The British Specialist Lending Senate is the unique must-attend event for business leaders in the Specialist Lending arena. The success of the annual specialist events we have held since launch in March 2015 pays testimony to how far the sector has evolved in a short space of time.
The Senate is a full day conference with the objective of helping drive the Specialist Lending agenda. With the engagement of the sector’s most influential lenders and distributors, the event encourages consensus and positive action to safeguard the future health of this increasingly important market and evolve it in a sustainable way.
Our delegates can expect a packed agenda of presentations and panel discussions, fireside chats and workshop sessions, covering a range of topical issues which include funding, regulatory and policy changes and the buy to let market, to name just a few.
Please note that this event is held under the Chatham House Rule. When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. To view more on the rule please click here.
Aldermore
Website
At Aldermore we know not all clients fit a one-size-fits-all model and require a more specialist approach.
That’s why our experienced team of manual underwriters assess each client’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis, giving us more of an opportunity to help them to find the right mortgage, whatever their circumstances.
Aldermore supports a wide range of people, including first-time buyers with low deposits, the self-employed whose finances aren’t simple and straight forward, homeowners looking for a better remortgage deal, landlords big or small looking to start or grow their property portfolio, and borrowers with less than perfect credit.
Fignum
Website
Fignum is a specialist lending technology provider that delivers fast, flexible, and future-proof loan origination and servicing solutions.
Built on an extensive lending heritage, Fignum equips lenders with configurable, data-driven workflows, ensuring seamless decision-making.
With a collaborative approach, Fignum supports lenders in adapting to market shifts and evolving industry demands. It specialises in multi-asset loan and servicing solutions through its flagship platform, the Evolve Suite, which comprises two main products:
Fleet Mortgages
Website
Launched in 2014, Fleet Mortgages is a specialist intermediary-only lender focused on the buy-to-let market. It offers mortgages to professional landlords, as well as Limited Companies and those seeking finance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and multi-unit blocks.
Fleet Mortgages was acquired by Starling Bank in 2021 when the digital challenger bank became its sole funder. Fleet’s senior management team and staff have a wealth of experience of the UK lending market, particularly within the buy-to-let and specialist sectors.
The business is focused on delivering an excellent service to its intermediary partners and continuously reviews its products and processes to ensure they are current, relevant and reflect ever-changing market needs.
Fleet Mortgages is well-positioned to help its intermediary partners grow their businesses and support their landlord clients with the right solution for their needs and prides itself on making complex buy-to-let simple.
Foundation
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Foundation Lending
Foundation Lending is the home of specialist buy-to-let and residential mortgage lending.
With its dedicated sales and underwriting teams, the lender offers support to you throughout all the stages of your clients’ applications. Intermediaries like Foundation’s easy-to-use portal and flexible underwriting. It’s the lender’s aim to be the most trusted lender in the specialist sector.
Residential
Buy to Let
Kensington Mortgages
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Kensington, a subsidiary of Barclays Bank UK, has over 25 years’ experience of providing and servicing specialist mortgages and is the UK’s leading residential specialist mortgage lender. It serves fast-growing segments such as the self-employed, contract workers, multiple income applicants and those who have a small blip on their credit file.
Its range of innovative, award-winning mortgages are powered by its proprietary, in-house, data analytical model Vector, which is embedded into all phases of the mortgage lifecycle. It enables Kensington to assess and manage mortgage credit risk, as well as obtain key insights for product development.
Keystone Property Finance
Website
Keystone Property Finance is a specialist buy-to-let lender for intermediaries.
It lends to landlords borrowing both personally and through a variety of corporate structures, including trading limited companies, SPVs and LLPs.
Keystone has established itself as one of the go-to lenders for brokers with complex landlord clients looking to finance standard buy-to-let properties, as well as higher-yielding properties, such as HMOs and multi-unit freeholds.
Keystone uses a bespoke cloud-based AIP and application system that enables brokers to transact cases quickly and efficiently.
Pepper Money
Website
Pepper Money is a broad specialist lender. It exists to help people succeed.
Championing individuality and looking for opportunities to say yes, rather than
reasons to say no.
It understands that brokers have a range of different needs, because their
customers do, too. These clients may want to take the next step in their
homeowning journey. Brokers want to help them, in the most efficient and
profitable ways.
Pepper Money is here to help both parties fulfil their ambitions. By offering simple, inclusive
products. By having a human approach to decision-making. By being easy to
work with. And by providing specialist expertise that can be relied on.
