COFFEE BREAK WITH...Ross Grant, Finance Consultant - Christie Finance

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

Rather awkwardly, I was working in my previous office at the time. Thankfully the office was quiet, so I was able to discreetly take the call, but I had to keep my poker face on for the rest of the afternoon!   

What was your first job? 

My first job was in the bar at my local rugby club. All the glamorous duties of collecting glasses, cleaning, re-stocking, changing barrels etc.

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

I am a Finance Consultant at Christie Finance. I advise and support clients seeking to acquire a business or property across Care, Childcare, Hotels, Retail and Hospitality by arranging tailored, competitive commercial mortgage facilities.

What’s your favourite thing about Christie Finance? 

So far it has been the people. Everyone has been extremely welcoming, with most getting in touch on my first day to welcome me and have continued to offer their help if needed.

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

It’s impossible to ignore the impact of COVID and lockdown, which created significant challenges for both businesses and individuals. These changes reshaped the funding landscape, making it harder for clients to secure the right type of financing without risking long-term setbacks.

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

There are lots of “big-ticket” or meaningful deals I could choose, but the biggest highlight in my career has been the relationships with clients, introducers and colleagues built up over the years.

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

I love listening to and playing music. I also run regularly, with the Edinburgh Marathon being my next challenge. Outside of that, my wife and I spend most weekends either socialising with friends and family or relaxing at home with a movie.

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

My hometown is Uddingston, just outside of Glasgow, where I still live today.

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

Needs to be New York. My wife and I were there during our honeymoon and spent New Years Eve near Times Square which was an unforgettable experience.  

What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

Hard to choose just one, but I would say people taking calls via loudspeaker in public spaces, so you are forced to listen to their conversation.  

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

New York. I think it would be incredible to experience daily life there.

What would be your desert island meal? 

Cullen Skink, T-bone Steak and chips with peppercorn sauce, then Tiramisu.  

What’s your favourite film? 

The Big Short is a favourite, but I am a sucker for any old-school war movie i.e. Von Ryan’s Express, Where Eagles Dare etc.

What is one thing on your bucket list? 

I would love to complete an Ironman 70.3

What news source do you read every day?

BBC news.

What’s your social media platform of choice? 

Facebook or Instagram.

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