RomaTalks

🎙 Meet Adam Tyler – CEO of the BDLA, as he shares his 40‑year journey across estate agency, mortgage advice, property development, high street banking and trade bodies.

🏛 The BDLA’s Role & Growth – Adam discusses how the association has evolved, its focus on setting standards across short‑term lending, and the surge in membership enquiries, alongside the introduction of annual member statements and new industry standards.

📈 How the Bridging Market Has Changed – From a £300m market in 2005 to £13.4bn today, Adam explores the growth of bridging finance, increased diversity, and the impact of more regulated mortgage brokers entering the specialist space.

🎓 Education, Careers & Succession – A deep dive into why education and succession planning matter, with discussion around collaboration between trade bodies, initiatives like CPSP, and creating clear career paths and apprenticeships for the next generation.

🏛 Advocacy, Awareness & Regulation – Adam explains the BDLA’s work in Westminster, raising awareness around funding for SMEs and property developers, and the importance of visibility, self‑regulation and ongoing dialogue with regulators.

🎙 Meet Andy Shields – Founder of Barcadia Media, Andy joins Michael Allison, Commercial Director at Roma Finance, to discuss how growing complexity in the mortgage market is reshaping the role of brokers and specialist lenders.

📊 A Changing Mortgage Landscape – With specialist lending now making up around a third of all mortgages, Andy and Michael explore how evolving borrower profiles and income sources are driving long-term change.

📰 Media, Education & Recognition – Andy explains how Barcadia Media supports intermediaries through fast, unbiased news, industry education and initiatives like the Women’s Recognition Awards that celebrate impact beyond the numbers.

🎤 Live Events & Broker Appetite – As demand for in person events grows, the conversation highlights why brokers are seeking practical insight, broader toolkits and real-world learning.

🚀 Innovation & Optimism – Despite volatility, both agree that complexity fuels innovation, and adaptability remains key to success in an evolving market.

🎙 Meet Steve Hammond & Shane Traynor of TDN Birmingham, joined by Michael Allison, Commercial Director at Roma Finance, as they explore property development, partnership and the power of community.

🏗 From Trades to Development – Steve shares his journey from builder to high‑end developer, while Shane explains his move from IT into property, launching the Property Developer Buying Club and a CGI business supporting planning and marketing.

🤝 Building a Developer Community – Nearly five years on, TDN Birmingham has grown into a thriving network, bringing together hundreds of developers through online groups and regular in‑person events focused on support, learning and connection.

📉 Market Shifts & Strategy – With challenges in the high‑end sales market, Steve discusses adapting strategies towards build‑to‑rent and build‑to‑lease, while navigating rising material costs and supply‑chain pressures.

🚀 Opportunity Through Collaboration – The conversation highlights opportunities in supported living, asset management and working with motivated sellers, alongside the confidence, advice and momentum developers gain through a strong community.

https://tdnbirmingham.co.uk/

🎙 Meet Sam Jackson – Partner at Kuits Solicitors, joined by Lorraine Hart of Roma Finance, as they explore the vital role of legal expertise in specialist property finance.

🤝 A Trusted Partnership – Lorraine and Sam discuss the long-standing relationship between Roma Finance and Kuits Solicitors, reflecting on Roma’s growth and the collaborative approach that helps get deals over the line efficiently.

🚧 Common Borrower Pitfalls – From choosing inexperienced solicitors to underestimating complex share purchases, the conversation highlights where deals can derail, and how the right legal partners and communication prevent delays.

🚀 Market Shifts, Tech & The Future – With more portfolio refinances and development projects in play, Sam and Lorraine share views on embracing tech like e-signing and AI, while keeping professional judgement at the heart of decision making.

🧠 Experience Matters – Sam explains why specialist real estate finance requires experienced legal partners, and how the right expertise protects borrowers, lenders and deals from unnecessary risk.

🎙 Meet Fiona Kennedy-Williams — Roma borrower and property developer, Fiona joins Victoria Henry, Relationship Manager at Roma Finance, to explore career pivots, investing with confidence, industry community, and the strength of a great borrower–lender partnership.

🏡 From Nurse Practitioner to Property Investor — Fiona shares how a spontaneous auction purchase (made while on a ski trip) kickstarted her flipping journey. With help from family and friends, she renovated and sold her first project within eight months.

👷‍♀️ Hard Hats to Heels Chester — Fiona discusses launching the Chester chapter, creating an empowering and supportive space for women in property.