After all, when you keep an open mind and listen to people, everyone succeeds.
Quantum Mortgages
Website
Quantum Mortgages understands the world of specialist lending better than most. The senior leadership team has been working with intermediaries for virtually their entire careers. This deep understanding of the needs of landlords, property investors and intermediaries has led to the creation of a thoroughly unique proposition.
While many lenders continue to chase the technology dream of full automation, Quantum Mortgages remains focused on offering greater product choice, modern lending criteria, and the ability to listen to and understand individual circumstances.
After successfully disrupting the buy-to-let market, Quantum Mortgages expanded into bridging finance in 2025, delivering flexible and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of property investors.
In 2026, it is taking the next step by launching into the residential mortgage space. Its goal is to bring the same innovation, choice, and service-led approach to residential lending, continuing its mission to challenge the status quo and deliver products that truly work for brokers and their clients.
Together
Website
For over 50 years, Together has helped thousands of people, business and professionals unlock their property ambitions with its common-sense approach to lending.
The lender takes the time to understand its customers and find a property finance solution that works for them. Its door is always open, so it can often help when other lenders can’t or won’t.
Together’s large product suite of mortgages and secured loans gives it the flexibility to help in a wide range of specialist lending scenarios; including residential mortgages, short-term finance, buy-to-let, auction finance, development funding, and commercial and semi-commercial mortgages and loans.
Based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, its 800 colleagues use their expertise and industry knowledge to help Together’s customers throughout the UK, backed by the power of a £7.6 billion loan book.
Matthew has led Brilliant since 2004, having previously worked in corporate finance.
The group’s core business, Brilliant Solutions, is a key participant in the mortgage distribution sector through its mortgage club and specialist packaging services across mortgages, secured loans, bridging, development finance, commercial mortgages and equity release.
The Brilliant Money and Brilliant Loans brands provide advice in the specialist mortgage and secured loan sectors.
Matthew oversees the group’s software proposition which, among other areas of operation, supplies lending software and mortgage payment management systems to lenders in the secured lending and short-term lending sectors.
Cat Armstrong is Mortgage Club Director at Next Intelligence. She has worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years in various roles including as a broker, a business development manager and an underwriter. As part of the senior management team of Next Intelligence and Dynamo she is responsible for managing the day-to-day running of Next Intelligence and the marketing and events departments within both the club and wider Dynamo business.
Danny Belton is a highly respected figure in the UK mortgage industry, with a career spanning over 35 years. He spent the majority of that time at Legal & General, where he most recently served as Head of Lender Relationships at L&G Mortgage Club—one of the UK’s largest and most influential mortgage distribution platforms. He later joined Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) as Head of Lending, where he led lender engagement, launched new products, and championed innovation in the mortgage space. In 2023, he established DB Consultancy, advising lenders and partners on strategic growth and proposition development.
Now serving as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Relations at TMG Mortgage Network, Danny’s focus is on strengthening relationships with lenders, providers, and strategic partners. With his extensive experience in intermediary distribution and deep knowledge of key sectors such as New Build, Later Life Lending, and property retrofit, Danny is well positioned to help TMG expand its partner ecosystem and cement its position as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking mortgage networks.
Kevin has worked across Europe and the Far East, for a range of Financial Services Companies. Giving him invaluable first-hand experience of fee v no-fee; face-to-face v distance; Directly Authorised v Appointed Representative and Multi-national v one-man band.
He joined 177 at the beginning of its journey in 2011. He has played an integral role in to growth and development into the current organisation. An independent thinker, Kevin sits on the board of various organisations, bringing his unique experience and knowledge to the challenges they face.
Matt has spent the last two decades working in financial services, joining the intermediated market in 2017. Working firstly in distribution at Personal Touch Financial Services, he subsequently joined the provider space as a national account manager for eConveyancer.
Matt rejoined distribution in 2021, spending three years at PRIMIS mortgage network as head of proposition and in 2024 he moved to HL Partnership as propositions director.
Matt takes responsibility for the proposition in its entirety and has recently expanded his role to lead on all lender and provider relationship management for the network.
Before his time in the intermediated market, Matt spent 14 years at NatWest, working through the ranks in branch banking and the mortgage channel of the bank. He held a number of leadership roles at area, regional and national level.
Matt is well known for devoting his energy in the market to build strong relationships that drive good customer outcomes, help brokers to help their clients and grow their income.
