At Recognise Bank, relationships are at the core of everything we do; with our customers, our broker partners, and the people who power our business behind the scenes.
Heather Mitchell, one of our Lending Managers, is one of those people. With decades of experience in SME lending and commercial brokering, Heather has carved out her space in an industry long dominated by men, not by blending in, but by standing out. Her approach combines sharp commercial instinct with empathy, resilience and a voice she’s learned to trust in every room.
This is more than a Q&A. It’s a window into what it looks like to build a career, make an impact and bring your full self to the table.
What brought you into lending, and to Recognise Bank?
Following a long career as a Relationship Manager to SMEs, I switched from being a lender to brokering commercial transactions. After seven years as a broker, it was time to come back to lending, where my heart truly lies. I missed the satisfaction of directly shaping deals and supporting clients through to completion.
What do you love most about working with brokers and SMEs?
Shaping a facility to provide the right solution for the client’s needs. Every case is different, and I enjoy the challenge of working through the process, overcoming hurdles and finding ways to ensure the client can achieve their end goal. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Is there something unique or unexpected in your background that shaped your career?
I once seriously considered retraining as a nurse until I realised I felt too old to be pulling night shifts and doing hospital rounds!
I realised the commercial world was where I was best placed, helping people manage their business operations, rather than their personal health. I also preferred my corporate wardrobe!
What makes a deal stand out to you?
For me, it’s all about teamwork. A deal stands out when the client, broker, solicitor, and our internal teams, including the credit manager and operations are all aligned and working together. When everyone pulls in the same direction to meet deadlines and deliver a smooth process, it’s incredibly rewarding.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a business considering bridging lending?
Choose an experienced broker and solicitor. It really makes a difference to how smoothly the process runs and how effectively a facility is structured.
What’s the most rewarding part of completing a deal?
Receiving a thank you email from the end client. That personal note of appreciation reminds me of why I do this. We’re not just dealing in numbers, we’re helping people get closer to their dreams.
How did you learn to trust your voice in rooms where you were the only woman?
Listening to my instincts, using the knowledge and experience built up over the years, makes me confident that I know the answer.
Looking back, what do you wish someone had told you at the start of your career? Or alternatively: What advice would you give to women starting out as lending managers?
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Be bold and confident in your own abilities. For the mums out there-let go of the mum guilt. It’s hard work juggling but all worth it in the end.
What do you think sets Recognise Bank apart from other lenders?
We look at ways to do deals, rather than starting with reasons not to. That positive, proactive mindset makes all the difference. Our approach is solution-focused, and I think our clients and broker partners really feel that.
What have you learned from working with brokers?
Speed matters. Brokers are often under pressure from clients, so they need quick, clear communication – even if the answer is a ‘no’. A fast ‘no’ is better than a slow ‘maybe’.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Spending time with my family and dragging them out for long walks in the countryside! I love being outdoors and taking time to recharge.
Complete this sentence: “People might not guess this about me, but…”
I’m a ‘90s raver and love nothing more than a good daytime disco! Give me a dancefloor and some throwback tunes, and I’m happy.
Whether it’s Heather’s years of experience supporting SMEs, her pragmatic approach to complex deals, or her love of a good 90s rave, Heather brings personality and professionalism to every conversation.
If you’re a broker or business looking to work with someone who gets the bigger picture and will work hard to help you reach your goals, Heather would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with her at [email protected]
Or connect on Heather Mitchell CeMAP CeRER | LinkedIn.
Learn more about our flexible Bridging Loan solutions and how we can support your needs.
All loans are subject to status and affordability checks. Terms and conditions apply.
