I have been self-employed since April 1999 as an Independent Mortgage broker and I have been a property investor since 1996.

Prior to this, my experience was mainly within account departments for various organisations and I studied part-time evening clases for 6 years, graduating in 1994 from Thames Valley University with a post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies (DMS).

In August 1998, after careful consideration, I explored the possibility of a career change, taking into account what I liked or would like in my new role, which included driving, meeting and helping people, whilst utilising my strong analytical experience. 

At the time (1999) I had three properties – 2 investments and my home in Harrow, and I had dealt with Mortgage Brokers when purchasing these properties and I was not impressed with their level of service.

Before deciding on my career change I talked to associates and friends in the financial industry.  All of whom are doing very well.  Through my own experiences of arranging my Endowments, Personal Pension, Income protection, CIC, Life assurance and savings plans, from the age of 21, gave me an insight into a future career not fully realised at the time.  I enjoy regularly reviewing these polices myself.  Then when deciding which avenue to re-direct my career the factors fitted.  On further investigation and talking to IFA’s, the Networks and Employment Agencies.  A resounding response – no FPC or experience in the market place (in 1999) meant little or no chance of a career change.

Not wishing to give up, with some more prudent investigations and analysing a business plan and cash flow forecasts, I installed myself as a Self-Employed Mortgage Broker (Franchise).  I started trading in April 1999.  I have subsequently obtained my FPC1 and CeMap qualifications.

I have developed my company and expanded as the years have gone by. Apart from the “bread and butter” business of arranging buy to let mortgages, remortgaging, bridging loans etc.  I have also arranged commercial mortgages and life and buildings insurance.   In keeping with my interests in all things property, I opened an Estate Agency in 2003, but closed this after 18 months, I had taken on too much, and if I had continued, my high service levels would have been affected, so I took the hit and closed the agency.  Due to the economic slowdown and relocation, I decided to retrain in January 2009 as an Domestic Energy Assessor (Producing EPC’s).  Later in the year to compliment my services I enrolled on a professional Inventory Provider course. (produce detailed description of a property condition prior to a let).   

Over this period of 20 years my personal portfolio in the Buy to Let market has expanded.  I have sold my properties abroad.  However, I have continually monitored my strategy and continually review my plans. I have great diverse experience within the property market, and I have project managed and completed major refurbishments as well as buying new builds off plan.  In 2012, I set up a business to sell Apart-Hotels abroad – I liked the concept and at first I believed in the model (I bought one myself). After 5 years, a number of these Apart-Hotels were not fulfilling on their obligations and realising this is not a good thing, I closed my business and relationship with these type of investments.