COFFEE BREAK WITH... Edward Thackray, Finance Consultant - Christie Finance

When did you join Christie Finance?

I joined at the start of 2026. 

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

I was in my living room when I got the call saying that I had an offer from Christie Finance.  

What was your first job?

My first job was as a Mortgage Adviser. I always find it funny looking back and remembering that I accepted the role thinking it would only ever be a temporary dip into the financial world!

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

My role is within the Real Estate team. We deal primarily with commercial property investments and developments, assisting clients in structuring and delivering funding solutions that work in both the short and long term.

What’s your favourite thing about Christie Finance?  

It’s the variation in enquiries from clients. We never get the same enquiry twice, and working with people so interested in property investments is a real pleasure.

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

I have had quite a number of ‘out-there’ projects that clients have presented me, but I have enjoyed working on football stadium acquisitions, as there are a lot of moving parts and they are not the most straightforward to delve into! 

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

It wasn’t a traditional challenge, but making the decision to move from East Yorkshire down to London to pursue a career in financial services was quite a big step for me, especially considering I had only really visited London twice before moving.

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

For me, it’s always been about striving forward and developing. I can say that each day was better than the last, and to look back and see the progress is a real achievement for me.

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

The market is so fluid, seeing the change in appetite and the confidence in the market especially considering some rather major news stories that have unfolded!

Who in your industry do you feel most inspired by?  

There are quite a few people out there who are a real inspiration in what they do. I try to take something from each of them and use it to improve myself.

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

I love football. Specifically, Hull City. Now they're back in the Premier league, I am trying to go to as many games in and around London as I can possibly go to.

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

My hometown is Hull – despite a few differing opinions, it’s a special place for me and I truly believe it’s a diamond in the rough. However, I currently live in southwest London.

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

For me, it would be Azerbaijan. It’s a place that totally surpassed my expectations and proved to be a wild and bizarre place that I would happily recommend to anyone.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?  

Bad manners, good manners cost nothing!  

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

In a dream world, it would be Tbilisi, Georgia – It's a very idyllic place, albeit a little rough around the edges, where it’s safe and cheap. Not to mention, that the people are so friendly!  

What would be your desert island meal?

I think it would have to be sushi. I really do love seafood, and I would happily have a lifetime of it.

What’s your favourite film?

Full Metal Jacket – I think it’s a great Kubrick film! 

Tell us your favourite joke / What is your favourite movie quote?

It’s quite cheesy, but... Did you hear about the disaster at the genetics factory? No? Well, I heard they crossed a cheetah with a crab and well... Things went sideways fast.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I’d love to see the world travelling, if I can cross off every country, I would be a very happy man. 

What is your biggest fear? 

Spiders, I hate them!

What news source do you read every day?

I always start the day with BBC News, having a quick look through the main headlines before getting to work.

What’s your social media platform of choice?

It’s Instagram, it’s just too easy to get sucked into! 

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