What does it really take to move from a sales role into leadership in financial services? In this episode of The Leadership Sessions on NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Paula Mercer, Sales Director at LendInvest, to talk about her career journey, the mentors who shaped it, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. With 17 years in financial s…

How do you prepare yourself for leadership before you’re given the title? In this episode of The Leadership Sessions, Marcus speaks with Adam Butler, Sales & Marketing Director at Avamore Capital, about his journey from financial adviser and broker to leading high-performing sales teams in specialist lending. With over a decade in specialist financ…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson is joined by Andy Alvarez, National Intermediary Distribution Manager at Leeds Building Society, to discuss the realities of sales leadership in financial services. Andy shares his insights on leading sales teams, the challenges of moving from a top sales performer to a leadership role, and how to buil…

In this episode of The Leadership Sessions from NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson sits down with Jamie Pritchard, Managing Director at MS Lending Group, to explore what it really takes to move from a high-performing sales role into effective leadership. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in financial services, mortgage lending, and sales management, …

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus kicks off our new series, The Leadership Sessions, where he speaks to the people building teams, leading from the front, and shaping the culture of financial services. This week, Marcus is joined by Abi Pickford, Intermediary Sales & Operations Director at Together. Abi’s worked across financial services for …

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson is joined by Dan Narwal, Business Development Manager at Together, to break down the real role of a BDM in specialist lending. Dan shares his full career journey — from working in mobile phone sales, to joining his family’s loan company, to underwriting, and then finding his place as a BDM. He offers c…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson sits down with James McCudden and Sean Hirschle, the co-founders of specialist mortgage brokerage Hirschle Hughes. They share the real story of leaving a large city brokerage to start their own business from scratch. James and Sean talk openly about the leap from employees to business owners, how they …

In this episode of the NRG Insights: Rising Stars series, Marcus sits down with Glenn Franklin-Jones from Brickflow to talk about his unconventional journey through finance and the future of broking in a tech-driven world. Glenn’s story takes us from his first job as a cashier at Barclays to working in specialist finance, running his own business, …

In this episode of the NRG Insights Rising Stars series, Marcus and Caelen talk about building a career in bridging finance. Marcus sits down with Caelan Gokani from REIM Capital, a young professional making a name for himself in the bridging and development finance space. Caelan didn’t come into the industry with a ready-made client list or years …

This week on the Rising Stars series, Marcus is joined by Chris Grant, Mortgage and Protection Adviser at Aberdein Considine, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful career in financial services. Chris didn’t follow a traditional path. He started out in admin and worked his way up, and now delivers advice across the legal, property…

Some careers you don’t plan for but they turn out to be exactly where you’re meant to be. In this episode of the Rising Stars series, Marcus is joined by Will Calito, Business Development Manager at Magnet Capital, and former dental entrepreneur, to talk about his unusual route into the world of specialist finance. From dentistry to estate agency t…

In this episode of our Rising Stars Series, Marcus chats to Mortgage Advisor at Vibe Finance, about his unusual path into specialist lending. George spent five years at JP Morgan in project management and tech before taking a leap into the world of mortgages and property finance, with no prior lending experience. Fast forward four years, and George…

In this episode of our Rising Stars Series, Marcus sits down with Billie Cox, Commercial Associate at Sirius Property Finance and winner of the Rising Star Award at the British Specialist Lending Awards. Billie’s journey into financial services started young, joining the industry during lockdown while still studying for her A-levels. What began as …

In this episode of NRG Insights, Rising Stars, Marcus sits down with Lloyd Whiting, Case Manager at Assetz Capital, to explore what it really looks like to start at the bottom and build a career in financial services. Lloyd’s journey is a great example of what’s possible when curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn meet opportunity. Star…

What’s it really like entering the world of finance today? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with two rising stars of the lending world — Sam Hutchins and George Ormerod — to talk about the real experiences of launching a career in financial services. From non-traditional routes into the industry, to the learning curves, misconcepti…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Anastasia Tfofis, co-founder and CEO of ILA, to explore what it really means to build a business (and a life) on your own terms. Anastasia’s path hasn’t been traditional. From high-stress roles in banking and finance law, she took a leap into the unknown, walking away from the corporate track to …

