From tents to castles, unusual income streams to adverse credit, we have the expertise to help you overcome all manner of client challenges
From home improvement loans to raising capital on BTL portfolios, we have the expertise to overcome all manner of client challenges
From rainy days to tropical climes, we have the expertise to overcome all manner of client challenges
From broken chains to major renovations, we have the expertise to overcome all manner of client challenges
From stalls to skyscraper finance, we have the expertise to overcome all manner of client challenges
From property conversions to bespoke developments, we have the expertise to overcome all manner of client challenges
Rob is Chief Executive Officer of the multi award winning specialist distributor, Brightstar Financial, which since launch has originated more than the £1billion of specialist secured debt. As the UK's largest specialist distributor Rob innovated the concept of stand along specialist teams in the distinct product areas of specialist Mortgages and BTL, second charge mortgages, bridging, commercial and development finance. Since 2011 Brightstar has won over 30 national industry awards.
Rob is in his third decade working within the specialist lending market. He has served as Chairman of the Association of Bridging Professionals and is member of the AMI Industry Contact Group. Rob is a regular panellist and keynote speaker as well as being a much respected media commentator. Rob is a key voice within the sector and as such provides support to the FCA through ongoing discussions on current and future market issues.
Rob is a four times British Mortgage Award winner having won in 2007, 2015 and an unprecedented two awards in 2016. He was voted Mortgage Personality of the Year at the Mortgage Strategy Awards in 2012 and in 2014 he was named Bridging Personality of the Year.
Clare's background is actually in education: she is a qualified secondary Headteacher (NPQH) and worked in the state education sector for 16 years. She has a Degree in English and Media Studies and also holds a Masters Degree in Management. She has a vast amount of experience in training and development, human resources, marketing and PR. Clare has been working in this sector for the last 5 years alongside her charity work for the UK Sepsis Trust of which she is a Trustee. Clare is married to Rob: they met at Birmingham University in 1991.
Kit joined the financial services community in 2001 and has worked at director level with Brightstar co-director's Rob Jupp and Bradley Moore for over 10 years. He holds full CeMap and FPC qualifications. Kit heads-up the Bridging Finance Team and has worked exclusively in the bridging sector for the past 3 years. A regular contributor to trade press, including Mortgage Strategy and writer for Bridging and Commercial with the 'Brightstar Blog' newsletter. Kit was short-listed as one of 5 finalists for Bridging Personality of the Year in the 2013 B & C Awards. He is married with 3 children and also enjoys being an accomplished musician, as a guitarist in a top Essex band
Bradley has 18 years Financial Services experience having previously worked for, Blevins Franks Investment Management, Aviva, OFM Group, Personal Touch Packaging and Savills Lending Solutions. As a constant high achiever Bradley has had a rapid rise up 'the career ladder' from office junior in his first role at 16 to Founding Director and Head of Second Charge lending at Brightstar. As a keen traveller he took a year out of his early working life to see the world. He is a lifelong West Ham United Fan and a keen marathon runner having completed Berlin in 2008 and London in 2010. Bradley is well known for his no nonsense approach for doing business and remains uncompromising in his pursuit of excellence.
Robert joined Brightstar in December 2012. He joins our team as a very experienced property finance professional and has a wealth of knowledge gained from positions here in the UK and also overseas. He has worked in the finance sector for over 25 years and has worked as a principle lender and as a commercial finance broker giving Robert a unique perspective on the lending process. Away from work Robert is a keen golfer and a follower of rugby. Robert was appointed to the board of directors in June 2014.
William joined Brightstar as it's youngest recruit in January 2012 with more than 5 years' experience in administration and office management, having previously worked for businesses, charities, community organisations and political organisations. As Brightstar expanded through 2012 and into 2013 William provides much needed support to the growing office team, allowing them to focus even more time on clients and lenders. Outside of work, William is a local Borough Councillor, having been first elected in 2007 and again in 2011. He leads a political group of four local Councillors and is a successful community events organiser and charity fundraiser, having raised more than £60,000 in the last 5 years. Chelsea FC and Harlequins Rugby are William's great sporting loves, with every season the success of each seemingly swapping round! He has set the ambition in life of visiting every US state and taking part in a Lions Rugby Tour (purely as a spectator!)
