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The more Zopa members there are, the more people there are to lend to and borrow from, and the better it is for everyone. That's why we're always prodding you to tell your friends about Zopa. And why we give you £30 if anyone you introduce to the site goes on to lend or borrow. Recently we ran a competition where a Zopa member and the person they recommended could win £1000 each. And we'd like to introduce you to the winners: Zopa lender John Mooren (aka Johannes) and his friend Martin Shaw (aka Hillbury).
So congratulations on winning guys. What are you planning on doing with your £1000? Fun things or sensible things?
John: I found out we'd won the day after I had the builder in to look at my house. We have a Victorian house and 3 young children tearing the place down, day in day out. So I guess we will have a sensible destination for the money and invest it in patching up the paint.
Martin: My £1000 will either be a down-payment on an Aston Martin DB9 or disappear into the school fee black hole.
Hmmm…go for the Aston Martin, Martin. Have either of you ever won anything like this before?
John: The most I have ever won is £98 in the Lotto, so no.
£98 is £98 though John - it's not to be sniffed at. So how do you two know each other then?
John: I first met Martin when I interviewed him for a job almost 6 years ago. And I liked him from that first moment on. So I hired him and have never regretted it.
Martin: We worked together for a company which makes trading systems for financial markets so all this is quite ironic really.
It is a bit. John, how did you first find out about Zopa?
John: A friend told me about it, explaining he felt it was a great idea and something that could revolutionise the business of lending and borrowing. I was immediately intrigued and decided to test it by both borrowing and lending.
Good for you. And how are you finding it?
John: Very easy and a fun experience
Why did you think Zopa might be up Martin's street?
John: He works for a software company and used to be a trader, so I thought Zopa should be something he should at least give a try.
Quite right. So what did John tell you about Zopa, Martin?
Martin: Just that it's easy to use and safe - the reducing the risk element is so important.
You're not wrong there. And is John someone whose advice you'd usually take?
Martin: Yes he is - even more so after this, which is just as well as he is an eminent consultant in the financial markets. He owed me 10 quid before but I will let him off now.
That seems only fair. Do you think you'll go on and use Zopa then?
Martin: Certainly. The banks make way too much money out of me already so I am very happy to lend in a person-to-person market.
Good man. Right, time to dish the dirt on each other. Martin, what are John's best and worst character traits?
Martin: He's Dutch and supports Ajax. Apart from that he is very dependable and has a great sense of humour considering he's Dutch.
And John, same question...
John: Martin is great to be around, talks a good story, is always charming - in short, liked by everyone. His bad trait has to be his love for Chelsea FC. Come on, spending so much money, having so little to show for it...
Yes, they're certainly no Leicester City, that's for sure. And which superhero does the other most resemble?
Martin: Freddie Flintoff (not really!)
John: I am no expert in superheroes, but in my opinion, Martin is best described as the combination of Brad Pitt and George Clooney in Ocean's Eleven: distinguished, charming, calm, entertaining and always in a good mood.
Crikey! A combination of Pitt and Clooney - he must be a real hit with the ladies then. What do you guys get up to in your spare time?
Martin: Watch sports, first line support for my kids' computers, cycling around Richmond Park, listen to music, cinema and theatre when my wife Sophie tells me what to see.
John: Play tennis, run around the Common and, something I do much better than any of the other activities, watch football.
And just a few random questions to finish off….Martin, what's your paper of choice?
Martin: Telegraph. And The FT when I feel like it.
John, what would you have for your last meal?
John: Sushi, with lots of Eel Nigiris.
Not sure about that. And finally, Martin, who would you want to play you in a film?
Martin: Robert de Niro … he gets the best out of the characters he plays and might make me look really cool!
Good choice. Thanks for your time John and Martin, and enjoy your prize.
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