In this episode, Rob Barnard sits down with Amy Nettleton to explore the evolving landscape of Shared Ownership and its role in addressing housing affordability. Amy shares her perspective on the SO Exchange, a collaborative platform designed to bring transparency and innovation to the shared ownership market. We also dive into Pepper Money’s recent Shared Ownership White Paper, unpacking its key findings, market trends, and what they mean for lenders, intermediaries, and homebuyers. Whether you’re a broker, lender, or simply interested in housing policy, this episode offers practical knowledge and thought leadership on one of the most talked-about topics in UK housing.
In this first episode of our special 3-part series on Shared Ownership, we explore policy, politics, and public purpose. Join host Rob Barnard as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David Gauke, former Chancellor and Cabinet Minister. They delve into the complexities of housing policy, the evolution of Shared Ownership to address modern challenges, and the valuable lessons from David's political and legal journey that could shape the future.
In the Season 6 finale of The Specialist, Rob Barnard is joined by Mark Long, Managing Director of Pegasus Insight. With two decades of experience across multiple sectors, Mark shares his journey to founding Pegasus Insight, the evolving landscape of research and market insights in the mortgage industry, what businesses truly need from their research partners, and his perspective on consumer sentiment in the mortgage and housing sector.
In this episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard sits down with David Whittaker, Chief Executive of Keystone Property Finance and one of the most respected voices in the Buy-to-Let market. With decades of experience in property finance, David shares insights from his remarkable career and offers a deep dive into the current state of the Buy-to-Let sector. Together, Rob and David discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing investors today, how the market is evolving, and what brokers need to know to stay ahead.
In this episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard welcomes Phil Daffern, Head of Lender Relationships at SimplyBiz Mortgages. Together, they explore the evolving homeownership ambitions across generations, from Baby Boomers to Millennials to Gen Z. Phil shares valuable insights and research into how these demographic shifts impact the buying process and what they mean for brokers navigating today’s fast-changing market. Uncover the opportunities and challenges currently facing the industry and gain expert perspectives from one of its leading voices on an important topic that's changing how we'll communicate today, and in years to come.
Our host Rob Barnard sits down with Maria Harris as they discuss her extensive career, and how she got her start in the mortgage industry. They cover a range of topics, including how she helped launch the UK’s first digital mortgage to founding and chairing the Open Property Data Association, Maria has been driving change through digital innovation in the mortgage and property industry. They explore the challenges buyers face today, how digitisation can improve the buying process to make it as frictionless as possible, and what still needs to be done to make the journey easier. Find out more about OPDA here: https://openpropdata.org.uk/
Rob Barnard is joined by mortgage legend Colin Snowden for an engaging journey through the remarkable milestones of his career. From his early experiences in the industry to becoming a key figure in specialist lending. Colin reflects on the pivotal moments, challenges, and successes that have defined his professional journey. He also shares the incredible story of how he helped bring six lenders to market, all with one clear mission: to support underserved customers and help brokers to write more business.Make sure you stay to the end for an inside look into the beginnings of Pepper Money, and how the brand and business has evolved over the years.
Rob Barnard sits down with returning guest Stephanie Charman, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, to explore the ongoing value of mortgage advice for customers and the wider market, especially given the continued conversations around an increase in execution only mortgages.Steph recalls her early career and influences that helped shape her into becoming a female leader in the mortgage industry. She covers how her small, but mighty team at AMI "eat policy for breakfast", discussing all of the potential outcomes of consultancy papers and more to best support brokers and intermediaries.
In this engaging episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard welcomes Clare Beardmore, the influential Director of Legal General Mortgage Club. They delve into the significant contributions of women in the mortgage industry while addressing the challenges they face daily. With over 20 years in financial services, Clare shares her journey from customer service to leadership and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. This episode is a powerful reminder that International Women's Day should be a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action toward gender equality, not just a one-day event.
Providing positive customer outcomes are integral whether you work for a lender, broker or technology provider. Neal shares his journey and the role OMS plays in simplifying and streamlining the mortgage and protection application process for brokers.
In this episode, Rob Barnard sits down with industry legend Robert Sinclair, who reflects on his remarkable career in the mortgage space. Rob Sinclair shares valuable lessons learned over the years, discusses the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry and offers a glimpse into what the next chapter holds for him.
This episode explores how Kelly’s customers inspired her to pursue, and establish one of the industries most respected specialist broker firms. Kelly and Rob explore the mortgage market, options available to first-time buyers, and the important roles that both specialist lenders and shared ownership play.
On this week's episode of The Specialist, Paul Broadhead, Head of Mortgages at the Building Society Association joins our host, Rob Barnard. Paul shares the early beginnings and community ethos behind the Building Society movement, how their offering has evolved over time to meet specialist needs, and his love of the beautiful game.
In the first episode of Season Five, Rob Barnard catches up with Pam Brown, Owner of Pam Brown Mortgages. They discuss a range of topics, from how Pam got her start in mortgages to running a successful family business with her children in the industry, the importance of protection for broker's businesses, the growth of specialist lending from her perspective, and all things fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis charities, which is very close to her heart.
We hosted a live recording of The Specialist at Mortgage Adviser Event on 4th June 2024. Rob Barnard was joined by Andy Shields, Liz Syms, and Alex Hammond as they discussed the many plates being spun by business owners and brokers in order to remain competitive in today's market, as well as a look at how personal well-being is overlooked.
Rob Barnard is joined by Pete Gwilliam, to discuss the importance of authenticity when telling your story, how to promote your personal brand effectively, and fostering the feeling of belonging.
Rob is joined by Matt Tristram who discusses navigating the secured loans market over the last couple of years, an overview on the simplicity of writing a second charge mortgage, whilst taking a deep dive into the sector and looking at and how a second charge solution can be there to solve your customers complex requirements.
On Mental Health Awareness Week, Jason Berry candidly discusses his personal journey, what inspired him to found the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, ways that we as an industry can support our peers and spot any signs, and how the impact of COVID-19 is still impacting so many.
Rob Barnard is joined by Emma Jones, Founder and MD of When the Bank Says No, to discuss the opportunities and advice to brokers for when the bank says no. They take a deep dive into the challenges faced by customers and the importance of empathy in the ever changing mortgage market. Emma discusses her own personal journey and mission to raise money for Epilepsy UK.
Rob Barnard sits down with Ali Williams, Co-founder of creative agency, mark-making*, to discuss the importance of building a strong brand with a focus on broker and consumer behaviour, and how being meaningful and memorable is the key to success.