Claire is a director of Complete Financial Services, a leading mortgage packager supporting intermediaries across residential, buy-to-let, and specialist lending.
With a deep understanding of complex cases and lender criteria, Claire is passionate about helping brokers place business that may not fit the high-street model. Complete’s approach and strong lender relationships ensure clients receive pragmatic solutions and a high level of service.
Claire recently joined Sesame Bankhall Group as distribution director for PMS and Bankhall, a role that now also sees her leading propositions for lenders and providers, as well as driving strategic partnerships across the business.
Previously, Claire spent over two decades at Lloyds Banking Group, rising through the ranks from a fresh-faced accountant to a tech-savvy innovator. Whether running the current account business or shaping strategic technology collaborations, Claire has always been someone who rolls up her sleeves and gets things done.
Her passion? Making a difference through technology, whether it’s transforming the housing market or supporting breakthroughs in medical research. Claire is also a mentor many aspire to have, championing diversity and openly sharing her experiences as a female aeronautical engineer.
At the age of 19, Michael became founder & CEO at Enterprise Group, a specialist finance packager which, over the next 19 years, grew to become one of the UK’s largest distributors of mortgages and loans. In April 2007, Enterprise was ranked the UK’s 31st fastest growing private company (Sunday Times ‘Fast Track 100), and in that same year Enterprise secured £8.5m in private equity investment. Michael was voted a ‘Business Leader of the Year’ at the British Mortgage Awards in 2008. Following the credit crunch, Michael stepped away from the finance industry for several years, as an investor in various sectors and then launching a new e-cigarette brand called VAPESTICK, that went on to become one of Europe’s leading brands, until the sale of that business to a US public company in 2014. In 2016, Michael returned to the finance industry with the launch of Black Book Finance, a finance advisory, master broker and distributor, covering all types of BTL, HMO, bridging, residential, commercial, development, mezzanine & business finance.
Graham is group mortgage development director for Connells Group, the largest UK estate agency networks in the UK.
Connells Group has a branch network of over 1,200 offices trading under a number of brand names, as well as The New Homes Group, which offers specialist mortgage services to the new homes market.
Connells Group acquired Countrywide in March 2021 (including NEXT Intelligence and Dynamo) which means the Group now sell 10% of all properties within the UK and submit over £40 billion in mortgage applications a year.
After graduating from Birmingham University, Graham spent 23 years with Abbey National/Santander, holding various senior roles within marketing and retail banking before joining Connells Group in November 2016.
David Coleman is head of sales at Positive Lending, responsible for strategically managing key accounts and supporting network partner relationships.
He leads the development and implementation of comprehensive training programmes, ranging from foundational to advanced levels, ensuring intermediaries are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel.
David collaborates closely with lenders and key decision-makers to identify and capitalise on opportunities for market share growth, leveraging his expertise to drive mutually beneficial partnerships.
He oversees Positive Lending’s field-based sales team, providing leadership and guidance to deliver impactful face-to-face and virtual meetings, enhancing intermediary engagement and driving business success.
Phil has worked in financial services for over 20 years, having started with a lender, working through all departments and teams, including branch management, mortgage advising, underwriting, mortgage processing, finally settling on business development, and propositional development. SimplyBiz Mortgages was one of his first key accounts and he has supported and been a supporter of the club ever since.
After time understanding the how a lender works, Phil moved to work with Mortgage Brain, focusing on their corporate relationships, with the firm aim of ensuring advisers get the best out of technology, which is paramount for firms that want to be at the cutting edge of advice.
Phil works very closely with lenders and providers to deliver plans and aspirations to Simplybiz Mortgage Club, for the benefit of members and clients alike.
John has been in financial services for 26 years, the last 22 years within Linear Financial Solutions.
He started off as a mortgage and protection adviser, then a training and development officer and 13 years as an area supervision manager, before taking up his current role this year as a relationship manager with Linear Financial Solutions.
Alistair joined the Clydesdale Bank in 1982 and has spent over 40 years in the banking and finance sector – 27 of these as a broker.
He co-founded The Lending Channel in 2010 with his wife Elaine and brother Murray, with the business now firmly established as the best-known property finance broker in Scotland. It operates across the UK in both regulated and non-regulated markets covering all types of property and business finance.
Originally joining The Loan Partnership (TLP) team in 2018 as head of bridging and commercial finance, CeMAP-qualified operations manager Sarah has proven to be a linchpin to TLP’s success.