Hayley joined Brightstar in September 2012 as the youngest recruit (and smallest!) in the role of Sales Administrator. Since then she has progressed to learn Secured Loan Underwriting and is keen to become the first underwriter of the company. With 5 A levels and 13 GCSE's, Hayley is particularly well qualified. She received her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at 14 and has also taken part in a World Challenge to Kenya. Hayley enjoys fundraising for St Francis Hospice and is planning to take part in a lifetime challenge next year for the charity. Hayley is a West Ham supporter and enjoys sport after being part of Brentwood Town Ladies football team and a dancer for 11 years.
Kara joined Brightstar in October 2013 as admin support for the Specialist Mortgage Team. Previously working for Lloyds Banking Group, Kara has bought her hard working ethic to an ever expanding division. Kara enjoys the "hustle" and "bustle" of the business. One of the things she looks forward to each year is an exotic holiday with lots of cocktails! While not saving for her holiday's Kara enjoys going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.
Previously working as a hairdresser, Jodie decided it was time for a change. Enjoying the admin side of business, Jodie brings her hardworking attitude to the team with determination to expand her skills. Outside of work Jodie's favourite thing to do is visiting the local zoo's to see the penguins, spending time with family and friends and exploring new places.
Alex joined Brightstar in June 2014 as additional administration support for the Specialist Mortgage Team. This is a new challenge for Alex as this is his first role within a Financial Services sector. Alex is very eager to learn all the services of each division which Brightstar Financial has to offer and hopes to progress onwards and upwards in the years to come. In his personal time Alex is a Liverpool FC fan and is very optimistic and excited for their return to the champions' league.
Victoria joined Brightstar in August 2014 as admin support for the Commercial Finance Team. Previously working for Precise Mortgages as the Administrator for the Bridging Team and Lloyds Banking Group she has had over 4 years' experience in the financial market. Victoria enjoys holidays and weekends away to visit family and also socialising with friends.
Stephen joined Brightstar as Sales Administrator to the Bridging Finance team in Jan 2015. Stephens career history was within mechanical and electronic engineering capacities, including a commissioning position at the build of the Olympic Stadium for London 2012 and therefore the specialist lending industry is a brand new challenge for him. In his spare time he has studied the Martial Arts discipline of 'Traditional Japanese Ju Jitsu'. Stephen is a keen snowboarder and has had the pleasure of being at Whistler Blackcomb in the Canadian Rockies, a week before the start of the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Katy is new to the financial services industry having previously worked in an office environment for UPS, an oil tanker company and sales through amazon. She spends her spare time with family and friends and enjoys the cinema and fitness dance classes.
David joined Brightstar in September 2012 and started his career in the financial services with Easy Loans as a mortgage consultant, before moving into mortgage management, training and development. David has also worked for the Think Money group before moving into management with Carrington Carr Home Finance. David holds the full CeMAP qualification and has over 15 years' sales experience. Outside of work, David enjoys playing football, supporting Leeds United and spending time with his wife. David joined our Bridging & Commercial Division before moving to our Specialist Mortgages division in December 2012.
Gina joined Brightstar in August 2012 with more than 10 years experience in financial services, mainly as an underwriter, previously with lenders such as Kent Reliance and Beacon Homeloans. Outside of work, Gina loves eating out, spending time with family and friends and going to see live music.
Jeff joined Brightstar in July 2013 and has over 18 years' experience in Financial Services having worked as an Insurance Broker, Mortgage Advisor, Mortgage Business Development Manager and most recently as a Bank Manager. Jeff holds the full CeMap qualification. Away from the office Jeff enjoys playing golf, following Tottenham and more importantly spending time with his wife, son and daughter. Jeff counts completing the London Marathon in 2012 whilst raising funds for Save The Children as one of his biggest achievements.
