Meet the Team
Essential Details:
Name: Andrew Tapsell
Company role: Managing Director, Isle of Wight
Favourite saying: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Hello, Andrew! Great to get a bit of time with you. First of all, will you tell us a little bit about your background – and what you do now at Cherry Godfrey?
I joined Barclays after completing A Levels and stayed there for 30 years; whilst there, I took on a lot of different roles, but I always enjoyed looking after customers and businesses the most. For Cherry Godfrey, I was appointed Managing Director of the Isle of Wight office before its launch; I helped to gain our FCA authorisation and set up the office, and will now lead the team as we start trading.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was shelf stacking at Gateway Supermarket! It taught me the value of earning my own money.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced at work – and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been getting our registration for the Isle of Wight by building the team and processes that the FCA were happy to authorise.
What values have been the most important to you, both personally and professionally?
Being honest, trustworthy and hard working.
If you had to choose one problem to fix – something that people in your industry/niche commonly face – what would it be?
“Computer says no”…! Lenders have humans that can make decisions, too; it’s important to assess each situation carefully and with a human approach. There may be reasons behind the current situation a customer finds themselves in, and these should be taken into account – it’s not a tick box exercise. At Cherry Godfrey we like to take a more holistic view.
What do you love about Cherry Godfrey?
The challenge of growing a new business but with the support of a wider group.
Thanks, Andrew! Now onto a lighter topic: top three podcasts or books?
The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series, for books - plus ‘The West Ham Way’ Podcast!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Rowing, eating out, and supporting West Ham. At the moment, the latter is enjoyable; previously it has been painful…!