Her outstanding communication and negotiation skills, combined with her extensive experience of working in the finance and FMCG industry, make her the ideal manager to develop and motivate the team.
Having previously worked as operations manager for global tech brand Just Eat as well as serving many years within financial brands such as First National Bank, GE and Link Lending, Sarah is no stranger to dealing with complex financial transactions and pressurised deadlines.
Taking it all in her stride and with a smile on her face, Sarah was promoted to operations manager in 2021 and has recently taken over the day-to-day operational running of the business as director of operations.
With 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Santander and Countrywide, Rachel joined Mortgage Advice Bureau 13 years ago and has managed her own brokerage for the last 10 years. She has extensive expertise in helping customers who require more specialist support and providing in-depth training to brokers in niche areas of lending.
As strategic lender relationships director, Rachel works closely alongside MAB’s lender partners to identify additional opportunities for innovation. A champion for customer support and education, Rachel works closely with AR firms and brokers, providing the resources and training they need to boost lead generation, expand their expertise, and ensure the best possible customer outcomes.
Narinder works closely with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, supporting them with large property portfolios and complex, often highly technical lending requirements. He specialises in complex and portfolio Buy-to-Let finance, including limited company and SPV structures, as well as HMOs and bridging finance.
In addition, Narinder advises across commercial, semi-commercial and development finance, frequently delivering bespoke and structured lending solutions tailored to challenging scenarios. He is widely regarded as the “go-to” broker for technically complex cases where creativity, precision and deep market knowledge are essential.
Narinder graduated from the University of Kent with an LLB (Hons) in Law and completed his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law, before beginning his career with The Law Society and the Royal Courts of Justice in London. After gaining valuable experience in the legal sector, he transitioned into mortgage broking and swiftly achieved CeMAP qualification.
Prior to joining Coreco Specialist Finance, Narinder held senior roles at Mortgages for Business and Countrywide Mortgage Services, where he advised on residential, specialist Buy-to-Let and commercial finance.
He is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, further reflecting his technical expertise and professional standing within the industry.
Dominic Hodge is strategic relationship manager at Sesame Bankhall Group, where he develops and maintains high-impact partnerships with lenders and providers across the mortgage, protection and technology sectors. With over 15 years’ experience in financial services, Dominic brings a deep understanding of the intermediary market and the evolving needs of adviser firms.
His role focuses on ensuring that partner propositions are not only commercially robust but also aligned with the practical realities of day-to-day advice. Dominic works closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, shape strategic initiatives, and deliver value that supports good client outcomes.
Julian is a director of the Coreco Group and has worked day-to-day with Andrew Montlake for almost 30 years; most would suggest that this is his greatest achievement! Julian’s team at Coreco focuses on large residential and commercial loans for both individuals and businesses.
Julian excels in providing clients with strategic insights and innovative solutions, with an extensive background in the marketplace. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his ability to navigate complex deals and understand market trends and industry dynamics. Julian’s client-centric approach and team involvement have earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results.
Julian concentrates his energy on structured finance for development and investment purposes, as well as large residential homes. The Coreco team has received many industry awards, and personally, Julian has been regularly nominated for the “Large Loan Broker” and ‘Complex BTL’ categories, winning a few times and sometimes being the runner-up, which he’s not very proud of.
However, Julian is a proud member of the FIBA Executive Committee, on which he has served since its inception.
With a background of being a broker, packager and a lender, Dale co-founded OMS (One Mortgage System) in 2017. OMS is a multi-award-winning, all-encompassing CRM and loan origination platform for brokers, networks and lenders. Dale also sits on the industry contact group of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) and is a director/executive committee member of the Open Property Data Association (OPDA).
Sam is the owner of The Mortgage Broker which has recently embarked on a transformative period. Under his leadership and forward-thinking approach, TMB has undergone a complete overhaul, nurturing its strong reputation for excellent service and suitable customer outcomes.
With a background across specialist lending, TMB has built a technology empowered service around tangible human values and diverse knowledge.
Phil is director of mortgages at LDN Finance, having joined the business in March 2024. He has overarching responsibility for the firm’s mortgage proposition, including strategic lender relationships, panel management and leadership of the residential sales function.
He has worked as a mortgage adviser since December 2006, with experience across a wide range of residential and specialist lending cases. Prior to joining LDN Finance, he spent almost four years as sales manager at MB Associates, where he supported adviser performance and business growth.