Kevin joined Brightstar in February 2015 and has over 24 years' experience in the Financial Services sector, starting his career at National Westminster Bank in 1990. Kevin's roles within the industry include Underwriting, Relationship Management, Operations Management, and most recently a Mortgage Business Development Manager. Away from the office Kevin enjoys playing football, watching Millwall and more importantly spending time with his family.
Dak has worked within the mortgage & financial services industry for over 20 years. Starting his career at Northern Bank in Belfast, Dak became a financial consultant and then moved to Allied Dunbar in 1999.
Within the Allied Dunbar network, Dak transferred from Belfast to North London and worked within a successful estate agency, moving from a branch based adviser to a client servicing role within 3 years and has remained so doing ever since. Within this time he has also managed his own team of financial consultants and helped run an estate agency giving a broad knowledge on both the financial and the property industries.
Born and bred in Belfast, Dak has lived in England for the past 14 years, is a father of 4 and his free time is spent as a chauffeur to his children.
Darren joined Brightstar with 12 years industry experience in the financial services industry, having worked for London Scottish Broking, The Ideal Loan Company, Barclays Bank, Spicerhaart Financial Services and Easy Loans. Darren holds the full CeMAP qualification and can also provide advice on protection products. Outside of work and family commitments, Darren is a keen golfer and massive Man Utd fan. He joins Bradley Moore's second charge mortgage Division.
Richard joined Brightstar in October 2011 with a wealth of experience in the specialist Mortgage and Secured Loan market, having worked for Think Money, Pacific Home Loans and Easyloans.co.uk. Richard holds full CeMAP qualification and has over 12 year's sales experience in Financial Services. Outside of work, Richard is an accomplished Tennis player having played at National level as a junior, and now continues to play for Essex county in many competitions. He is also a keen golfer and enjoys socialising with friends & family. Married in 2013 he is now looking forward to expecting their first baby which is due in August.
Stewart joined Brightstar Financial in September 2013 with over ten years mortgage experience, having worked for Countrywide, The Mortgage Times Group and John Charcol, covering high street lending to subprime mortgages from both the packaging and broker sides. Away from the office Stewart enjoys all of sports and travels the country as a lifelong West Ham United supporter.
Michelle joined Brightstar in April 2013 from performance improvement agency, Grass Roots, where she worked on designing incentive and recognition solutions for large corporations such as Asda, O2, Blackberry and A-Plan among others. Previous experience includes business development in a field role for Enterprise Group and roles at iGroup and Commercial First. Michelle has recently taken on the role of Head of Marketing is responsible for our brand and all associated marketing activity. Michelle is a keen amateur chef but doesn't get much time in the kitchen as she prefers to spend as much of it with her two young children.
Chris started in the Financial Services industry at the Halifax and has been in the industry for over 35 years having worked in a business development role for Future Mortgages, Beacon Mortgages and latterly Magellan Homeloans. Chris joined Brightstar in 2015 and is CeMap and FPC qualified and has a wide knowledge of the industry. Chris's claim to fame is once having beaten Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell in a race – unfortunately it was only a cross country run!"
Nathan has over 10 years' experience spread across the second charge mortgage and commercial mortgage industry. Previous roles include Business Development Manager at The Loans Engine and Further Advance Manager at Commercial First Mortgages Ltd. Nathan will be offering training and support to our introducers based in the North of England and Scotland. Outside of work he enjoys all the outdoor pursuits that living in Scotland has to offer and is a keen skier. Nathan is also a trained Le Cordon Bleu chef and a member of the Scottish Malt Whiskey Society.
Nicholas joins Brightstar to form part of our growing commercial lending department. He has had an impressive career in the finance industry for the past 8 years including heading up the commercial arm at Robert Sterling Financial Services and most recently a Director at Arco Commercial Finance. He has a passion for property finance and enjoys the challenge of problem solving to get deals over the line and ultimately the best deal for his introducing brokers and clients. Outside of work Nicholas is a keen golfer and an avid arsenal fan.
Andy first started out his career as a sales and lettings negotiator for a chain of estate agents in North London. He spent a year there before entering the financial market place working for Abbey in their intermediary division. During his time at the mortgage lender he covered various areas of London and dealt with some of company's key accounts where he was the main contact point for the likes of Savills, John Charcol, Alexander Hall, and Charles Cameron.
