In this series, we ask the Precede Capital team five questions about life at Precede, their career and what motivates them.
Tell us about your role at Precede, what does your day-to-day look like?
I have a broad role at Precede which includes working alongside the origination team on structuring and executing new loans, the credit team on managing our existing loan book and with our GC on monitoring and managing the wider risks for the business. At Precede, it’s very much a team effort, and the legal team always plays a key role in any business decisions. I get to work with all our stakeholders be that borrowers, investors, co-lenders or external professionals, so there’s always an interesting or challenging new angle to be considered. No two days are ever the same at Precede!
What did your career path look like before Precede?
I have a relatively traditional legal background, having worked my way up through the private practice law firm model at a number of international law firms in the City, starting as a trainee solicitor through to legal director. I then made the move in-house to Precede almost three years ago now!
I’ve always been involved in real estate since my early days as a trainee and the years of experience in private practice has been a great platform to develop a deep understanding of both real estate and the intricacies of lending transactions. Whilst in private practice I always wanted to get closer to the commercial risk and decision-making process and now, at Precede, its great to be part of a legal team which sits at the heart of the business, contributing to decision-making at all stages.
What is your favourite thing about your role?
The best thing about my role at Precede is getting to work with the rest of the team. The team has a great energy. Everyone brings a different angle or skillset. Ideas are always challenged; we’re constantly pushing ourselves to develop and improve. It’s also great to be part of a business that genuinely believes in the ESG agenda, whether that’s helping our clients deliver the homes of the future, reducing the impact of our day-to-day business operations or giving back to the wider community.
How has your past experience helped shape you in your role now?
I’ve always been a transactional lawyer, driven by the desire to get the next deal closed and clients satisfied. This drive and ingrained tenacity help me push through the inevitable challenges and issues thrown up in due diligence and deal negotiation, finding pragmatic and commercial solutions to get the deal done. I’m also known in the team as being the one who keeps cool under pressure and I think this comes from my experience as a lawyer in the City working with great clients and mentors on many complex and often cutting-edge domestic and cross-border real estate financings.
Describe Precede Capital in three words
Passionate, collaborative, Ambitious.
Andrew joined Precede Capital from Addleshaw Goddard where he worked for over 4 years in the banking and finance team, specialising in real estate finance. He has extensive experience of acting for major banks and financial institutions, global asset managers, REITs and other corporates on a broad range of acquisition, development and investment financings covering the full spectrum of real estate sectors, including: office, retail, industrial, hotels, student accommodation and PRS.
Prior to Addleshaw Goddard Andrew worked at Hogan Lovells and Taylor Wessing. Andrew studied at University College London, and has some 12 years post qualification experience.