Will is responsible for the operational management of the entire Brightstar Group, including Sirius Finance and Solstar Insurance. He leads on all matters financial, human resources, technology and operational. He works relentlessly to champion a proactive environment ensuring that the group operations remain resilient in an ever-changing market and driving efficiencies in its working practices.
Will’s background is steeped in politics, with more than 13 years spanning leadership and campaign roles with Brentwood Borough Council and the Conservative Party, including a year as deputy leader of the Council and chair of environment.
Outside of work he serves as a volunteer treasurer for the Old Brentwood’s Rugby Football Club (OBRFC) and a trustee for The Niall Stringer Foundation. In 2024 he launched the Pride in Finance Alliance, PIFA, aimed at increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ people in the financial services sector and creating a new allyship community.
Will is a multi-award winner with two wins at the British Mortgage Awards, two wins at the British Specialist Lending Awards and named a Mortgage Solutions Changemaker for 3 consecutive years.
Graeme started his career working for Lloyds Banking Group as a specialist mortgage adviser in 2013.
He joined Alexander Hall in 2016 focusing on residential and buy-to-let mortgages before the business began operating in specialist lending and he joined that team in 2019. He covers bridging, development, commercial, semi-commercial and buy-to-let portfolio lending.
In 2023, Graeme was promoted to lead the specialist lending department.
Stacy joined The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries in 2019. Before this, she worked as a broker specialising in high-net-worth home and motor insurance.
Her expertise covers a wide range of regulatory and market issues, including Consumer Duty, vulnerability, the Pure Protection Market Study, FCA fees and levies, and the Appointed Representatives regime.
As head of policy, Stacy leads and shapes AMI’s policy agenda, providing strategic direction, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities and ensuring the timely development and delivery of responses and policy initiatives.
Joining Mortgages for Business in 2016 Gavin was appointed Managing Director in January 2021, he has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously working as Area Manager in the in the Financial planning sectors within major High Street banks such as HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest, he has extensive knowledge advising on mortgages, life cover, pensions and investments. Taking a break from the sector in 2013, Gavin spent three years as a full-time coach for England RFU, Harlequins RFU and Sussex University.
Charles has over 30 years’ financial services experience and joined UK Finance in August 2020. As director of mortgages, he has overall responsibility for delivering the mortgage policy work of UK Finance.
Prior to joining UK Finance, Charles was chief risk officer at The Nottingham Building Society, a director in the Regulatory Financial Services Practice at Grant Thornton. He also spent 11 years at the FCA, where he was head of department for the mortgage sector.
In addition to his role at UK Finance, Charles is a non-executive director at Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions and Loughborough Building Society.
Jane Simpson is the Head of Strategic Accounts at Legal & General Mortgage Services, where she leads the Key Relationship Team and oversees day-to-day engagement with the business’s broker partners. In this role, Jane is responsible for driving growth across the broker side of L&G’s Mortgage Club, strengthening existing relationships, and uncovering new distribution opportunities.
With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Jane brings a deep understanding of broker needs and market dynamics. Prior to her current position, she served as Strategic Relationship Manager within L&G’s Mortgage Services business. Her career also includes a notable seven-year tenure as Managing Director at TBMC Cardiff, a specialist buy-to-let packager.
Jane is passionate about supporting brokers through the evolving economic landscape. She is committed to enhancing L&G’s broker proposition by delivering practical, customer-focused solutions that address real challenges in the market.
Jodi started in the industry in 2005 and has worked up from admin support to senior adviser, having worked in all sides of the business. She likes to see how new technology and processes have developed over her years in this industry. Now she focuses on building and maintaining relationships between advisers and lenders, which is key to ensure the business is giving the clients the best journey.
Liz Syms is the chief executive officer and founder of Connect Mortgages and Connect for Intermediaries, bringing over 25 years of expertise in mortgage and financial advice.
Liz leads a dynamic team of more than 60 staff, specialising particularly in complex and specialist mortgages. In 2012, Liz established an award-winning specialist mortgage network, now supporting over 350 advisers operating across mainstream and specialist markets, including complex buy-to-let, commercial, bridging, and development finance.
Passionate about innovation, Liz champions technology and AI advancements to streamline mortgage processes and enhance adviser productivity. She dedicates significant time to developing and delivering training content, emphasising technology-driven solutions from the adviser’s viewpoint. Additionally, Liz serves as chair of the Society of Mortgage Professionals and as a board adviser for the Financial Intermediary and Broker Association (FIBA).
