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This month we'll be looking back at our 3rd birthday, saying 'hello' to Japan; catching up with one of our borrowers and meeting a couple of the Zopa team. Sit down with a cuppa, it's a full edition.
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On 7th March, we celebrated our 3rd birthday. There was much merriment, balloon blowing and cake. It was a proud moment as Giles looked back over the last 3 years at Zopa, remembered old friends and marvelled at how far we've come. We all said a big 'cheers' to all the borrowers and lenders that have helped get Zopa where we are today. |
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We've always had a yen to go to Japan, so there were shouts of 'hooray' when we announced we are launching there. As with any launch, there's lots to be done and we'll be keeping you informed but for now, it's safe in the hands of Chairman Takeshi Yoneda and CEO Tatsuya Kuboi. 
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There's excitement in the Zopa office as we've been nominated for the award: 'Most Threatening Non-Bank Competitor' at the upcoming Retail Banker International Global Awards ceremony. We'll let you know how we do. Most threatening... we think we're rather nice actually! |
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Bob Blackman (aka injector) lives in sunny Cornwall and came to Zopa for a loan to self publish his trilogy of books. We thought it was about time we caught up with him to see how things are progressing. Hi Bob. How did you hear about Zopa? I found Zopa on the internet when I was looking for a means of raising some capital to self-publish my books. I drew up a list of criteria and found that Zopa met them all. That is good news indeed! Why did you decide to go on to use Zopa? |
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The main attraction was the great rate that I was offered. It was extremely competitive and there was also the chance to pay it back early. Zopa uses the power of the net to link me directly to my lenders, I have even met some of them. My book publishing adventures intrigue them. Snap! I'm intrigued too.. tell me more. How did you find borrowing at Zopa? Very simple. I felt like I was in the driving seat. I chose the rates and term of the loan and this suited my lenders. You don't get much simpler than that. OK, now lets talk about your book. Has self publishing been what you expected? I knew it would be hard work but I hadn't anticipated the buzz I get from it. It is really weird hearing my readers talking about characters that have existed in my head for some years. If you could give one piece of advice to any aspiring authors, what would it be? Keep on keeping on. Get reviews before you publish and be as good as you can at everything. Hire an editor and a graphic designer even if you're brilliant at writing or artwork. Hey, nothing wrong with giving extra advice Bob. Is there anything you'd like to say to your Lenders? First of all a big and heartfelt thank you to you all. Secondly, buy my book! And get all your friends to as well. Check out the blogs on my Zopa-funded website www.anarchadia.co.uk to keep up with the latest developments, special features and items of added value. I'm already placing my order! When is your next book released? The Wormton Lamb is all ready to go but I'm going to sit on it for a bit until I have established more of a reputation for myself with The Horsepower Whisperer. I will probably release it for Easter 2009. Who would you love to have review your books? Jasper Fforde and Terry Pratchett -I asked Jasper Fforde for a review and he sent me back a postcard of a giant vegetable to say that he regretted that he no longer had the time to read for pleasure but wished me well with my writing. He didn't have to do that. I reckon he's a top chap. Top chap indeed. Thanks Bob, it's always a pleasure talking to you. |
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We've got two lovely new faces to show you. All together now... Cheeeeeese.  Here's Anuradha (on the left) and Raoul.
Anuradha loves bells and Raoul is rather fond of goats. Anyone else feel like breaking into song? "High on a hill was a lonely goatherd..." Hello Anuradha. What name have you chosen to use on the Zopa discussion boards? You'll find me posting as anu. Excellent, we'll keep an eye out for you. What are you doing at Zopa? I'm working in the Operations department, so lots of customer contact, repayment collection, data maintenance and reconciliation. I'm on the hunt for interesting facts about you. Care to share one? I was a Bharatnatyam dancer. That is one of India's traditional dances. I'll know where to come to for lessons then! If you had to name two of your favourite things, what would they be? I love trekking, and bells. Tell you what, we can probably somehow mix those two. Perfection! Thanks Anuradha. Hi Raoul, what name should people be looking for on our discussion boards if they want to speak to you? My discussion board ID is raoul. I like it. Straight to the point there. What have you come to Zopa to do? Ive come to Zopa as a back end web developer. It's great to have you on board. We'd like to learn more about you Raoul, do you have an interesting fact to share with us? I am the great, great grandson of John Everett Millais the well-known pre-Raphaelite artist, though I have no idea what happened to the artistic talent, I certainly don't have any! Hey, I'm sure you do. So, imagine you are Maria in 'The Sound of Music'. What are a few of your favourite things? Some of my favourite things are: Cooking, drinking, programming and, of course, goats (the best ruminant of all!) |
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If you'd like to be interviewed for next month's edition, or if you have any good ideas for stories, please send an email to amy@zopa.com |
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If you prefer not to receive communication like this from Zopa, no hard feelings. Email contactus@zopa.com to let us know. Just so you know it's us, your username is ###. |
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Zopa Limited. |