The Specialist Team & Case Studies

Stephen Pendry

Associate Director and Senior Mortgage & Protection Specialist

Stephen Pendry is an Associate Director at Willow Private Finance and a highly experienced mortgage and protection specialist with over 15 years in the industry. He brings a depth of knowledge across residential, buy-to-let, and specialist lending, with a particular strength in structuring complex development finance transactions.

Stephen is known for his ability to navigate intricate deals, working closely with developers, investors, and high-value clients to secure funding across a wide range of scenario, from ground-up developments to multi-unit and mixed-use projects. His understanding of lender appetite, deal structuring, and risk positioning allows him to unlock solutions where traditional routes often fall short.

Alongside his development finance expertise, Stephen provides strategic advice across mortgage and protection planning, ensuring clients are not only funded effectively but also protected appropriately over the long term. His holistic approach is particularly valued by clients with growing portfolios or more sophisticated financial needs.

He has built a reputation for precision, consistency, and strong lender relationships, combined with a proactive approach to managing cases from initial enquiry through to completion. Stephen focuses on anticipating challenges early, structuring cases correctly, and maintaining momentum throughout the process.

Stephen’s case studies reflect a strong track record in delivering funding for complex transactions, supporting clients in executing development projects, and securing finance in scenarios that require both technical expertise and commercial insight.

Steve Verrell

Senior Mortgage & Protection Specialist

Steve Verrell is a seasoned mortgage and finance specialist at Willow Private Finance, bringing extensive experience across residential, buy-to-let, and specialist lending. He is known for his straightforward, results-driven approach and his ability to guide clients through complex financing scenarios with clarity and confidence.

Steve works with a broad range of clients, from individual borrowers to seasoned property investors, structuring finance solutions that are both practical and commercially effective. He has a strong track record in handling cases that require careful positioning, particularly where income structures, credit profiles, or property types fall outside standard lending criteria.

His strength lies in understanding both the client’s objectives and the lender’s requirements, allowing him to bridge the gap and present cases in a way that maximises the likelihood of approval. This is supported by well-established relationships across the lending market, enabling him to access solutions that are not always immediately visible.

Steve is highly regarded for his reliability, responsiveness, and attention to detail. He takes a proactive role in managing each case, ensuring that potential issues are identified early and transactions progress smoothly from application through to completion.

His case studies demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver funding in challenging circumstances, providing clients with confidence and certainty in what can often be a complex process

Elizabeth Powell

Mortgage & Protection Specialist

Elizabeth Powell is a highly capable mortgage and protection specialist at Willow Private Finance, with a particular strength in supporting UK expats and internationally based clients. She works across residential and buy-to-let lending, helping clients navigate the additional complexity that comes with cross-border income, currency considerations, and non-UK residency.

Elizabeth has developed a strong reputation for guiding expat clients through what can often be a more challenging lending landscape. She understands how different lenders assess overseas income, how to position applications effectively, and how to manage the nuances of international documentation and timelines.

Her approach is highly detail-oriented and structured, ensuring that cases are packaged correctly from the outset and progress smoothly through to completion. This is especially valuable in expat scenarios, where clarity, communication, and precision are critical to securing approval.

Alongside her mortgage expertise, Elizabeth provides considered protection advice, helping clients safeguard their financial position across jurisdictions and plan with confidence for the future.

She is known for her proactive case management, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex processes for clients who may be navigating the UK property market from abroad.

Elizabeth’s case studies reflect a strong track record in delivering successful outcomes for  clients, providing clarity and confidence in situations where many lenders and brokers struggle to find solutions.