📈 Victoria’s Journey at Roma — Victoria shares her route from teaching to property flipping to joining Roma, culminating in her role as Relationship Manager, where she supports borrowers through their projects, especially Fiona.

🏠 Fiona’s Current Project — A three bed semi on the Wirral with renovation underway, supported by a smooth, straightforward funding experience through Roma.

🎙 Meet Tom Sumner — Property developer, investor and multi business owner, joining Michael Allison on RomaTalks to share his journey from military service into property and business ownership.

🪖 From the Military to Property — Tom reflects on his background as a paratrooper and bodyguard, and how he began investing in property alongside his military career, building resilience and commercial discipline along the way.

🏘 Building & Scaling a Property Business — Nearly two decades in property, Tom shares how smart refinancing, deal execution and long term strategy helped him grow a strong, diversified portfolio.

🏗 Projects, Serviced Accommodation & New Ventures — From commercial conversions and new builds to high end serviced accommodation, Tom also discusses launching a luxury bathroom showroom supplying developers and retail clients.

🚀 Mentorship, Branding & What’s Next — Tom talks about the importance of authenticity, social media, and his plans to mentor others through a new business and networking centre.

🎙 Meet Dave Symondson – Co founder of Rise Up Development, Dave joins Michael Allison, Commercial Director at Roma Finance, to explore how tradespeople can confidently transition into successful property developers.

🏗 Rise Up Development Explained – Dave breaks down how their workshops support trades and contractors through every step of the development journey — from finding sites and running feasibility to securing exits with confidence.

📉 A Tighter Market – Dave discusses how the market has shifted over the past 15 years, why flawless execution matters more than ever, and the realities of navigating today’s increased bureaucracy.

📣 The Power of Personal Branding – Dave shares how investing in social media has transformed his business, and why a strong online presence is non negotiable for modern developers.

💼 Consistency & Standards – Dave and Michael reflect on resilience, high standards, and the importance of strong relationships in delivering exceptional service in both finance and development.

https://riseupdevelopment.co.uk/

🎙 Meet Jaz Dhaliwal – Conveyancing solicitor with a decade of experience and newly published author. Jaz joins Michael Allison to discuss conveyancing today, financial education, and life in property.

🏡 A Career Inspired Early – Jazz shares how childhood trips to auction houses with their father shaped a natural path into conveyancing, and a long standing passion for property.

⚖️ A Modern Approach to Conveyancing – Jaz explains their shift to a consultancy model, offering fewer files and more personalised service, plus their views on how AI can support (but not replace) human decision-making.

📚 Introducing My Home, Your Home – Jaz talks about their new children’s book, designed to help kids understand different types of homes and spark curiosity about property.

💸 Teaching Kids About Money – Jaz highlights why financial literacy should start young, and why schools need to cover investments, budgeting, and the real value of money.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Home-Your-Jasbir-Dhaliwal/dp/1068444835

🎙 Meet James Rogers – Founder of Property and Poppadoms and broker at 978 Finance. James shares his journey from tradesman to property investor, network host, and finance professional.

🔄 From Trades to Finance – James opens up about his shift from painting, decorating, and plumbing into the world of finance after major life changes.

🍛 Inside Property and Poppadoms – Discover how a small, informal meet up grew into 50+ UK locations. James explains the relaxed format, big value, and the supportive community that inspired its creation. Find out what’s next, with the expansion plans to 70 locations, international opportunities, national events and masterclass training days.

💼 Finance Appetite Today – Explore how lenders are leaning into more creative, unconventional deals — offering new possibilities for investors.

https://www.propertyandpoppadoms.co.uk

🎯 Meet Richard & Josh – Richard, Senior Business Development Manager, and Josh, Senior Relationship Manager at Roma Finance, share their journeys and insights into the world of specialist lending and development finance.

💼 From Broker to Roma – Richard reflects on his 17-year journey in the specialist lending market, while Josh shares his experience as a broker for five years before joining Roma, and what drew them both to the business.

📈 Changes in the Market – Richard discusses the evolution he’s seen in lending, finance, and development finance over the years, providing a unique perspective on how the market has shifted.

🏦 What Makes a Lender Stand Out – Josh explains the importance of service in the lending industry, highlighting how brokers often return to lenders who consistently provide excellent support and guidance.

🚀 Bringing Value to Roma – They discuss the fresh perspective and energy they bring to their roles, and the positive impact they’ve already had on the business.