An independent Derby mortgage and financial advice firm, celebrating 10 years of service, has moved into new Pride Park premises ready for one of its busiest times of the year.
Suzanne Bradshaw, managing director of Mortgage and Finance Arena, said advice on debt consolidation and unsecured business loans is in demand during January when the post-Christmas credit card bills land and self-assessment tax bills are due.
Suzanne said: “We offer advice on all mortgage and financial situations apart from pensions and savings and every year we find January is the time when people focus on their finances and getting them in order, either following Christmas or ahead of the tax bill.”
Suzanne, who set up the company in 2015, has moved it into new premises in the Melbourne Business Court in Pride Park, ready for 2025 to be a year of growth.
“We’ve built this company on repeat business but now we are expanding and getting more new clients,” said Suzanne, who has had a lifelong passion for property and gave her first advice on a mortgage aged 18.
“When this office became available and I had a break in my agreement on the previous premises, it just felt right to take the leap and move here into such a prominent place, right across from Pride Park Stadium.”
And while the business is settling into its new home, Suzanne is expecting Spring to be the time clients will seek advice on properties.
The rise in mortgage rates in 2022 has slowed the market for people moving property but there is still strong demand for advice from first time buyers, those who are self-employed or with more complex financial circumstances looking to renew their deals, and for equity release.
“I think people are now getting used to the mortgage rates and so we may see that market pick up soon,” said Suzanne. “But there is still a strong demand from first time buyers and lenders out there with offers to help people get on the property ladder…the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is also becoming more popular.”
And parents are using equity in their own properties to help their children, with an increase in demand for advice on equity release so they can free up money to raise the deposits their adult children need to fly the nest.
Suzanne said: “People’s finances are now more complex, and I think that is why they like to have personal, tailored advice from us. We know the lenders and the offers out there which are right for a person’s individual needs and circumstances. We are looking forward to supporting more people with their financial decisions from our own new home in 2025!”
