60 second interview: Bryn Cole

Monday 21st September 2009
What does it say on your business card? Bryn Cole, managing director of Paragon Advance Ltd

Where are you based? In Hampshire.

What does your business do? We provide services to the lettings industry offering tenant referencing, investment property, mortgages and a range of insurance products.

How many people do you employ? 160.

How has the recession been for you? It has been challenging in that it has brought an increase in business, but we have had more clients ceasing to trade.

What lessons have you learnt from it? I have learnt to concentrate more on core activities.

How do you see your business in five years time? I see the company expanding and becoming larger and more efficient by providing more bespoke products.

What do you think about Home Information Packs? HIPs do not do what they are intended to do. The theory isn’t even right, never mind the practical application.

What do you think the housing market will do for the rest of this year? The lack of affordable lending for first-time buyers will continue to restrict the market, but I think house prices will increase slightly over the next eight to 12 months. There will of course be regional variations, but until borrowing becomes easier and deposits reduce, this will not only severely stifle the influx of first-time buyers but it will also generally slow down the housing market revival.

Who’s your property hero and why? I don’t really have a property hero, but if it could be anyone it would be Bill Gates. He is tremendously successful and ruthless in business, but he is still very socially aware with regard to charities, etc.

Favourite night out? It would have to be dinner at a nice quiet restaurant.

Last holiday: In Wales.

Strictly or X Factor? Neither. I can’t stand them. I prefer documentaries.