Continuing with our popular staff spotlights - which are a great way for you to get to know the people you talk to on the phone or at your development sites, we talk to Management Accountant; Hayley Ferries

Hayley has been working in finance for 12 years and comments that her favourite part of the industry is that whether looking forward with forecasts, analysing historical figures, or dealing with the day-to-day running of a finance department, there’s always something to get stuck into. Previously she worked at Portsmouth Football Club and Liz Earle Beauty Company.

Hayley joined Onyx in 2021 and manages the finance function to ensure the smooth running of all transactions. She oversees all cash flow to ensure funds are available when our property development and bridging loan customers need them as well as providing up-to-date, accurate information on our loans.

In her spare time, Hayley enjoys a wealth of activities from fine dining through to music gigs. Never one to shy away from a fun social event, Hayley will always be found at an Onyx get-together.

What do you like most about working at Onyx?

Hayley said: “I like that every day is different at Onyx. My work is always interesting and varied. We also have a very good, collaborative team where our ideas and opinions matter and are always taken into consideration.

From day 1 we are given the opportunity to enjoy several benefits including food, hospitality, gym, and more. The staff here really are well looked after and happy”.

What are your thoughts on the current market conditions?

Hayley said: “It’s hard to predict what the immediate future holds for both the financial and property industries. With the base rate stabilising and inflation looking a little more promising my hope is that we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with all the uncertainty. Cost of living and materials are still high which is affecting development budgets, but luckily the market is still thriving despite the doom and gloom of the media.”

How do current market conditions affect your work?

Hayley said: “As we do not borrow from the market, we are unaffected by the Bank of England Base Rate. This means we set our own interest rates and loan terms for each customer. As such, while we keep an eye on the financial market in order to best advise customers when it comes to our services, we are happy to see no detrimental effect to us or our loan books.”

What is the most common question(s) you are asked by clients and what is your typical answer?

Hayley said: “The most common question I get is how interest is calculated. The simple answer - all interest is calculated daily. I’m also asked how a customer can check their loan balance. Customers have access to a facility tracker detailing all capital and construction drawdowns to date and can request a statement at any time with a breakdown of capital and interest.

Finally, loan redemptions come up a lot, and whether or not they can be settled in advance. The good news is, yes they can, they just need to get in touch to request a redemption statement. They can repay their loan at any time (subject to a minimum period of interest) without any exit fees.”

How do you feel Onyx is different from its competitors?

Hayley said: “Our structure means new loans can be assessed and agreed quickly, meaning a decision can be made and funds out the door much faster than our competitors. Our pricing is simple with no hidden fees, so you know exactly how much your finance is going to cost you.”

Onyx is proud to be growing from strength to strength, and with this growth, we have seen great talent come through our doors and become valuable members of our development finance, commercial lending, and bridging loan teams. If you would like to be a part of this team, apply for one of our vacancies here.