After a successful stint at Abbey for Intermediaries Andy was approached to join specialist buy to let lender UX Mortgages as their BDM to help raise the company's profile in the market and increase brand awareness.
Having spent the last 6 years in the bridging industry working predominantly at one of the market leading lenders as Head of New Business, Andy has gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding of bridging and it's place in the financial industry. Andy joined Brightstar Financial in February 2013 within the Bridging & Commercial divisions.
Jo joined Brightstar Financial in January 2014 as admin support to the growing Bridging and Commercial divisions. She has brought her "organisation" and "attention to detail" to support a very busy team. Previously, she gave a high level of Customer Service to a very busy department within Olympus KeyMed. No stranger to the business, Jo previously worked with the senior management team in a support role for over 9 years.
After nearly a year supporting the Bridging team Jo has now taken her role to the next level and from January 2015 has become the newest member of the new business team and takes on the role of New Business Consultant.
Since joining Brightstar, Jo has become an integral part of the team hopefully gaining the respect of her colleagues as her knowledge and experience grows. Jo's second home is Canvey Island Swimming Club where she spends hours in the swimming pool, no Olympian…. but watching her daughter Hannah training, so you never know maybe one day she could be in the Olympics but purely in a supporting role.
Nanette joined Brightstar in March 2015 to take on the newly created role of Accounts Manager.
Nanette trained as an accountant while working for 2 accountancy firms in Kent after she finished school at 18 and then worked as an Accounts Manager for an Engineering firm for 5 years before moving onto working in finance in schools.
During this time she went on to gain a Business Manager Degree and had 2 children. Outside of work she is a gym bunny and especially loves running, having taken part in the London Marathon in 2014.
Spending time with friends, family and children are her priorities outside of work.
Shelley joined Brightstar in March 2015 as support for the Bridging Finance team and is new to the financial services industry.
Graduating from The University of Brighton, Shelley went straight into the administration department for Morrison's and after 4 years thought it was time for a new challenge.
Shelley has bought her hard working attitude and organisation skills with her and is looking forward to expanding her office skills.
Outside of work Shelley enjoys travelling, going to festivals, eating out and socialising with friends.
She is also a member of her local cribbage team and competes most weeks.
Brian has over 20 years experience within the finance industry. Originally he was a financial consultant with Prudential before setting up his own company as an independent financial adviser. He moved into the niche specialist mortgage market as a director at Olympian Financial gaining a wealth of expertise as a master packager. Having spent the last few years on various projects outside the industry he has decided to relaunch his career here at Brightstar.
Outside of work he enjoys family holidays and is a keen skier. He also enjoys all types of aviation and holds a PPL(H) helicopter pilots license.
Laura joined Brightstar in April 2015 as sales support for the consultants on the Specialist Mortgage Team. Although working in the financial industry for the last two years, this was not mortgage based so this is a new challenge for her.
Laura is very excited to be a part of Brightstar and to start her journey and progression with us. In her personal time Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family (including her 3 dogs), shopping and planning her wedding.
Adam joined Brightstar in July 2015, having previously worked for RBS for 9 years.
Adam held a variety of roles including a customer service position dealing with credit card queries and underwriting credit increases for the high net worth arm of the bank.
Outside of work Adam has been playing drums for 18 years and plays in a band.
He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Elizabeth joined Brightstar in August 2015 to take on the newly created role of Compliance Manager.
Elizabeth brings with her over 15 years of experience from both her Police enforcement and financial sector background. As well as holding qualifications in Financial Crime and certified Management of Risk Practitioner, Elizabeth has a demonstrated skill set of optimising organisational compliance processes, tools and infrastructure to maximise business excellence in risk and controls.
Elizabeth is married with one son and enjoys visiting the North Devon coast surfing where she normally finds herself taking photos of her husband 'wiping out'.
Danielle joined Brightstar in August 2015 to provide support to the consultants within the Mortgages & BTL team. She has a wealth of experience in financial services spanning 18 years in both investment and retail banking.
