Team Tuesday: Meet our Underwriting Director, Hugh Lyons

Where did you begin your career?

“My first job was packing bags in Tesco as a 15-year-old during a summer, but my career started in the legal services department of ACC Bank back in 2007.”

What is the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

“It’s a cliché, but ‘The Golden Rule’ is something that has always stuck with me - treat others as you would want to be treated.”

What tips would you give to someone starting in your profession?

“Apart from the above, I’d advise people to always look to take on as much responsibility as they can handle and not to wait for responsibility to be handed to you.

Also, make as many strong connections as you can. This industry is largely about relationships so aim to be having at least one coffee a week with a potential new contact, while not ignoring your existing contact base.”

What is your greatest professional achievement to date?

“Again, a bit of a cliché but my role with Onate since the middle of 2021 gives me an enormous sense of pride.

Helping to build a loan book and Onate’s reputation as a leader in the bridging finance market has been extremely rewarding.”

Tell us something people may not know about you

“Nothing! I’m an open book.”