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I have over 30 years banking experience, predominantly in business banking in North Queensland, based in Townsville. Over the years I have also worked in Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Dalby, Stanthorpe, Darwin, and until very recently in Brisbane working for a large Asian Bank in Corporate/Institutional banking. However, my preference is very much towards assisting the family owned business owner/operators of Northern Queensland.
I have been fortunate to have experience across a broad range of industries including hospitality, accommodation and tourism; professional services firms; smaller end manufacturing; transport and logistics; marine services; construction and trades; mining services; civil contractors; property investment and property development; motor dealers; retailers and wholesalers; health; and the agricultural sector amongst others.
I will be able to assist market sectors including small business, larger commercial businesses, emerging and lower end corporate, property investors and developers, and agricultural.
I am very pleased to have joined John and Orla Watts and the Astute North QLD Group based in Cairns, but am available to discuss current or proposed business banking arrangements across Queensland.
Whether you are looking at a specific transaction to be financed, refinancing existing debt, a review of current banking arrangements, or just would like a chat, I am contactable by email or mobile any time.
I had no understanding of how the insurance side of Astute worked. After my first visit with Peta I was blown away with how she explained everything to me. And what I didn’t understand she was happy to take the extra time to explain them again. I felt she was very thorough and when I left I was able to think about what suited my needs to make a decision on how I wanted to proceed. Thanks Peta for advice.
Astute are very professional & helpful. Would recommend these guys to anyone looking at refinancing or purchasing. Started with this team when they were in their little office, my how they have grown. Special thanks to Verena for all her help but all the staff are wonderful and great with the little ones as well J Thanks heaps.
We have been using John since we bought our first house in 2008 and taken sound advice from him in all our finance dealing ever since; which has included, opening a business, building our second house and now purchasing an investment property. We trust the advice given to us and not understanding the finance world hugely rely on the knowledge given to us in making decisions. We thank Verena very much with her patience throughout each deal and her simple way of explaining the overwhelming fluff that the banks put on paper. Johns stickmen and drawings helped us immensely 🙂 We really feel like we have actually made some good friends when dealing with Astute.
Prompt efficient service from the 1st phone call to make an appointment through to the loan contract. Excellent service all round. Well informed and kept up to date throughout the process . Highly recommended. Thank you.
I found every time I rang the office with a query the phone was answered promptly. Gus and his team stayed in contact at all times either by email or phone just to make sure I had complete understanding of the forms I was signing and the procedures they were taking to finalise the loan. I was never left wondering what happens next.
We recently had an appointment with Astute to help us sort out our mortgage needs. From the moment we stepped into the building we were made to feel welcome. From Shae on the front desk to Damian during our appointment. Damian went above and beyond to help us with our needs, explaining things simply and offering further support. It all makes so much more sense when you have someone who knows what they’re talking about! Thank you so much.
Being self employed is always a bit of a struggle when it comes to home loans. The amazing team at Astute made this happen for us. Their down to earth yet professional approach is very reassuring. Excellent customer service and follow up throughout the process that made it less nerve racking. Call them or pop in, make the first step and I can gguaranteethey will do their best to make it possible. A big thank you to John, Damian and the amazing Shae- Shae who could teach a few things to hospitality people. Cannot thank you enough so I recommend you to everyone in need of a loan
