https://dhuhaal-zaidi.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Dhuha Al-ZaidienTue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/112An exclusive roundtable interview with the senior leadership team at Masthaven Finance to discuss the launch of its development finance masterclass, what it entails and why broker education around development finance is crucial to breaking stigmas.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/112https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/90I spent a day with Project and Co's co-founder and team mates, a real estate valuation company, to get the real deal behind the firm's motto: Surveying with Personality. We delve into honest topics, including the need to be liked as a valuer, combating stereotypes and how social media personalities can have a whole new meaningTue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/90https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/82I interview the co-founders of SIP (Sisters in Property) about the rationale behind the group's launch, how they aim to elevate female networking in the property industry and advice to newcomers starting out.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/82https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/54I interview the CEO of Allica Bank, Richard Davies, and his most recent sponsor, aspiring female F1 star with a hidden disability, Daniella Sutton. We discuss the intent behind the sponsorship, supporting the UK's underdogs, and spotlighting underrepresented females in motorsports.Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_i/54https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_iAs we close out a landmark year in specialist finance, our final edition of 2025 celebrates the leaders shaping the industry’s future. Inside, our Exclusive, Market Financial Solutions explores how brokers must evolve in 2026 to meet increasingly complex investor demands and unlock fresh opportunities. We also revisit the iconic Power List Class of ’25, catching up with the standout figures who defined this year. In The Cut, heavyweight marketing teams from OSB, Somo, MT Finance and MS Lending...Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_inspirational_ihttps://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standardSix years ago, we asked if the specialist finance industry needed a bar. In The High Standards Issue, we return to that question—catching up with leaders from the likes of Octane Capital, Inspired Lending, BDLA, FIBA, and many more plus brokers to see what’s changed—and what more needs to be done. We explore the impact of the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) qualification, talk standards with industry figures including Tanya Elmaz at Together, Danny Waters and Duncan...Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standardhttps://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/84I interviewed the managing director of SME lending at Paragon Bank about the rationale behind the partnership with HDM Energies and how the companies aim to support SMEs through green finance initiativesTue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/84https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/74I spoke to the CEO and regional director at West One about entering a new commercial division and how the firm plans on differentiating from its competitorsTue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/74https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/66I interviewed the managing director of intermediary sales at Together about the lender's new broker education academy and the importance of such programs. Plus, we delved into her style of leadership and what to expect from the lender as ahead of its CEO's retirement in 2026.Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/66https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/49Six years ago, we asked if the specialist finance industry needed a bar. In The High Standards Issue, we return to that question—catching up with leaders from the likes of Octane Capital, Inspired Lending, BDLA, FIBA, and many more plus brokers to see what’s changed—and what more needs to be done. I spoke to several specialist finance experts to investigate the state of the UK's bridging market and whether competition has aided, or diluted professionalism.Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/49https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/41My interview with the CFO of Aspen Bridging to discuss the lender's journey to hitting £1bn in 2026 and his new role following a promotionTue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_high_standard/41https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_consAs the specialist finance industry embraces AI, the July/August issue of Bridging & Commercial Magazine takes a closer look at how this technology is reshaping lending. From leaders using platforms like ChatGPT to the costly risks you can’t ignore, this issue is your guide to AI in finance.Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_conshttps://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/80I rejoin Duncan Kreeger at TAB HQ to learn more about the lender's new product offerings and how he is learning to use AI to clone himselfMon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/80https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/70I interview Niv Subramanian, the deputy CEO at Allica Bank, about utilising AI while combining human touch to reach 10% of the UK's SME customersMon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/70https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/52This investigative cover story delves into the regulatory and ethical compliance risks of using/relying on Automated Valuation Models as a main form of property valuation. I spoke to several solicitors and a representative at a real estate software platform about why lenders must be aware of the risks now, before it's too late. This cover story earned me an internal Achievement of the Month recognitionMon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_pros_and_cons/52https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_plaThe May/June 2025 issue of Bridging & Commercial Magazine explores the mounting pressures—and emerging possibilities—shaping the UK specialist property finance sector. Our cover story, SME Builders at Breaking Point – What’s Next?, features exclusive insight from a roundtable hosted with Close Brothers Property Finance, highlighting the real-world impact of rising build costs, planning delays, and shifting regulation. This issue also looks at how Donald Trump’s new tariffs could affect UK planni...Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_plahttps://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/108I interview Louisa Sedgwick, managing director at Paragon Bank, following the bank's anniversary celebrating its third decade of lending, a bespoke tool on the way and why 30 years marks the beginning of innovationThu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/108https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/100I interview Jamie Pritchard, the sales director at MS Lending Group, about joining the lender with 25 years of experience, why learning never stops and his quirky side hustle as a DJThu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/50I joined Close Brothers Property Finance and several SME specialist finance experts, from lenders, to brokers, quantity surveyors and lawyers, about the struggles of breaking into development finance, the lack of support from the government and the need to end red tape planningThu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_all_about_pla/50https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/96I sit with three brokers who debate if small loans are worth the hassle, whether lenders should charge more fees, and why missing out on the small deals may be risky for brokersThu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/96https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/90I spent one day with United Trust Bank with their unregulated and regulated bridging leadership teams, who shared more about working with brokers closely, opening up a regional base in Manchester and why unregulated loans will be a big priority for the bank this yearThu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/90https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/70In this Experience piece, I report on my solo trip to MIPIM in Cannes, France, to attend the Ladies Who Cannes initiative.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/70https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_datBridging & Commercial Magazine has once again teamed up with EY to bring you exclusive UK Bridging Market insights. Packed with data-driven analysis, this issue is a must-read for anyone in the bridging finance industry. We cover everything from current loan books to the biggest challenges affecting the market this year, offering a comprehensive report that industry professionals can’t afford to miss. This Trends and Data Issue is designed to give you a competitive edge. We’ve secured exclusive...Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dathttps://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/41Bridging & Commercial Magazine has once again teamed up with EY to bring exclusive UK Bridging Market insights. Packed with data-driven analysis, this issue is a must-read for anyone in the bridging finance industry. We cover everything from current loan books to the biggest challenges affecting the market this year.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_trends_and_dat/41https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/110In conversation roundtable with the executive leaders at Offa, an Islamic fintech provider. We discussed the ethics of Islamic finance, the importance of streamlining manual processes with technology and why they're named after an Anglo-Saxon kingTue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/110https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/96I spent one day with the commercial and bridging division at StreamBank's HQ in Cardiff, to discuss the bank's first-year profit milestone, and strategies for the year aheadTue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/96https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/83I interviewed Anastasia Ttofis, the CEO and co-founder of iLA law firm, about being unconventional and care-free in a conservative industryTue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/83https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/31I interviewed Andrew Bloom, the CEO at Masthaven, about buying back his company for a fraction of what he sold it forTue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20/31https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20It's the issue you've been waiting for. Dive into the Power List 2025, celebrating the standout deals shaping specialist finance. Discover the exclusive story of a prominent lender who bought back his company for a fraction of the price he sold it for—a tale of strategy and resilience. Inside, Simon Juniper shares his journey back to the industry as sales director at Reim Capital, revealing plans to transform their sales approach. Meanwhile, join Offa, the Islamic finance provider, in a roundtab...Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridging_commercial_magazine_the_power_list_20https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridgingandcommercial_36_digital_2_/110I interviewed three female leaders in the specialist finance industry about their advice to the young generation of specialist finance entrantsTue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://issuu.com/bandcmagazine/docs/bridgingandcommercial_36_digital_2_/110