The Specialist - a Pepper Money Podcast

Recorded live at the Affordable Home Ownership Conference in London, this special episode of The Specialist , brought to you by Pepper Money, brings together leading voices from across the housing ecosystem. With perspectives from Miranda Foster of Homes England, James McPhail from Flagship Homes, and Kelly McCabe of The Mortgage People, the panel explores how affordable home ownership is evolving...

In this episode of The Specialist Podcast, host Rob Barnard is joined by Pepper Money’s Chief Financial Officer, Andy Voss, for a deep dive into what powers one of the UK’s leading specialist lenders. Andy shares his journey to the C-suite and reflects on how his role has evolved through some of the most volatile market conditions in recent years. Together, they explore the role capital markets ex...

In this episode of The Specialist, Rob Barnard is joined by Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Lender Relations at Barratt Redrow, for a practical look at what’s really happening in the new build market. With nearly 40 years’ experience across broking, specialist lending and housebuilding, Adrian shares how the sector has changed, from the credit crunch to today’s more complex environment. They e...

In this episode of The Specialist, recorded just ahead of the adoption of the Renters' Rights Act, Louisa Sedgwick joins Rob Barnard to share her journey through more than three decades in specialist lending and what continues to inspire her about the industry. From leadership lessons and career-defining moments to the realities of running a major mortgage business, Louisa offers both a personal a...

In this episode of The Specialist, Rob Barnard is joined by Jonathan Stinton, Head of Intermediary Relationships at Coventry Building Society and newly appointed Chair of IMLA. Jonathan reflects on his journey in the mortgage industry and shares his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing intermediaries today, including regulatory change, affordability pressures, shifting customer e...

In this episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard sits down with Joel Bailey-Wilson, founder of Meta Mortgages, to explore what it really takes to build a mortgage brokerage from the ground up in today’s mortgage market. Joel shares the story behind launching Meta Mortgages, from the gap he saw in the market to the realities of starting a business without many of the traditional advantages that...

In this episode, Rob Barnard sits down with Charles Roe, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, to unpack the key forces shaping the UK mortgage and housing market in 2026. Together they explore UK Finance’s latest forecasts, the industry’s readiness for a major wave of refinancing, and how ongoing affordability pressures are reshaping buyer behaviour. Charles offers insight into lender flexibility...

In the final episode of our Shared Ownership special, host Rob Barnard sits down with industry expert Rob Thomas, former Economist at the Bank of England and Senior Policy Adviser to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Rob has played a pivotal role in shaping Pepper Money’s Shared Ownership White Paper, and in this episode he brings his deep industry knowledge to the table. Together, they explore the...

In this episode, Rob Barnard sits down with Amy Nettleton to explore the evolving landscape of Shared Ownership and its role in addressing housing affordability. Amy shares her perspective on the SO Exchange, a collaborative platform designed to bring transparency and innovation to the shared ownership market. We also dive into Pepper Money’s recent Shared Ownership White Paper, unpacking its key...

In this first episode of our special 3-part series on Shared Ownership, we explore policy, politics, and public purpose. Join host Rob Barnard as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David Gauke, former Chancellor and Cabinet Minister. They delve into the complexities of housing policy, the evolution of Shared Ownership to address modern challenges, and the valuable lessons from Dav...

In the Season 6 finale of The Specialist, Rob Barnard is joined by Mark Long, Managing Director of Pegasus Insight. With two decades of experience across multiple sectors, Mark shares his journey to founding Pegasus Insight, the evolving landscape of research and market insights in the mortgage industry, what businesses truly need from their research partners, and his perspective on consumer senti...

In this episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard sits down with David Whittaker, Chief Executive of Keystone Property Finance and one of the most respected voices in the Buy-to-Let market. With decades of experience in property finance, David shares insights from his remarkable career and offers a deep dive into the current state of the Buy-to-Let sector. Together, Rob and David discuss the key...

In this episode of The Specialist, host Rob Barnard welcomes Phil Daffern, Head of Lender Relationships at SimplyBiz Mortgages. Together, they explore the evolving homeownership ambitions across generations, from Baby Boomers to Millennials to Gen Z. Phil shares valuable insights and research into how these demographic shifts impact the buying process and what they mean for brokers navigating toda...

Our host Rob Barnard sits down with Maria Harris as they discuss her extensive career, and how she got her start in the mortgage industry. They cover a range of topics, including how she helped launch the UK’s first digital mortgage to founding and chairing the Open Property Data Association, Maria has been driving change through digital innovation in the mortgage and property industry. They explo...

Rob Barnard is joined by mortgage legend Colin Snowden for an engaging journey through the remarkable milestones of his career. From his early experiences in the industry to becoming a key figure in specialist lending. Colin reflects on the pivotal moments, challenges, and successes that have defined his professional journey. He also shares the incredible story of how he helped bring six lenders t...

Rob Barnard sits down with returning guest Stephanie Charman, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, to explore the ongoing value of mortgage advice for customers and the wider market, especially given the continued conversations around an increase in execution only mortgages. Steph recalls her early career and influences that helped shape her into becom...

Jessie Laute, one of the UK’s leading breathwork experts, shares her journey from corporate burnout to a transformative trip to Brazil, which led her down the path of breathwork coaching. What started as a personal healing experience became her life’s work, and she now helps others slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves through breath.

Emma Harris, CEO at Glow, joins Rob Barnard following two powerful keynote sessions at our recent Retreat events. In this conversation, she shares her journey as a Sales and Marketing leader, and how a life-changing experience led her to launch the Slow the F**k Down movement. Emma speaks openly and honestly about the importance of recognising your own triggers and learning to pause, reset, and pr...

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 impor...

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...

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...