Meet David Sharpstone of CIS Mortgage Advice
Tell us about your business?
CIS Mortgage Advice is a Niche Mortgage broker brand for the self-employed construction industry.
I set up the brand in 2016 in response to their being a lack of understanding within the industry of how construction industry subcontractors are paid coupled with a massive opportunity to laser-focus my marketing message on one section of the self-employed community.
As a specialist broker we place most of our business with ‘Subby Friendly Mortgage lenders’, and at the time of writing there are in excess of 15 lenders ranging from the High Street to more bespoke financial institutions.
Where are you based and where do you operate geographically?
Our offices are in Braintree, Essex, although the vast majority of our business is UK wide due to how we market ourselves.
What are the main issues impacting your local market?
Right now, we face two big issues. The first is a result of Brexit and the new Settled/Pre-settled statuses. With a large migrant European demographic within our target market, lenders’ criteria has become a lot stricter for those without full settled status.
More recently, we’re also seeing a lack of housing stock coming to market leading to far too much competition per property listing. Especially here in the southeast and London.
What challenges are you facing as a broker?
Whilst the market can be tough, and the temptation is to double down because we don’t know what coming around the corner, it’s so important to maintain a work and life balance, spend time with loved ones and appreciate our freedoms as we navigate a post-pandemic world.
What are the main opportunities for brokers in your area and nationally?
Having a business presence on Google Maps will ensure a steady flow of leads. Nurture those google reviews, update the Google Business page with short pieces, behind-the-scenes pictures, and case studies and keep it fresh.
What could lenders do to help further your business?
After three years of working in a Covid environment, personally I’m fed up of Covid being an excuse by lenders. They have had long enough to adapt to new ways of working and having part of their workforce operating from home should no longer be excusable for poor service.
What sets you apart from the competition?
We’re the only brokerage in the UK that specialises in CIS Workers. This means that we know the small CIS intricacies of all the lenders, and how to manage the various nuances that come along with our specialist subject.
How should potential borrowers contact you?
Jump on the website and make an enquiry. www.cismortgage.co.uk
