The Brightstar Group has confirmed the speaker programme for its Specialist Lending Expo 2025, which returns to Stratford, east London, on 2 October with an expanded agenda after a sell-out inaugural year.
The CPD-accredited event will open with a keynote on the UK economic outlook from Darren Winder of Lazarus Economics & Strategy, who will set the scene with his analysis of the market forces shaping property and mortgage lending.
The first panel, “The Move Makers: The Big Debate”, will see Brightstar chief executive Rob Jupp joined by Adrian Moloney of OSB Group, Stephen Todd of VAS Group, Joshua Elash of MT Finance and David Whittaker of Keystone Property Finance. Together, they will explore the key challenges and opportunities for the specialist finance sector.
Delegates will also hear a one-to-one discussion between William Lloyd-Hayward, Brightstar’s chief operating officer, and Peter Brodnicki, chief executive of Mortgage Advice Bureau. Their “In Conversation With” session will examine the future of mortgage advice, innovation in the intermediary market and the demands of leadership.
Later in the day, the programme will turn to the mortgage industry’s appeal as a career. Clare Jupp, Brightstar’s chief people officer, will moderate a panel titled “Do You Think I’m Sexy? Pulling Power”, which will address recruitment, diversity and employer brand. Panellists include Louisa Sedgwick of Paragon Bank, Richard Merrett of Alexander Hall, Stephanie Charman of AMI and Andrew Montlake of Coreco.
The exhibition will also feature 20 specialist lenders and providers, a networking zone and a series of interactive breakout sessions.
Rob Jupp (pictured), group chief executive of Brightstar, said: “We promised a speaker line-up that would match the ambition of the event, and this agenda truly delivers.
“These are the most respected and influential figures in our market, and we’re proud to be creating a platform where real debate and meaningful insight can take place.
“If you’re a broker working in or considering specialist lending, this is the one day you need to be out of the office.”