She authored the buy-to-let module of the LIBF accreditation “The Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance” and collaborated with FIBA and LIBF to introduce this qualification to the specialist market.
Sarah is an award-winning mortgage professional with over 20 years’ experience across the housing and financial services industry. Her background spans estate agency, banking, and senior leadership within a growing brokerage, giving her a strong understanding of both the mortgage process and the operational structure required to support a successful advisory business.
In her current role, Sarah focuses on operations management, adviser training, and team development, supporting brokers at all stages of their careers. She plays a key role in building efficient processes, improving consistency, and mentoring advisers to enhance performance, confidence, and client outcomes.
Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Sarah continues to specialise in complex mortgage solutions, working with first-time buyers, experienced investors, and clients with non-standard circumstances, now increasingly common in today’s market. She is passionate about growing a sustainable, high-performing advisory team and empowering advisers with the knowledge and support needed to deliver excellent client service.
Matt Tristram is the co-founder and director of the leading second-charge and bridging brokerage, Loans Warehouse. With 25 years in second charge lending he is considered a champion of the sector.
Lisa Walklin‑Knight is the chief operating officer at John Charcol Mortgages Limited, based in Southampton and London.
Lisa leads the operations function, overseeing high‑volume mortgage administration while driving process efficiency and service excellence.
She has expanded her remit over recent years to include compliance, HR and IT, guiding teams through transformation with a focus on empowerment, development, and building strong career foundations for entry‑level talent.
In addition to managing core operational teams, Lisa also supports a network of self‑employed mortgage advisers. She is passionate about people, progression, and leading with warmth, clarity, and accountability. Outside of work, she enjoys socialising with friends, travelling, gym, yoga, forest walks and unwinding with Netflix.
Graham joined Countrywide in July 1995, initially within mortgage processing. His group roles have since included the setting up and management of the specialist panel lending activity.
In December 2007, Graham was promoted to mortgage product and development manager, reporting to the Countrywide Principal Services (CPS) MD with responsibility for all mortgage product and service-related activity.
In 2008 he joined the CPS executive committee and in 2011 was appointed to the CPS board as head of mortgages and then went on to become head of mortgage partnerships.
In October 2021 he joined Mortgage Intelligence reporting to the managing director as head of products and partnerships with responsibility for all day to day relationships with mortgage and insurance partners.
09.35 – 10.20
The specialist lending landscape – market outlook and priorities
10.20 – 11.00
Bridging the gap – the future of regulated and unregulated bridging
Chris Britto, founder and director, Bridgemore Capital
Sonny Gosai, bridging and commercial director, Brilliant Solutions
Narinder Gill, senior associate, Coreco
Moderated by: Roz Cawood, managing director – property finance, StreamBank
11.30 – 12.00
Follow the trend – navigating the next phase of buy-to-let
David Whittaker, CEO, Keystone Property Finance
12.00 – 12.40
Credibility, collaboration, and visibility – unlocking growth
Rob Barnard, intermediary relationship director, Pepper Money
Nicola Goldie, head of strategic partnerships and growth, Aldermore
Nick Parker, sales director – networks and clubs, Together
Moderated by: Cat Armstrong, mortgage club director, Next Intelligence
13.40 – 15.50
Boardroom sessions
15.50 – 16.10
Dare to grow – turning uncertainty into opportunity
Cat Armstrong is Mortgage Club Director at Next Intelligence. She has worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years in various roles including as a broker, a business development manager and an underwriter. As part of the senior management team of Next Intelligence and Dynamo she is responsible for managing the day-to-day running of Next Intelligence and the marketing and events departments within both the club and wider Dynamo business.
Rob Barnard has over 30 years of knowledge and experience successfully navigating the UK mortgage market.
He has developed and executed sales and marketing strategies throughout his career to drive growth and maximise retention. In his role as director of intermediary relationships, Rob is responsible for nurturing and developing key broker and distribution partners for the lender.
Rob is passionate about mortgages but, more importantly, about the people he works with in the industry. As a result, he is the host of The Specialist Podcast – a platform created to provide established and upcoming stars in the industry an opportunity to discuss everything mortgages and beyond.
Chris Britto is Director and Founder of Bridgemore Capital, a specialist property finance broker working exclusively with property investors and developers. Focusing solely on property finance allows Chris and his team to stay deeply in tune with market conditions and deliver highly tailored funding solutions without distraction. With hands-on experience as a developer and investor himself, Chris understands the realities of structuring deals, managing risk and navigating tight timelines — bringing genuine empathy and commercial insight to every client relationship.
