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Create Finance Wins Prestigious Industry Award

Specialist Derby-based mortgage broker Create Finance have been awarded the title of Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2023.

The company, which is based at Connect Derby’s Friar Gate Studios, scooped the coveted award at a ceremony which took place at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Create Finance beat off competition from fellow mortgage brokers Coreco, Connect Mortgages, Mortgage 1st, The Mortgage Mum and The Mortgage Store to win the award, which is widely acknowledged as the pinnacle of success in the UK mortgage industry.

The company was founded in 2015 by experienced mortgage broker Gindy Mathoon, who set up the business at Connect Derby’s Riverside Chambers.

In 2018, Create Finance relocated to the managed workspace’s Shot Tower building before relocating to Friar Gate Studios in 2022.

The move came as a result of the company’s significant growth, with a 23 strong team of brokerage moving into the headquarters of the Connect Derby scheme.

Create Finance are a specialist mortgage brokerage which works with a range of customers who are struggling to find a mortgage – from the self-employed, contractors and professionals to people with adverse credit ratings and are first time buyers. They are often able to help clients to obtain a mortgage where other banks and brokers have failed.

The company has the most 5-star Google reviews of any Derbyshire mortgage broker and has been awarded a Feefo platinum award for their outstanding customer care.

Commenting on the award, Gindy Mathoon, senior mortgage broker at Create Finance, said:


“This accolade is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. Create Finance will be celebrating its eighth birthday this year, so to be recognised as the best the industry has to offer is a real celebration of all we have worked for.

“The future looks very bright, and we look forward to expanding our already excellent staff and taking the whole team with us on this brilliant journey.’

Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:

“Massive congratulations to Gindy and his team for winning this fantastic national award.

“To be named Mortgage Broker of the Year is a tremendous accolade and is testament to all the company’s hard work over the past eight years as a Connect Derby tenant. We would like to wish them every success for the future.”

Judges at The Mortgage Strategy awards, added:

“Widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the mortgage industry, the accolades are not awarded lightly. Several rounds of shortlisting take place before a selection of expert judges’ comb through each entry to decide on a winner.

“A culmination of all the hard work and effort made by the industry over the past twelve months, the rigorous judging process associated with the Awards ensures that winning one of the 28 categories really is a mark of excellence.”

Connect Derby Launches New Pay as You Go Offices

Connect Derby has introduced a new flexible Pay As You Go office package for SMEs, sole traders and entrepreneurs who want a professional office space without committing to a full-time office rental.

The offices have been introduced in response to market demand post-Brexit and post-Covid and aim to support businesses who are facing increasing costs across their operation due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The flexible office day packages are ideal for businesses who may have downsized and want a professional office space for up to four people for one weekday from 9.00am – 5.00pm. The new day package will initially be introduced at our Friar Gate Studios headquarters and is set to be rolled out to other workspaces in the coming months. Offices will be fully furnished offices with desks and chairs and will also include complimentary coffee and tea.

Businesses who take a day package will receive the same benefits as a full-time Connect Derby tenant and will have access to a range of services and facilities, including complimentary wi-fi, on-site showers, bike storage, reception services, on-site café and the use of seminar and meeting rooms (charges apply). Business rates, maintenance and BID levy is also included in the price.

Connect Derby remains the city’s leading managed workspace provider and continues to innovate as it helps businesses face the new challenges presented by the evolving nature of the world of work.

As well as pay as you go offices, we also offer fully furnished offices at our six workspaces across the city, which are available to rent on a one or three year lease term. Hybrid offices were recently introduced and allow businesses to occupy a hybrid office for up to three days a week, with another business occupying the space on the remaining days.

Commenting on the launch of Pay As You Go offices, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said:

“We’re excited to be introducing Pay As You Go offices to our flagship Friar Gate Studios headquarters. Since the pandemic, we’ve introduced a number of new, flexible ways of working to support businesses who are adjusting to the new world of work.

“Businesses have shifted their ways of working, with many of them preferring to work from home or other remote locations. Our new Pay As You Go offices are ideal for businesses looking for an office base one day a week at an affordable price.”

Day package costs £50 + VAT. Anyone booking 10 days in a Pay As You Go office will receive an additional full day of office use free of charge.

For further information about Pay As You Go offices, visit www.connectderby.co.uk/ and complete the enquiry form, call Sonia Kang on 258300 or email lettings@connectderby.co.uk.