My journey in the mortgage industry began at Halifax, where I worked on the mortgage desk as an underwriter. This role gave me valuable insight into the mortgage intermediary sector, and it quickly became clear that this was the industry I wanted to build my career in.
Determined to take the next step, I studied for my financial planning certificates in the evenings—a tough but rewarding experience that marked the beginning of a lifetime of learning.
My first role as a mortgage advisor was with Legal & General, working in an estate agency in North Wales. Back then, everything was done on paper—quite different from today! After a couple of years, I was recruited to help grow a practice in Merseyside, working alongside Zurich. The training was intense, but it provided me with a solid foundation and set the course for my career.
At the age of 26, I took the leap and set up my own business, First Rate Mortgage Solutions. While I liked the name—thinking it was a clever play on words—I soon realised that many other companies had the same idea. I wanted a name that was more personal, something that reflected my values and principles.
That’s how Chetwood Lloyd Mortgages was born. The name is a tribute to my grandmother and mother—two strong, independent women who have had a profound influence on me. The ethos behind Chetwood Lloyd is built on family values, loyalty, honesty, and transparency. For me, it’s essential to always do the right thing, to give clients reliable advice, and to be able to sleep at night knowing we’ve acted in their best interests.
For most of its existence, Chetwood Lloyd operated as part of a mortgage network. However, when COVID hit in 2020, we used the time to push forward with something we had always wanted—full independence. Becoming directly authorised was a significant step, especially for a small firm. Maintaining the compliance commitments that come with direct authorisation is no small feat, and I’d hazard a guess that we are one of the smallest directly authorised firms in the UK.
But for me, independence is non-negotiable. It ensures that no external party influences our advice, allowing us to provide truly independent mortgage solutions that always put our clients first.
I run the business with my wife, Gurpreet, and together we share a love for nature and wildlife. Living in North Wales, we’re lucky to be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and we make the most of it—whether it’s hiking through forests, walking along the beaches, or climbing mountains. Her family jokingly calls me the North Wales Tourist Guide because I’m always raving about the best spots to explore!
I’m a keen mountain biker, swimmer and I also love hiking whenever I get the chance. We’re both avid bookworms, and reading is a big part of our lives.
For me, it’s all about balance—helping people make the right financial decisions while enjoying life to the fullest in the great outdoors.