This week on NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Kelsey Phillips, founder of Arose Finance. From chasing a career in professional football to landing a role on the trading floors at Goldman Sachs, Kelsey's journey has been built on resilience, ambition, and a drive to succeed against the odds. After establishing herself in investment banking, she too…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Mark Harrington, CEO of L&C, to talk about what it takes to build a strong business culture at scale. From his early days as a protection adviser to now leading a team of 440+ advisers, Mark shares the lessons learned, challenges faced, and what’s shaped his leadership journey. Whether you're bui…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Chris Schutrups, Founder and Managing Director of The Mortgage Hut, to unpack what it takes to build and scale a successful mortgage brokerage in today’s digital world. From dropping out of college at 16 to running one of the most recognised mortgage brands in the UK, Chris shares the key decisio…

This week on NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Nick Hilton, Managing Director at Glenhawk, to talk about leadership, resilience, and standing out in specialist finance. From breaking into the sector during the 2008 financial crisis to helping redefine bridging finance as a credible, client-focused solution, Nick shares the lessons, risks, and relat…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Andy Reid, Sales Director at TAB, to talk about the one thing that still closes deals in specialist lending — relationships. With over two decades in financial services, Andy has worked across underwriting, business development, and sales leadership. His career has taken him from humble beginni…

The way we build, manage, and scale teams is evolving. Strong leadership today creates a culture that keeps them performing at their best. In this episode of NRG Insights, we bring together Tanya Elmaz, Martin Stewart, and Louisa Sedgwick to break down what it takes to lead high-performing teams in financial services in 2025. From company culture t…

Everyone talks about sales… but what about operations? The best mortgage businesses don't sell well, unless they run well. Operations might not get the spotlight, but without the right systems, processes, and people behind the scenes, scaling is impossible. This week on NRG Insights, I sat down with William Lloyd-Hayward, Group COO of Brightstar Gr…

The mortgage process is more about people, than numbers. In this episode of NRG Insights, Ky Benjamin, Operations and Lending Director at Century Capital, joins Marcus Nanson to talk about the mortgage customer journey and why every role in the industry, whether broker, underwriter, or lender, plays a part in sales. With experience across underwrit…

What does it mean to build a mortgage business with impact? In this episode of NRG Insights, Ross Jones, founder of Home Financial and Evolve Commercial, joins Marcus to share his journey from serving in the Navy to building a successful mortgage business. What’s coming up... ✅ From the Navy to financial services – How Ross made the leap into mortg…

How do mortgage brokers stand out online? Authenticity. In this episode of NRG Insights, Ash Borland, mortgage marketing strategist, business coach, and brand expert, joins Marcus Nanson to discuss how brokers can leverage content to attract clients, build trust, and grow their business without constantly chasing new leads. Here's what's coming up.…

What does it take to become a standout leader in the mortgage industry? From starting on a Youth Training Scheme with no qualifications to becoming Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Bank, Louisa Sedgwick has become a true leader in mortgages. But how did she do it, and what can mortgage professionals learn? In this episode of NRG Insights, …

What makes a top-performing sales team in specialist lending? Hiring the right people, training them properly, and giving them the tools to succeed, it all sounds simple, but few get it right. A strong sales team is the backbone of any brokerage or lender, but building one is never easy. In this episode of NRG Insights, Tanya Elmaz, Director of Int…

🎙️ What does it take to thrive in the mortgage industry and beyond? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson speaks with Martin Stewart, Managing Director of London Money, about his journey in financial services, the challenges of scaling a business, and his transition into writing. Martin shares insights on business growth, industry regulati…

Looking to scale your business, challenge industry norms, or integrate new technologies? This special episode of NRG Insights brings together standout moments from four industry leaders who are reshaping the landscape of financial services and beyond. Here’s what’s included: Matt Watson – Scaling Internationally Matt shares his strategy for scaling…

When speed and flexibility matter, bridging is the answer. In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Michael Clifford, Commercial Director at Signature Property Finance, to explore how bridging finance is transforming the property market. They discuss how bridging can provide speed, flexibility, and creative solutions for complex propert…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Andrew Cappaert, Group Head of National Accounts at Brightstar, to tackle the misconceptions surrounding packagers and their role in supporting brokers. If you’re a broker who’s ever felt stuck with a complex case or unsure how to maximise your offeri, this episode is for you. Andrew sheds light …

Are brokers and lenders aligned for success, or drifting apart? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Lorenzo Satchell from Trust Bank to discuss how broker-lender relationships are evolving and what the future holds for financial services professionals. With over 25 years of experience across lending, packaging, and brokerage, Loren…

