In this second part of Michael Dean's conversation with Martin Stewart, founder of London Money, the two dive deeper into the challenges and complexities of the mortgage industry. Martin reflects on his past experiences, tackles the controversial topic of house price predictions, and shares his candid thoughts on buy-to-let landlords, female-only awards, and the future of mortgage broking. With sharp insights and even sharper humour, this episode offers a no-holds-barred look at the mortgage industry.

Guest: Martin Stewart

https://www.london-money.co.uk/

https://x.com/LondonMoneyFS

Sponsored by

J3 Advisory

https://j3advisory.co.uk/

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com/

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, Michael Dean speaks with Martin Stewart, founder and director of London Money, a leading mortgage brokerage. Martin shares his candid insights on the mortgage industry, his journey from the Wild West days of financial services, and how authenticity has shaped his career and success. They explore the evolving landscape of mortgage broking, the impact of social media, and why staying true to one's values is crucial for long-term success.

Guest: Martin Stewart

https://www.london-money.co.uk/

https://x.com/LondonMoneyFS

Sponsored by

J3 Advisory

https://j3advisory.co.uk/

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com/

Summary:

In this episode, Michael Dean sits down with Verster du Plessis, co-founder of Fox&Fifth, a visual communications agency based in Surrey, UK. They discuss Verster’s journey from South Africa to the UK, his experience building a business during the pandemic, and how Fox&Fifth has adapted to the evolving needs of enterprise clients. They also delve into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the role of video in modern communication, and tips for engaging audiences effectively.

Highlights:

• Building a business in the pandemic: Verster shares how Fox&Fifth's nimbleness allowed them to provide remote video services and stay ahead of the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Internal communications for large enterprises: Why simple Zoom calls don’t cut it for companies with tens of thousands of employees and how Fox&Fifth’s secure, professional video solutions helped businesses navigate internal communications.
• Entrepreneurial lessons: The importance of maintaining touchpoints in sales, being persistent, and how to differentiate your services on platforms like LinkedIn.
• The role of AI in video production: Verster explains how his team is incorporating AI into their business, from targeting clients to automating certain aspects of video production while staying ahead of industry changes.
• Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship: Verster opens up about how his ADHD has influenced his career and personal life, including his approach to business, parenting, and finding balance.
• Consistent content creation: Verster emphasizes the importance of consistency in creating video content and how businesses, particularly SMEs, can leverage video to build stronger customer relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• “Numbers are meaningless, but when you tie them to a story, they become powerful.”
• "The first time you create content, it's going to be cringe, but practice makes perfect."
• "The most fulfilling thing I've done is have children, and I wish I had done it sooner."

Episode Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Avamore Capital, a development and bridging lender offering loans across England and Wales, lending from £250,000 to £25 million.