We are fortunate to employ some of the most talented professionals in our industry. We have a long-standing, established team because of our entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to our people, and high expectation for excellence. Our people are our most valuable asset – they are skilled problem solvers delivering funding solutions for you rather than just loans.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do, helping us to stand out from the crowd and become the clear choice for our clients. We can only achieve client service excellence if our team feel committed to each other, the firm and our common goals – and we’ve worked very hard to make this a priority.
We are a non-hierarchical organisation, with the most junior people on our team encouraged to voice their opinions, ask questions and suggest solutions and everyone is expected to contribute to excellence in client service. Each and every person plays a vital role in our success. The collective experiences, ideas and hard work of our people are what shape our culture and drive the future of our business. Our clients are at the centre of everything we do.
Meet some of our key people ...
Steve Barber
Director
Steve is the founder of BFS and looks after the Corporate Governance of the business. He is an alumnus of the University of Oxford and holds an MBA from Henley Management School.
Jeanette Gwatkin
Head of Operations and Marketing
Jeanette has 35 years experience in property finance and has worked with BFS since inception. Client service is her expertise and she continues to build on this important aspect of the business.
Rachel Davies
Head of Underwriting
Rachel has 30 years of experience working in financial services, including mainstream commercial banking and private property finance. She manages the underwriting function of the business, developing new products and specialising in development finance.
Lee Gilmore
Head of Sales
Lee brings 21 years of corporate banking experience to BFS and leads on our interaction with banks, accountants, solicitors and other professionals.
Barbara Corbett
Chartered Global Management Accountant
In 2017, Barbara became a fully qualified Chartered Global Management Accountant and a member of the Association of Chartered Management Accountants. She has 30 years of financial and management experience and successfully leads the BFS accounts busy department..
Andy Morgan
Business Development Manager
A proven no nonsense BDM with over 20 years of customer sales experience. Andy has developed excellent working relationships with many leading professionals and has a skill for getting the job done. Following his son play rugby around the UK and his own golfing and walking pastimes, keeps Andy busy. A stoke City season ticket holder, everyone has a dark side!
Adam Wolstenholme
Business Development Manager
Adam brings 10 years experience working in the Financial services industry having previously worked as a second charge broker at Freedom Finance, Lender BDM at Aldermore and latterly working at Together within the commercial finance division.
Adam prides himself on taking a cradle to grave approach to all cases, always available to get involved and help get a case through to completion. Good working relationships are vitally important to Adam and working for BFS satisfies his need for excellent client care.
Outside of work Adam is a Manchester City fan and also enjoys playing golf.
Debbie Range
Business Development Manager
Debbie has joined as a Business Development Manager in our BFS sales team (Jan 23) and we will now benefit from her massive experience of over 20 years in the finance sector.
Having previously worked in the bridging and regulated mortgage intermediary sector, Debbie is looking forward to working with clients old and new, and introducing BFS’s flexible and bespoke approach to deals.
A massive LFC fan, she fits right into the BFS family.
Adam Bluma
Business Development Manager
A new addition to the team, Adam will be assisting clients to find the right lending solution, meeting all their needs and building strong relationships along the way. With over 15 years experience in banking, bridging, real estate and commercial lending, there isn’t much Adam doesn’t know. A keen chess player, traveller and dog walker, Adam can also make a good coffee – a skill all the team will enjoy
Marc Simmons
Business Development Manager
Marc is one of our most enthusiastic new recruits having obtained a first class honours degree in Accounting and Finance. Marc wants to build personal relationships and is looking forward to working out of the Wallasey office and covering the North West. "I am a massive Everton fan – first in the company’s history and have been a season ticket holder for 22 years."
Jon Durie
Business Development Manager
Jon is a former bridging finance lender with over 20 year’s experience in the real estate sector, the last 10 years being specifically in short term finance. His relationships, connections, experience and understanding of the Scottish property market make him the ideal person to lead our continued growth in Scotland. Jon is a keen ‘footgolf’ enthusiast and has played for his country on a number of occasions.
Ben Humphreys
Business Development Manager
Ben joins BFS with over 20 years experience in finance and property. A great fit for BFS as he’s keen to grow the company profile by supporting property developers, assist professionals with their clients and build on the strong BFS reputation throughout the UK. Ben keeps busy with family life, particularly having sleepless nights with his new baby son!
Lisa Smith
Underwriter
Originally from a Business Travel background Lisa joined BFS in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant. Since then she has progressed to Underwriter following the successful completion of Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CEMAP) Lisa is now studying for the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance qualification in order to expand her knowledge in the sector.
Diane Wood
Client Manager
Diane joined BFS following a very successful career in commercial banking and after a period of time as Head of Credit Control, now heads up all post-completion queries. Her attention to detail is second to none and she is a much valued member of the BFS team.
Tom Dodds
Senior Underwriter
Tom joins BFS’s underwriting team with more than 6 years of experience working as a Quantity Surveyor for a regional main contractor. He looks forward to bringing his skills and experience to a new career challenge.
As a sport’s enthusiast, he enjoys spending his free time watching almost any sport and playing golf (badly)!
Nick Lockley
Underwriter Administrative Support
Nick Lockley is the latest addition to the team at BFS, formerly with Nat West for 30 years, Nick brings a wealth of experience to our underwriting department. A Wallasey resident, Nick can’t believe how lucky he is to now be at his desk in 7 minutes. Nick loves the outdoor life and is a keen walker and swimmer. ‘It’s great to be involved in finance again and with a local company who invest in local people.
Laila Bourke
Apprentice
Laila previously studied at West Kirby Grammar School and is now studying for her AAT qualification within BFS, whilst working toward her ambition of becoming a qualified accountant.
Wioletta Breen
Trainee Accounting Administrator
Wiola is the latest addition to the finance team, and this brings a new career challenge for Wiola, after previously working for the largest retailer in the UK. Life is busy for Wiola with 2 young boys, work and studying for the AAT qualification! When there is any free time, Wiola is a keen baker and would love to travel the world one day.
Diane McHugh
Office Manager
Diane is our longest serving team member and has overseen the growth and development of BFS. Diane is responsible for operations and property management.
Val Bryan
Administration Support
Val has many years of experience in property management and is enjoying her relatively new role supporting all BFS departments with administration and technical support.
Christine Mobbs
Project Administrator
Chris is a new addition to the team having spent 42 years at Barclays looking after Corporate clients with a heavy focus on strong customer relationships and client experience. Project Administrator is her new role,
assisting with streamlining projects from inception to completion. Chris loves being outdoors and is a keen hill walker, and spending time with her family and young Granddaughter.
Gill Barker
HR Manager
Gill joined BFS in 2021 and brings her strong background in recruitment, HR and Health and Safety. Gill worked for almost 20 years at The University of Liverpool’s Veterinary School HR department, and uses her impressive experience to assist with all employee related issues. A massive animal lover, jewellery maker and keen photographer – another skill BFS makes use of !
Laura White
Portfolio Manager
20 years of financial services experience makes Laura the ideal candidate for her latest role and Laura is keen to expand her property finance knowledge. In her spare time, Laura can be found dog walking and enjoying the great outdoors with her daughter Olivia.
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