The Specialist - a Pepper Money Podcast

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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. #PepperSpecialistPodcast

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53 recent

October 8, 202649 min

S8 E2: The value of advice for First-Time Buyers with Richard Howes

In this episode of The Specialist Podcast, Rob Barnard welcomes Richard Howes, Managing Director of Paradigm Mortgage Services, for a wide-ranging discussion of the state of the mortgage market and the evolving role of advice. Drawing on his experience across both lending and distribution, Richard shares his views on market resilience, the challenges facing today's borrowers, and why brokers are playing a more important role than ever in helping customers navigate affordability pressures, changing circumstances, and increasingly complex lending requirements. The conversation explores why specialist lending has become part of the mainstream market, how technology and AI are likely to shape the future of advice, and why brokers should be embracing more complex customer scenarios rather than turning them away. Rob and Richard also discuss Paradigm's recent research calling for mandatory mortgage advice for first-time buyers, the importance of protecting vulnerable customers, and how advice can help close the protection gap while improving long-term financial outcomes. Key topics include: The outlook for the mortgage market in 2026 and beyond The biggest challenges facing borrowers and brokers Why specialist lending is now simply "lending" The growing importance of advice in a changing market Technology, AI, and the future of mortgage distribution Mandatory advice for first-time buyers Educating consumers and challenging misconceptions around adverse credit A thought-provoking discussion on resilience, innovation, and the future of intermediary lending.

September 24, 202637 min

S8 E1: Making more possible for Scottish borrowers: A specialist lending perspective with Alistair Ewing

Join Rob Barnard in this insightful episode as he interviews Alistair Ewing, Managing Director of The Mortgage Channel. Together, they dive deep into the world of First Charge mortgages in Scotland, exploring the impact of Pepper's entry into the market. Discover what brokers can expect from new offerings and learn about the distinct differences in the mortgage landscape between England and Scotland. This conversation addresses key questions: How will Pepper reshape the experience for Scottish brokers and their clients? What steps do new lenders need to take to build trust with brokers? And is specialist lending the answer to opening doors for more individuals seeking homeownership? With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Alistair brings a wealth of knowledge, having started his journey with Clydesdale Bank and running his own successful brokerage for over 25 years. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of Scotland's leading experts in specialist lending.

June 11, 202640 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, 202643 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, 202648 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, 202646 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, 202642 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, 202650 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.

November 27, 202532 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.

November 20, 202549 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.