Derby commercial finance specialists merge

Mortgage & Finance Arena, the Derby-based mortgage and finance adviser, has merged with fellow adviser Howard Thomas.

Mortgage & Finance Arena, based on Prime Parkway, was set up 13 years ago and is headed by managing director Suzanne Bradshaw who has a team of seven advisers and administrative staff.

Howard Thomas has been a commercial broker for 27 years including 19 years as a director of ASC Finance for Business.

He has particular expertise in the licensed trade and has also developed a residential client base as an independent business over the past eight years.

Bradshaw said: “We are delighted that Howard has joined Mortgage & Finance Arena and this marks the beginning of a wider programme of expansion for us.

“Howard’s many years of experience and expertise further strengthens and broadens our already well-respected service so we can find the right solution for our clients to meet their needs.

Mortgage and Finance director Michelle Mackenzie-Cooper continued: “We are one of the few companies covering commercial and residential mortgages as well as finance and insurance support for both businesses and individuals.

“This recognises that companies are run by individuals and that there are many cross-overs between business and individual finances – particularly when it comes to mortgages and raising capital.”

Thomas added: “The high volumes of client work we are undertaking demand a bigger team. In considering the best solution for our clients it was an easy decision to join forces with Mortgage and Finance Arena.

“Our two firms are the most active members of The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers in Derby. We are both truly independent and unrestricted on which lenders we can use, making Mortgage & Finance Arena very well positioned to offer the ever increasing range of financial products available.”

“I have known Suzanne and Michelle for many years and know we share common values of quality of service, putting clients’ interests first to find the right solutions to meet their needs.”