Danielle is married and mum to two children who keep her tied up with their social lives and hobbies, however when she gets time to herself, she enjoys foreign travel and dining out.
Paul joined Brightstar in December 2015. He joins the team as an experienced Commercial & Corporate Banker, and has worked in the UK finance sector for both HSBC & National Australia Bank for over 30 years. He is a specialist in the trading business arena, and is well versed with both Invoice & Asset Finance.
Away from work, Paul enjoys travelling, walking, and most sports, although mainly watching these days, he is a lifelong Arsenal football supporter.
Amy joined Brightstar in April 2016 as support for the commercial team after finishing a degree in Business Management. Previously working as a musical theatre teacher and PA to the principal of the school, Amy has a wealth of experience in admin. Outside of work, Amy enjoys performing in local amateur dramatics, playing the piano and socialising with friends and family.
Harry joined Brightstar in April 2016 as support for the second charge mortgage team having previously supported brokers at Willis Re, London. Outside of work Harry enjoys a variety of sport but his main passion is football and he plays at semi pro level. Harry is a massive Tottenham Hotspur supporter and looks forward to his annual skiing trip.
Nicola joined Brightstar in January 2016 having had a long and varied career in the education sector, most recently a role as school secretary. When Nicola isn’t at work, you’ll find her socialising with her family and friends. Nicola loves foreign travel and has clocked up lots of air miles from her treks to Borneo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumper, Singapore, Barbados & Jamaica!
Steve has had an extensive career spanning 28 years in the financial services marketplace ranging from retail banking, mortgages, secured & unsecured loans and hire purchase contracts. He has also achieved full CeMAP qualification.
He has held senior management and director positions with Easy Loans, London Scottish Bank, Estuary Mortgages and TFS Loans as well as other banks, brokers, lenders and regulated institutions.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys Formula 1, mountain biking and eating out and socialising with his wife and friends.
Simon joined the Brightstar family in July 2016 and has worked in the finance industry for over 10 years. Based in a Hertfordshire brokerage during this period specialising in providing mortgages for both residential, BTL and commercial clients. Prior to this Simon spent 20 years as a technology consultant.
He enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and baking, when away from the office.
Nancy joined Brightstar in August 2016 having recently graduated from Liverpool John Moores University. She is a hard working individual and is keen to embrace every opportunity in order to progress within Brightstar. Away from the office Nancy is a keen traveller having recently returned from a trip in South East Asia, she is already planning her next adventure.
Chris joined to support the Brightstar bridging team in September 2016, with a year of experience in the specialist finance industry. After trying university, he decided that the world of work was far more practical than full-time study, and has since been furthering himself in employment rather than education. His ambition is now to gain as much knowledge and as many qualifications as he can in his chosen field, and hopes to move into sales in the near future. Outside of work, Chris is an avid PC gamer and often devotes more time than he should to his adventures in the digital world. He prefers games with a heavy element of strategy, as they lend more credibility to his hobby.
George joined Brightstar in September 2016. He joins the team as an experienced Banker (ACIB qualified) having worked in the UK Banking sector for over 15 years. As an ex HSBC Commercial manager, he is knowledgeable in the trading business arena, SME and the commercial finance market.
George hails from Montserrat in the Caribbean and enjoys travelling. He has travelled extensively across the globe, visiting far flung and unique places. He is also a F1 armchair fan and enjoys a good game of cricket- albeit watching from the boxes! He also enjoys a nice glass of fine cognac in his leisure time!
George also enjoys continued professional development and has recently completed a Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance with the Institute of Compliance Training.
Ben has joined us from a call centre where he was making appointments for life insurance and pension reviews and is therefore used to a high energy, dynamic work setting. Ben is already proving to be a great addition to the Second Charge Mortgage team, providing brilliant support to our intermediaries and consultants alike.
In his spare time, he follows Arsenal football club and enjoys socialising with his friends.
Georgia joins us to support the Second Charge Mortgage team, bringing her experience from a similar role at Loan.co.uk. Georgia is currently extending her knowledge through our in house training programme by studying for her CeMAP qualification. In her spare time, Georgia is a gym bunny and a shopaholic.