The judging panel for the Bridging & Commercial Awards 2011 has been selected and is comprised of key players in the industry who lend their expertise and knowledge to this all-important role. Each represent a certain element of short-term bridging finance, creating a rounded view of the sector and providing the perfect forum for consideration of the nominees.
The panel met on May 3rd to deliberate the nominations which have been put forward by you, the brokers, and to select the winners. Meet the panel below, where their relevant experience and contribution to short-term bridging finance is outlined - it is likely that you have met or worked with them before and if not, you will certainly see them at the Awards.
Mo Mulki
Having graduated with honours as a Cosmetic Pharmacist, I found out that I was better making money than making narcotics in the lab. Consequently, I found my first job in the media sales industry in 1996 and launched my career in the exciting and fast-paced world of publishing and media sales.
I joined the mortgage intermediary market back 6 years ago where I headed-up the online version of Mortgage Introducer and then went on to launch Introducer Today. After leaving Introducer Today, I started Medianett and launched Bridging & Commercial, Debt Management Today and LoanTalk.
Many will know me as the man who can sell ice to eskimos, so, in retrospect, the decision to forgo a future in pharmacy turned out to be the right one.
Bob HavenhandBorn and bred in Sheffield, I now for my sins live just up the M18 in Doncaster. I am married to Denise, my wife and business partner, and jointly we have 5 kids and 4 grandkids.
I have been working in financial services since 1985, initially as a financial adviser which evolved over the years into becoming a full IFA practice. With the aim to specialise in what was my main business, namely mortgage broking, I joined Citri in late 2009 for my regulated residential mortgage work. One year later, I opened up my own commercial brokerage South Yorkshire Property Consultants.
South Yorkshire Property Consultants deal with all aspects of commercial and business finance, as well as BTL mortgages, bridging, development, and asset finance. I have extensive knowledge and contacts within the bridging industry and have held the title of commercial master broker. Over and above being the first port of call for residential brokers and IFAs, I was also involved in running training seminars.
Today, I am busy establishing my new brand and looking forward to operating my business from my own office.
Julian Sampson
I am a partner in niche financial services and real estate solicitors, Wright & Wright. It is my responsibility to consult for and engage with a broad spectrum of businesses and institutions in the sector, including the FSA and trade bodies such as the CML.
My client base includes large investment funds, specialist property lenders, asset lenders and financial intermediaries. I show particular expertise in boutique transaction financing, Consumer Credit Act, financial regulation and fund structures.
Ray Cohen
I provide specialist compliance support to lenders, particularly in the short term market. As a holder of the CeMAP and CeRER qualifications, I am a member of the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants.
I provide support to the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL), helping them in their dealings with the FSA and providing guidance and support for responses to industry consultations such as the Mortgage Market Review and transfer of Consumer Credit regulation to the FSA/CPMA.
A founding Director of the Association of Bridging Professionals (AOBP), I currently sit on the executive committee and have been instrumental in drafting their rules and code of ethics.
Mark Harris
I formed part of the original team of brokers who launched Savills Private Finance (SPF) in 1997. I quickly honed my broking skills towards the upper end of the market, where the brand was positioned.
After being promoted to Managing Director at the end of 2001, the business, under my stewardship, expanded rapidly. Together with the management team, I have overseen the diversification of the business into new areas including international mortgages, the affordable sector and commercial insurance.
Adam Tyler
Having started my career as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy, I worked through a varied career before bringing it all together to become Chief Executive of the NACFB. Once coming ashore, I spent eight years working in property, in both selling houses for a living as well as developing.
The move into financial services came a little later when I spent a further 8 years as a regulated financial advisor. It was during that period that I worked as a self-employed commercial broker. After this time spent in broking, I moved to the Royal Bank of Scotland for ten years as a regional development manager. My involvement with the NACFB began in October 2005. I now live in Sidmouth, have been married for 25 years, and have 4 children.
Sydney Cohen
Having been involved with the lending industry for 20 years or so, I bumped into the poor relative of the mainstream finance world called Bridging.
When a bridging loan company I had dealt with once or twice offered me a position of marketing manager, considering my interest and belief in the potential of the sector, it took me less than a nano-second to accept. My reasoning was that the majority of bridgers in the market were small one or two man operations and here was an established company that could expand and alter the face of bridging.
Since that day I have been involved with many of the usual suspects in bridging finance, such as Affirmative Finance, ABC and First Property finance and am delighted to be able to say that bridging is now close to being a main stream product.
I am very proud to have been appointed the chairman of the Association of Bridging Professionals which proves my confidence in the future of bridging was justified.
Graham Allen
I’ve been in the finance industry since 1980, over 29 years spent working in the UK and domestic lending industry. During my time, I have worked closely with SMEs and provided both brokerage and consultancy services to individuals and companies. My additional experience is gained by providing mortgage product and design consultancy to leading UK Financial institutions.
I have been at master broker, Commercial Money Matters, for close to 22 years and hold the position of Managing Director. I also act as chair of the Commercial Funding Alliance and work actively with Mines Advisory Group charity.