Chris specialises in arranging finance across bridging loans, development finance, refurbishment and auction finance, as well as commercial investment and owner-occupier funding. He is known for his ability to analyse complex deals, identify the most effective lending options and present cases to lenders with clarity and confidence. His practical, solutions-driven approach consistently helps clients secure funding that supports both immediate objectives and long-term growth.
Roz Cawood is a highly respected leader in the UK financial services sector, with a career spanning senior roles across property finance, mortgages and specialist lending. She currently serves as Managing Director of Property Finance at StreamBank, a position she has held since August 2023, where she leads the bank’s property finance strategy and growth.
In September 2024, Roz was appointed to the Executive Board of the Bridging and Development Lenders Association (BDLA), reflecting her influence and standing within the specialist lending market.
Prior to StreamBank, she was Director of Sales at Hope Capital from June 2021 to August 2023, driving commercial performance and broker relationships. Her earlier career includes senior leadership roles such as Head of Sales at Masthaven Bank, National Sales Manager at Precise Mortgages and Head of Business Development at Legal & General, where she played a key role in expanding market reach and partnerships.
Roz’s early career saw her build strong foundations in specialist lending as an Account Manager at Beacon Homeloans and Head of Strategic Partners at SPML Lehman’s Mortgage Capital Division.
Across each stage of her career, Roz has demonstrated a consistent commitment to sales excellence, strategic business development and improving customer outcomes, making her a highly influential figure within the mortgage and property finance industry.
Narinder works closely with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, supporting them with large property portfolios and complex, often highly technical lending requirements. He specialises in complex and portfolio Buy-to-Let finance, including limited company and SPV structures, as well as HMOs and bridging finance.
In addition, Narinder advises across commercial, semi-commercial and development finance, frequently delivering bespoke and structured lending solutions tailored to challenging scenarios. He is widely regarded as the “go-to” broker for technically complex cases where creativity, precision and deep market knowledge are essential.
Narinder graduated from the University of Kent with an LLB (Hons) in Law and completed his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law, before beginning his career with The Law Society and the Royal Courts of Justice in London. After gaining valuable experience in the legal sector, he transitioned into mortgage broking and swiftly achieved CeMAP qualification.
Prior to joining Coreco Specialist Finance, Narinder held senior roles at Mortgages for Business and Countrywide Mortgage Services, where he advised on residential, specialist Buy-to-Let and commercial finance.
He is a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance, further reflecting his technical expertise and professional standing within the industry.
Nicola Goldie is an award-winning leader in financial services and head of strategic partnerships & growth at Aldermore. With deep expertise in the mortgage industry and a career spanning over two decades, Nicola has helped shape strategic growth, broker relationships, and inclusive culture across the sector.
She is the deputy chair of the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) and chair of Working in Mortgages, where she leads initiatives focused on talent development, industry collaboration, and driving positive change.
Named Women of the Year at Aldermore, Nicola is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is known for her strategic vision, authentic leadership, and ability to build impactful partnerships that unlock growth and drive innovation in the mortgage space.
Sonny has worked in the specialist finance industry for nearly 25 years, bringing extensive experience in building businesses from inception and transforming them into respected, successful market players.
His strength lies in developing and nurturing strong relationships with both lenders and intermediaries, underpinned by a deep understanding of the sector. He thrives on the challenge of taking the firm’s bridging and commercial distribution to the next level and continues to play a key role in driving growth and market presence.
Nick joined Together to help bring its proposition to life for advisers, bringing with him 25 years of industry experience, from risk control and governance to business development and leading intermediary sales teams.
Sharing Together’s customer-centric values, Nick’s passion for the specialist lending industry lies in being able to help customers who are overlooked, to realise their dreams of owning a property.
David leads specialist buy-to-let lender Keystone Property Finance, launched in September 2018. With diversified institutional and bank funding, Keystone passed £2bn of lending in July and manages some £1.6bn of mortgages. It has issued five securitisations under its Hops Hill mortgage programme.
David is a member of the Mortgages and Product Services Board at UK Finance. He regularly speaks at industry events and was honoured as the Public Speaker of the Year in 2022 at the SFI Awards, as well as the Outstanding Contribution award in 2023 at the British Specialist Lending Awards.
