Mark Hutchings

What do you enjoy about the specialist finance market?

Like many of our BDMs, the nicheness of our market is what brings Mark joy.

“The thing I most enjoy about specialist finance is that no two deals are the same, every day is different.”

Specifically, Mark enjoys a challenge. The investments we support in the bridging market are rarely straightforward. But, Mark likes getting his teeth stuck into those cases that can make other BDMs shudder.

“I like providing solutions for complex structures, for brokers and clients,” he continued.

“I relish the challenges that I have to deal with while handling those cases.”

On a daily basis, Mark will be finding solutions for expats, complicated offshore trusts, special purpose vehicles, and more. All the while, he’ll have a smile on his face, and swagger in his step.

What is it you think you offer to the brokers you work with?

By this point, it should be obvious what Mark is willing to do for his clients.

“I’ll always move heaven and earth to get the result they need. Also, my experience normally helps with those complex cases that some brokers don’t even know are possible to place.”

As with all our BDMs, Mark also prides himself on prioritising transparency above all else. No matter what kind of investment our borrowers are making, or if they need bridging loans from Southampton to Slough, they’ll know exactly where they stand throughout.

All our deals are underwritten from day one of an enquiry. No broker or borrower we work with will ever be unsure of the next steps, or if we’re the right lender for their circumstances.

What would you like to see introduced or prioritised in the specialist finance market?

For Mark, it seems the specialist market is already on the right path. What’s being prioritised now should remain in place and if it is, we’ll all continue on an upward trajectory.

“For me, there’s various things but one of the main elements to focus on is always going to be levels of service,” he said.

“Levels of service, especially in this industry, always need to be high.”

Also, looking out towards the wider financial industry, Mark feels everything will end up more tidied up, and succinct over the coming years.

“The consumer duty coming into place I think will help prioritise service levels across the board, which will benefit the specialist finance market down the line.

“But I think the financial markets, and especially the specialist market, are on a good track at the moment.

“Things are evolving, through us, and other companies to benefit brokers and clients alike.”

Evolving, or adapting, is what we’re all about at MFS. Over the last few months alone, we’ve introduced title insurance across our product ranges, launched several new products and promotions, and secured institutional funding lines to support our clientele.

We will always find ways to be there for the market, even if the wider economy is in less than ideal shape.

Where do you think there’s opportunity for property investors, and where would you like to see more funding directed to?

There are no shortages of opportunities in the current property market. Mark confirmed he hears from a broad range of brokers and investors, but there are a few notable trends worth keeping an eye on.

“I’m generally tending to see people buy un-mortgageable properties, adding value to them through refurbishment, and then refinancing onto a BTL mortgage. I think this is something we’ll keep on seeing.”

Also, Mark notices many investors are seeking out HMO properties, given the potential high yields available. Given the pressure yields are under in the current BTL market, this will also likely continue.

Are there any typical borrowers or cases that you tend to work with?

“A lot of the borrowers I generally tend to work with are on the complex side of things, or are not based in the UK”, he said.

“At MFS, we’re very good at dealing with large and complex cases, as well as assisting with overseas investors looking to purchase property in the UK.”

What do you like specifically about your corner of the market?

Given Mark’s obvious zeal for the specialist finance market, it would be fair to assume that he loves everything about his day-to-day. And while he clearly does, it’s MFS’ unique ability to help his borrowers that Mark particularly enjoys.

“I like the fact that we can tailor to clients that most other firms can’t. I love the fact that we can provide bespoke solutions on a case-by-case basis,

“There’s no box ticking with us. It allows us to work alongside the broker and client closely and as a result, it’s going to work well for everyone involved.

What do you do to get your mind off the world of property finance?

Few in this industry will be surprised at how Mark relaxes.

“Golf is always a good one for me,” he said.

“But I’ve got two young kids now, so I don’t get that much of a chance to play as much as I used to. These days, I tend to wind down with the family, spending time with the kids.

“I try to switch off, but I find it very, very difficult.”

Anyone who has worked with Mark will understand just how true that last statement is. Once Mark gets to work, he does not stop. If you need someone who never seems to run out energy, or has near endless amounts of time to deal with your case – Mark is your man.