher in Oxford and she is a mum to my young grandson, with another one on the way! They all keep me very busy.

I do sometimes find myself at times prioritising work, but I feel it is really important to break out of the habit for a healthy work/life balance. I relax by taking my dog for long walks up in the hills where I live, and relaxing with friends and family.