What does it take to build a global lending business from scratch? Matt Watson, CEO of Tenn Capital, reveals the bold strategies and lessons that led him to success in international finance. In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus is joined by Matt Watson, CEO of Tenn Capital, a leader in international lending. Matt shares his journey from an uncon…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Duncan Kreeger, CEO of TAB, to uncover his journey from a qualified mortgage broker to a leader in the specialist lending market. Duncan shares insights from his two decades in financial services, including the ups and downs of running a business, building a strong company culture, and what it …

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson is joined by Colin Horton, a valuation expert who’s challenging industry norms in lending valuations. Colin brings a unique perspective on the mortgage and property markets, shaped by his own experiences and his unconventional approach to valuations. From his beginnings in the industry to founding his …

Marcus sits down with Michael Street, a former Royal Engineer turned founding partner in specialist lending. Michael’s journey into financial services wasn’t traditional, but it was driven by a desire for more purpose and fulfilment in his career. Now, as a founder and leader in the finance world, he shares the lessons he’s learned about finding ba…

Marcus sits down with Hugh Spillane, CEO of DNA Financial Solutions to discuss all things people, culture and tech. If you’re curious about what it takes to grow a business in the finance, this episode offers valuable insights. Hugh talks about the challenges he faced, the key decisions that shaped DNA Financial Solutions, and how he's embraced tec…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Albatross Lending Group founders Jordan Fearnley Brown and Lewis Casserley share their journey from stockbroking to creating a successful lending business from the ground up. With no capital or client base, their leap into the world of lending was nothing short of bold. This episode offers lessons for anyone interes…

How do you stay competitive in a tough mortgage market? Gordon Henderson, Recruitment Director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, says it all comes down to people, strategy, and tech. In this episode of NRG Insights, Gordon shares his 30+ years of experience in financial services. From starting as a life insurance salesperson to leading recruitment at MAB,…

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Steve Cox, Chief Commercial Officer at Fleet Mortgages, to get an inside look at the world of buy-to-let mortgages. With over three decades of experience in financial services, Steve shares his journey from estate agent to industry leader, sharing insights into the buy-to-let market, leadership…

How do you build a successful team in lending? In this episode of NRG Insights, Richard Deacon, MD of Sales at Octane Capital, joins Marcus Nanson to share his insights on mastering leadership in lending. From building strong relationships to market fluctuations, Richard has a wealth of experience and practical advice for anyone looking to succeed …

What makes a great leader in finance? In this episode, we’re digging into the leadership strategies of three top finance leaders—Gareth Lewis (MT Finance), Nick Neophytou (The Mantra Group), and Andrew Montlake (Coreco Mortgages). These leaders share their thoughts on team building, communication, and the challenges of modern work environments. Why…

In this special episode of NRG Insights, Marcus dives into the essential strategies for building credibility and trust in the mortgage industry. With insights from Ash Borland, Dominic Hiatt, and Rosalia Lazzara Tilley, this episode focuses on the marketing tactics that help brokers succeed as a mortgage broker. What’s in this episode: - The Power …

In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus sits down with Scott Marshall, founder and CEO of Roma Finance, to learn what it takes to build a successful lending business. From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the finance industry, Scott shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. What's in This Episod…

How can you connect with clients while generating sales? This episode of NRG Insights brings together four industry leaders to share their proven sales strategies and the practical advice that can transform your approach. In this episode, you’ll hear from: - Lorenzo Satchell on the critical importance of truly understanding client needs. - Jaxon St…

In this special compilation episode, we’re featuring some of the brightest minds in the lending industry. Join us as we revisit conversations with seven guests: Michael Allison, Guy Harrington, Jaxon Stevens, D'mitri Zaprzala, James Briggs, Jamie Pritchard, and Adrian Moloney. These leaders share what’s worked for them and what can work for you in …

What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up? In this special episode of NRG Insights, we're diving into the "Best of Founders" to explore the journeys of some of the most influential leaders in the mortgage and finance industry. From coming through financial crises to working with new technology and forming partnerships, the…

Looking to learn from the best minds in finance? In this special episode of NRG Insights, we bring together insights from four leading women in mortgages and lending: Leanne Andron, Gemma Perry, Roz Cawood, and Andrea Glasgow. They share their experiences, achievements, and the challenges they’ve faced in the mortgage market. What's Included: Visio…

How can you build a successful specialist lending business? In this episode of NRG Insights, Marcus Nanson sits down with Michael Stratton, CEO of MS Lending, to discuss his journey, the importance of investing in people, and the innovative strategies that have driven his company's success in the bridging and specialist lending markets. What's Comi…