Small but mighty, the RQ dream team is a fantastic four who work closely together to make things happen. Collectively, we’ve administered £177 million in loans, enabling the development of 750 new homes and the planning permission for 3,080 more. Impressive stuff!
Let’s get to know each of the team in turn…
ROBERT GURNEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR
Robert founded RQ back in January 2012, and over the past 10 years has seen it go from strength to strength. After starting his career at KPMG, Robert worked as a finance director for a property development company, before making the switch to lending capital.
Robert says, “At RQ, we pride ourselves on superb service. We have the processes, team and external professionals in place to carry out loans at short notice, even within a few weeks. We fully understand property issues and are therefore not put off by concerns that may scare other lenders. That’s not to say that we don’t acknowledge risks, but we can interpret them and make an informed decision, which a computer-driven credit committee may not come to.
“One of my favourite things is identifying smaller developers at the start of their career and seeing them go from borrowing £100k to £3 million plus a year – and sticking with them throughout that journey.”
Fun fact: Robert is the fourth generation of his family to live on the same farm.
Outside work: Anything with the word sport in it! Ball sports, country sports, Sky Sports…
Robert in three words: competitive, dependable and honest.
GEORGE CRAIG, DIRECTOR
Our most recent recruit started out in property development in 2004, and has worked on all three sides of the market: agency, landlord and now funding, which he thinks is the best of the lot.
George sees RQ’s small size as a key strength, saying, “everyone knows everything about every loan. When you work with us, you talk directly to a decision-maker. What the directors say will happen, will happen. If we say we’re going to do something, we will deliver.”
Fun fact: George hates too many emails – but don’t let that put you off getting in touch!
Outside work: Golf, cricket and boating out at sea with his three children.
George in three words: approachable, friendly and loyal.
STEPHEN KENWORTHY, HEAD OF FINANCE
Stephen is a finance veteran who’s been in the industry since 1986. He joined RQ after a career in the corporate world, and finds the flexibility and efficiency of a small company much more rewarding and fun.
“We’re a small team and we work to a simple model, meaning we can make decisions very quickly,” says Stephen. “We don’t have to go through committees or have endless meetings. We can often pay money to an existing borrower within half an hour – where other companies can take days. A lot of our business is repeat business, and I think that’s why. Our borrowers know we can adapt and act quickly.”
Fun fact: Stephen has run several marathons and ultra-marathons, as well as nearly 300 parkruns!
Outside work: Running, walking and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Stephen in three words: easy-going, honest and forthright.
PAULA MILLIGAN, OFFICE MANAGER
Paula keeps the wheels spinning by managing due diligence, instructing professional
bodies, and drafting and collating documentation. She initiates and maintains strong,
mutually beneficial relationships with clear communication, as well as contributing towards finding new business.
Paula says, “We are not a tick-box lender, and we don’t count people
out too quickly. We are willing to work with the borrower, whatever their credit history, to achieve the best we can for them. We like to meet all of our borrowers face to face. We also visit every site, so we understand what borrowers are looking to achieve. This hands-on approach also helps us build a strong mutual understanding from the start.”
Fun fact: Paula loves TV crime dramas, forensic science documentaries and LJ Ross, the prolific author of romantic suspense thrillers!
Outside work: Socialising, keeping fit and going to the theatre.
Paula in three words: Efficient, personable and outgoing.
