The Specialist - a Pepper Money Podcast

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.

In this special episode, The Specialist, Rob meets "The Professor" to discuss the findings of this year's Pepper Money Specialist Lending Study. They discussed the market and economy, utilising Professor Trevor Williams's expertise as an economist. Plus, he teases what we can expect in the months and years ahead. Is inflation under control? Is the cost of living crisis over? What will the Bank of England do with interest rates? Listen to this fantastic special edition to discover Trevor's thoughts.

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 Bharat Sagar to discuss the progression of DE&I in the mortgage industry, the opportunities for companies to embrace DE&I, and how lenders and brokers can support vulnerable customers.

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.

On this episode of the Specialist, Rob Barnard sits down with Kate Davies, Executive Director of IMLA, to discuss the inception and journey of the association, supporting new entrants into the sector as well as the 'new normal' of the Mortgage industry.

Jon and Lisa Stones sit down with Rob to discuss their journey in growing their business, Mortgage 1st, the importance of the role of administrators, strong customer service and their top tips on identifying and scaling a business opportunity.

Rob Barnard and Jon Hall, Managing Director of Mortgages & Savings at OSB Group as they take a look at the year ahead after a challenging 12 months in the mortgage industry, the opportunities available for brokers and lenders and how they see the market moving and changing in the coming months.

This week on 'The Specialist', host Rob Barnard sits down with Richard Spinks, Chief Commercial Officer at Pepper Money UK. This episode focuses on our latest Specialist Lending Study, discussing intriguing opportunities for brokers and the solutions available within the mortgage industry.​ An essential guide on driving business growth in a turbulent but improving market in just 20 minutes.​The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist', host Rob Barnard sits down with Richard Spinks, Chief Commercial Officer at Pepper Money UK. This episode is fully packed with essential insights into Pepper Money's newly published Specialist Lending Study, looking at lender behaviour and uncovering key market trends.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

In this Summer episode, host Rob Barnard will be talking to mortgage industry leader and CEO of Brightstar Financial, Rob Jupp, to take a deeper dive into the current place and the pace of Specialist Lending in an ever-changing market.​The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist', host Rob Barnard sits down with Stephanie Charman, Head of Strategic Relationships at PMS Mortgage Club. They cover everything from the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the industry, to how to support yourself, colleagues and customers. With practical tips and advice it's not to be missed. The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist', host Rob Barnard speaks to Danny Belton, Head of Lender Relationships, L&G Mortgage Club about self-employment and the mortgage market. They get to the bottom of why it can be hard for the self-employed to get a mortgage
, how the pandemic impacted the market as well as provide advice and general support for brokers looking to help their self employed customers. The content of this podcast is for UK-based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on The Specialist, it's not easy being green! Host Rob Barnard sits down with Richard Merritt from the Mortgage Climate Action Group. Ever heard of a Green Mortgage? That's just what Rob and Richard chat about as well as greenwashing in the industry and the balance between importance and affordability.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal and guest may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist' host Rob Barnard chats to Samantha Da Silva, Proposition Director at Pepper Money. To celebrate International Women's Day on the 8th of March, Rob and Samantha discuss what it's really like to be a woman working in finance and how we can all do our bit to support women in business.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist' it's time for something a little different. Host Rob Barnard meets another Rob, a Pepper Money borrower. They chat about everything from the experience of finding a lender when you have adverse credit, to the emotional journey of securing a mortgage when the market was changing so rapidly. And ultimately, how with the help of broker partners Pepper Money mortgages can be life changing. The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries. The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist' host Rob Barnard and Laurence Morey, Chief Executive at Pepper Money talk about the current economic climate. They explore the market outlook from a lender's perspective as well as offering advice for brokers in the months and year ahead. The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaires.The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

In this Christmas episode host Rob Barnard will be talking to mortgage industry leader and CEO of SimplyBiz Mortgages, Martin Reynolds, to guide us through the past, present and future ghosts of the mortgage market in our very own rendition of a Christmas Carol!The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist' host Rob Barnard and Ryan Brailsford, Director of Business Development at Pepper Money talk lender-broker relationships. They cover the importance of an open and upfront relationship, how the role of a BDM has changed, and qualities to look out for in one.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on ‘The Specialist' host Rob Barnard and Nicola Firth, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Bank, talk tech.​ They cover how tech can help brokers give better advice and operate more efficiently. As well as what lenders can be doing to improve tech adoption.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on 'The Specialist' host Rob Barnard and Paula John, Director at Paula John Communications, talk cost of living crisis. They cover how consumers shouldn't bury their heads. Reaching out for help and facing their debts at a time like this is essential.​The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on ‘The Specialist' host Rob Barnard and Sarah Tucker, the Mortgage Mum, talk wellbeing.​They cover the role of a broker in turbulent times, from therapist to translator, confidant to expert - as well as what brokers can do to set healthy boundaries.​The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on ‘The Specialist' with Rob Barnard, we recorded live at the Mortgage Business Expo.Rob and his expert panel; James Bloom - Board Director, Alternative Bridging Corporation, Mike Cook - Chief Mortgage Officer, Market Financial Solutions, Marcus Dussard - Sales Director, Hampshire Trust Bank and Matt McCullough National Sales Manager, Aldermore Bank, talk about specialist finance in a changing economic landscape. The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

This week on the ‘The Specialist', host Rob Barnard and Andrew Mortlake, Managing Director at Coreco, get to the heart of the current and coming economic landscape.The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.*The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

Releasing October 14th, 2022