Meet the judges of the first British Specialist Lending Awards

As part of a robust judging process, involving 17 experts across bridging, commercial, second charge and buy-to-let finance sectors, nominees were grilled and testimonials scrutinised to establish which individuals would be singled out as the front runners in their field.

Meet the judges of the first British Specialist Lending Awards

Alan Cleary, Managing Director, Precise Mortgages

Judging category: Newcomer Distribution and Second Charge Broker

Alan has been working in the specialist lending market since 2000, in both start-up firms and large-scale companies. Precise Mortgages was built from the ground up by Alan and his management team to its current 500-strong workforce, lending £2.5bn a year in residential mortgages.

“I’m looking for a splash of innovation and a dash of being a bit different,” says Alan. “I want to see evidence that the nominee is bringing something to market that the mainstream broker doesn’t offer.”

Doug Hall, director, 3mc

Judging category: Underwriter

Doug is a regular speaker at Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions events, helping brokers get to grips with complex buy-to-let market changes, and guiding them towards to the best specialist lending solution for their clients.

“It’s a privilege to be taking part and being on the judging panel to award the first ever individual their award,” says Doug.

He is looking for a solid presentation and submission along with evidence on what sets the nominee apart from their peer group

Rob Jupp, group chief executive, Brightstar Financial

Judging category: Business Development

Rob is a multi-award winning business leader with no shortage of controversial opinions to set the cat among the pigeons, to drive forward change in the specialist lending sector.

He says: “It’s great when any new initiative gets off the ground. I still remember the first British Mortgage Awards back in 2006 like yesterday. I hope these awards leave the same legacy to the many winners who will be successful over the years ahead.”

Rob says his questions were challenging,  to allow the panel to find the rightful group of winners. “We’re looking for profile, status, recognition and acknowledgement that you are a true champion in the sector that you operate in,” he adds.

Joshua Elash, director, MT Finance

Judging category: Bridging and Short-Term Finance Broker

Joshua is a qualified lawyer with several years’ experience working in investment management on behalf of some of Europe’s largest pension funds. He co-established MT Finance in 2008.

He says: “For nine years I have been privileged to watch the evolution of the specialist lending market from the emergence of the first positive greens shoots of recovery following the financial crisis to the establishment of the vibrant institutional and transparent industry we have today.

“I am confident the first British Specialist Lending Awards marks the beginning of a significant new benchmark for quality and professionalism within the industry.”

Joshua expects nominees to show how they have improved the customer’s experience and demonstrate the extent to which they have managed to distinguish themselves in a positive light.

Liz Syms, director, Connect

Judging category: Underwriter

Liz specialises in commercial and buy-to-let transactions, with a recent move into regulated mortgage advice. Liz is a regular panel guest at Specialist Lending Solutions and Mortgage Solutions events.

“I’m excited and honoured to be asked to be a judge,” says Liz. Liz is looking for an underwriter who has an understanding of the company’s direction and strength of funding and she wants to see a flexible underwriting approach.

Richard Deacon, sales director, Masthaven

Judging category: Bridging and Short-Term Finance Broker

Richard has worked in finance for over 20 years, 15 of which have been in specialist finance.

“Being a judge is an honour,” says Richard. “Someone out there believes your opinion counts and that you have earned your stripes in order to give that opinion.”

Richard is looking for excellence in the nominee’s field, respect among their peers and a candidate who shines out above all others.

Look out for more of the British Specialist Lending Awards’ judges this week.