The Specialist - a Pepper Money Podcast

Pepper Money

Get the lowdown on what’s going on in the mortgage industry in around 20 minutes with our very own Rob Barnard and special guests. In this podcast series we’ll be talking to mortgage industry thought leaders who aren’t afraid to address pressing issues happening in the here and now.

The content of this podcast is for UK based mortgage intermediaries.

The opinions expressed in this podcast are personal to the presenter and guest and may not reflect the views of Pepper Money.

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51 episodes
Updated June 18

Episodes51

Newest first

June 18 · 38 min
Live episode: Making Affordable Home Ownership a reality
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 and why it still isn’t reaching enough people. From demystifying shared ownership to tackling barriers in awareness, affordability, and confidence, this episode looks at what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change.Whether you're a broker, lender, housing provider, or policymaker, you’ll come away with practical insights on how we can collectively open the door to home ownership for more people across the UK.
June 11 · 40 min
S7 E6: Funding the Future: Andy Voss on capital markets, growth & specialist lending
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 execution plays in Pepper’s model, including a strong track record in securitisation and ambitious funding plans, growing from £2bn across five deals last year to a targeted £3bn across six deals. They discuss what’s driving this growth, the strategic importance of accessing new capital pools such as the US 144A market, and how investor sentiment is shifting across the sector. Andy also shares his perspective on whether we’re seeing a “flight to quality” towards institutionally backed lenders, and how counterparty risk is being reassessed. Looking ahead, the conversation turns to what the next 12–24 months could hold for Pepper’s funding strategy, issuance volumes, and the wider specialist lending market. Andy also offers a candid view of the key risks he monitors as CFO, from funding access to credit performance and regulation, and closes with a clear message for investors considering Pepper today.
May 28 · 43 min
S7 E5: Foundations for the future: lenders, developers and the reality of new build with Adrian MacDiarmid
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 explore how relationships between lenders, brokers and developers have evolved, how these changes are improving outcomes for buyers, and how a wider range of lenders is shaping new build finance. The conversation also covers some of the biggest challenges facing the market today, including delivering 1.5 million homes, planning delays, rising costs, and what’s replacing Help to Buy. This episode brings a clear, real-world view of where the market stands, and what needs to happen next to turn ambition into delivery.
May 14 · 48 min
S7 E4: Mortgages in motion: Leadership, change and opportunity with Louisa Sedgwick
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 and practical perspective on what success looks like today. The conversation also explores the key forces shaping the market, including affordability pressures, underwriting challenges and the implications of new legislation for landlords and lenders. With a strong focus on people, Louisa discusses the importance of attracting new talent, improving diversity and building a more inclusive mortgage industry, along with valuable advice for the next generation entering financial services.
April 30 · 46 min
S7 E3: Leadership, lending and the future of Intermediary advice with Jonathan Stinton
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 expectations, and the growing role of specialist lending. Looking ahead, the discussion covers market forecasts, first‑time buyers, buy‑to‑let and the future of advice, reinforcing why strong lender–broker partnerships and intermediary‑led solutions remain vital to delivering better customer outcomes.
April 14 · 42 min
S7 E2: Breaking down barriers in mortgages: building a modern brokerage with Joel Bailey-Wilson
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 have long existed in financial services. Together, they dig into the practical and cultural barriers new founders often face, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and how determination, adaptability and belief play a critical role in overcoming them. A key theme of the conversation is the power of personal branding and social media. Joel explains how putting authenticity at the heart of his business, and meeting customers where they already are online. Looking to the future, Joel offers honest advice to aspiring mortgage entrepreneurs and shares his hopes for how the industry can evolve to create a more accessible, inclusive path for the next generation of founders.
March 26 · 50 min
S7 E1: Mortgages, markets and momentum: A 2026 outlook with Charles Roe
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 and the growing importance of specialist lending. The conversation also covers the outlook for buy‑to‑let, what falling arrears reveal about borrower resilience, and the regulatory and policy changes brokers should prepare for this year. Charles closes by sharing his core message for lenders and intermediaries on maximising opportunities in a shifting, competitive market.
Nov 27, 2025 · 32 min
Shared Ownership Special : E3 The economic lens on Shared Ownership with Rob Thomas
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 evolution of Shared Ownership, its future potential, and how lenders can better support the customers it’s designed to help.
Nov 20, 2025 · 49 min
Shared Ownership Special: E2 Working in Shared Ownership makes a difference to peoples lives
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 findings, market trends, and what they mean for lenders, intermediaries, and homebuyers. Whether you’re a broker, lender, or simply interested in housing policy, this episode offers practical knowledge and thought leadership on one of the most talked-about topics in UK housing.
Nov 12, 2025 · 43 min
Shared Ownership Special: E1 From politics to property: David Gauke on Shared Ownership
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 David's political and legal journey that could shape the future.
Oct 30, 2025 · 39 min
S6 E6: How insights & data can drive better decisions with Mark Long
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 sentiment in the mortgage and housing sector.
Oct 23, 2025 · 44 min
S6 E5: Inside the Buy to Let market with David Whittaker
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 opportunities and challenges facing investors today, how the market is evolving, and what brokers need to know to stay ahead.
Oct 16, 2025 · 47 min
S6 E4: Generational shifts and changing attitudes towards homeownership with Phil Daffern
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 today’s fast-changing market. Uncover the opportunities and challenges currently facing the industry and gain expert perspectives from one of its leading voices on an important topic that's changing how we'll communicate today, and in years to come.
Oct 2, 2025 · 42 min
S6 E3: The digital path to homeownership with Maria Harris
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 explore the challenges buyers face today, how digitisation can improve the buying process to make it as frictionless as possible, and what still needs to be done to make the journey easier. Find out more about OPDA here: https://openpropdata.org.uk/
Sep 18, 2025 · 42 min
S6 E2: A legendary career in mortgages with Colin Snowdon
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 to market, all with one clear mission: to support underserved customers and help brokers to write more business. Make sure you stay to the end for an inside look into the beginnings of Pepper Money, and how the brand and business has evolved over the years.
Sep 4, 2025 · 40 min
S6 E1: A New Dawn for AMI with Stephanie Charman
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 becoming a female leader in the mortgage industry. She covers how her small, but mighty team at AMI "eat policy for breakfast", discussing all of the potential outcomes of consultancy papers and more to best support brokers and intermediaries.
Aug 7, 2025 · 32 min
Be more you special: The power of breath with Jessie Laute
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.
Jul 31, 2025 · 41 min
Be more you special: Slowthef**kdown with Emma Harris
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 prioritise your wellbeing. Her story is a powerful reminder that when you look after yourself, the ripple effect can positively impact those around you too.
Mar 6, 2025 · 36 min
S5 E6: Driving and embedding change in the mortgage market with Clare Beardmore for International Women's Day
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 importance of diversity and inclusion. This episode is a powerful reminder that International Women's Day should be a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action toward gender equality, not just a one-day event.
Feb 6, 2025 · 35 min
S5 E5: Embracing tech is an open goal for better consumer outcomes
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.