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About Clever Lending for Brokers

We do property finance properly. From commercial mortgages and bridging loans to development finance, and portfolio buy-to-let, we match the right funding with the right borrower.

If you’re a broker, we’ll give you your options fast so you can go back to your client quickly. And if you’re a borrower, we’ll be clear from the outset about what is realistic, what isn’t, and exactly why. 

Straightforward, well-structured finance – exactly the kind of clever thinking you’d expect from Clever Lending.

Our Team

Whether you're a broker or a borrower

Whether you’re a broker looking for a quick lender-ready view or a borrower funding your first purchase or growing a portfolio, we give straight answers and clear assessments, so you know exactly where you stand from day one.

Working with a wide network of lenders, we will match the right funding for your requirements and keep the process on track from enquiry to completion. That’s how we deliver straightforward and well-structured finance – exactly the kind of clever thinking you’d expect from Clever Lending.

Meet the team

James Carpenter

Director

James is known for his clear thinking and calm, no-nonsense approach. With over 25 years in the property and mortgage world, there’s not much he hasn’t come across.

He started out in valuations at Your Move, spent seven years advising at Wright Mortgage, and has led BB Mortgages (part of Clever Lending) since 2012. Over that time, he has built solid relationships across the market and earned a reputation for getting things sorted quickly and without the runaround.

 Level-headed and experienced, James brings clear direction and consistency to the business.

Steve Sanderson

Commercial & Bridging Specialist

With years of hands-on experience across commercial and bridging lending, Steve’s built a reputation for giving straight answers and cutting straight to the heart of the matter quickly, and when it counts.

He’s CeMAP qualified and worked across several specialist lenders and brokerages before joining Clever Lending in 2017, and brings first-hand experience in property development, including HMOs, commercial projects, and complex conversions – so he’s seen most client scenarios and knows exactly how to structure a fitting solution.  

Pragmatic and sharp, Steve’s the one brokers rely on when they need a straight answer.

Matthew Dilks

Commercial & Bridging Specialist

Matthew is known for his sharp financial structuring skills and his ability to cut through complex cases quickly. With a background in investment banking and fixed income trading, he is CeMAP qualified and brings a level of technical insight that gives brokers and clients real clarity on their options.

Before joining Clever Lending in 2018, Matthew worked in frontline banking with NatWest and as a residential valuer, giving him a strong foundation in both client relationships and property know-how. Since then, he’s specialised in commercial mortgages, both regulated and unregulated bridging, and development finance. 

Analytical and sharp, Matthew combines deep market knowledge with a practical, lender-savvy focus.

Nicki Ferguson

Commercial & Bridging Specialist

Nicki is known for saying it how it is and knowing the market inside out. With over 20 years in financial services, she’s CeMAP qualified and worked across just about every corner of the industry – from Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and pensions to commercial and regulated bridging finance, as well as inheritance and executor loans. 

She joined Clever Lending in 2019, bringing all that experience together to help brokers and their clients achieve the right outcome, first time. She knows the specialist lending process inside out and isn’t fazed by either a tricky case or a tight timeline. 

Focused, determined and right on the detail, Nicki’s on it from start to finish, making sure every deal gets the attention it deserves.

Mark Colyer

Case Manager

Mark is known for keeping cases organised and on track. With over seven years at Clever Lending, he’s a key link between our brokers, lenders, surveyors, and solicitors – making sure every stage runs smoothly.

Since joining Clever Lending in 2018, he has built a reputation for being thorough, dependable, and quick to spot what a case needs to stay on course. His calm approach and attention to detail means brokers trust that once their case is with Mark, it’s in safe hands.

Reliable and meticulous, nothing gets past him – Mark makes sure every case gets exactly where it needs to go.

Lara

Case Manager

Lara has over 18 years’ experience in the finance industry and is a CeMAP qualified Mortgage Adviser. Her strong knowledge of the mortgage process and attention to detail make her a key part of the Clever Lending team, supporting clients from application through to completion.

Outside of work, Lara enjoys a busy family life. She is a proud mum to three daughters and nanny to Alessia. She loves spending her weekends socialising, gardening, walking her 3 cocker spaniels and miniature dachshund and making the most of time with her family.

Our Pledge To You

Straight Answers

You don’t need a sales pitch, you just need an answer.  That’s why we are committed to giving you no-nonsense guidance. Simply share the key details of your case, and we will come back within 24 working hours with a clear route for your client and a transparent view of the next steps.

Expert Knowledge

We know the property finance market inside out. From the latest products and rates to which lenders are most likely to support your client’s application, our aim is to only place your case once. And we will always gather the full details before charging any fees or making a recommendation.

Dedicated Support

You will have your own case manager and advisor who owns your case from day one. They will track progress with the lender, so you don’t have to chase and will keep you updated at every stage. They also package everything clearly, so it doesn’t get re-underwritten halfway through and cause delays.

Your client Stays Your Client

We operate strictly through you and never around you. We will never contact your client directly, at least not without your prior consent, and we don’t touch follow-on business without looping you back into the conversation.  With us, your client will stay your client. Full stop.

Testimonials

As a whole of market broker who only deal with 1st charge mortgages, sometimes my clients need specialist finance from commercial to bridging loans, to enable them to buy their dream home or investment property. As I can’t facilitates this I need a specialist broker to help me. In comes Matt.

Who I recommend is a direct reflection on me so is important I get this right. The biggest hurdle was finding the right person who I can trust to look after my clients & ensure they work alongside me to get the right outcome. Matt is so experienced, knowledgeable, and approachable meaning I always feel comfortable & confident when I recommend Matt to my clients. They all sing his praises around how great he has been with them explaining everything so they understand it & what to expect now & in the future through the whole process & beyond. He gets the results which is what everyone realty wants.

Jenny

Advisor

I have worked with Matthew for many years sourcing bridging options for my clients….I have found the service and response times to be exceptional; it is thanks to Matthew that I have been able to keep my clients happy with as his turnaround times reflect on me.

Richard

Specialist Mortgage Adviser

I have used Clever lending for many years and have always found them superb. Nicki in particular is proactive, quick to respond, takes ownership and most importantly takes a positive approach to overcoming problems. She is our own unofficial extra member of staff.

Thanks to Nicki and her team I have placed a number of seemingly impossible or very difficult cases.

I look forward to continuing to work with them in the coming years.

Stuart

Mortgage Broker

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