Startups and Side Hustlers

04/11/2026

Your Barber Isn’t a Mortgage Broker

It’s natural to ask friends and family for advice when you’re thinking about buying a home.

However, when it comes to mortgages, relying solely on informal advice can lead to costly mistakes.

Every application is different. Lenders assess income, credit history, deposit size, and employment in different ways. What worked for one person may not apply to another.

A qualified mortgage professional can assess your specific situation and guide you toward the most suitable options.

By all means, have conversations—but make sure your final decisions are based on informed, professional guidance.

⚠️ This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

04/08/2026

Don’t Wait: Your Fixed Rate Is Ending Soon

Many homeowners secured very low fixed-rate mortgages during the COVID period. As those deals come to an end, the reality is that current rates are significantly higher.

One of the most common—and costly—mistakes is waiting until the last minute to review your options.

In many cases, lenders allow you to secure a new rate up to 6 months before your current deal ends. Acting early can help you avoid reverting to a higher standard variable rate and gives you more choice.

If your fixed rate is due to end in the next 6 months, now is the time to start reviewing your options.

⚠️ This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

04/04/2026

Stop Renting: Buy on a Skilled Worker Visa

Many people on Skilled Worker Visas believe they cannot buy a home in the UK—and end up renting far longer than necessary.

In reality, there are lenders who will consider applications from visa holders, provided the criteria is met.

Typically, this includes:
• Stable and provable income
• A sufficient deposit
• Good credit history
• Time remaining on your visa

The challenge is not eligibility—it’s knowing which lenders to approach and how to structure the application correctly.

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth speaking to a qualified professional before making assumptions.

⚠️ This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

04/03/2026

With all the headlines about changing interest rates, it’s easy to feel like now isn’t the right time to buy.

But here’s the reality—trying to perfectly time the market rarely works.

What matters most is your personal position. If your income is stable, you’ve built your deposit, and the payments are affordable, there can still be great opportunities available.

In many cases, waiting can cost more in the long run—through rising prices or missed chances.

If you’re unsure, have a conversation with a qualified professional and get clarity before making any decisions.

⚠️ This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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02/22/2026

There’s an old stereotype that English people have bad teeth.
And English people often joke that Americans don’t understand geography.

Neither is completely true. But there’s usually a little truth hiding in the stereotype.

I see something similar when I arrange mortgages for “gurus,” “experts,” and “coaches.”

On social media they look like they’re making £10k per month.
But when I review their finances, I sometimes see poor structure or income that doesn’t match the image.

No judgement. Just irony.

You can be brilliant at marketing and still neglect the fundamentals.

If you’re an expert, here’s my advice:

Get your foundations right.
Organise your finances.
Understand your numbers.
Don’t be a one-trick pony.

Over 60% of small business owners struggle with cash flow and financial management. That’s not a branding problem. That’s a fundamentals problem.

On March 10th, the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Financial Literacy Course to help business owners organise their personal and business finances properly — and protect their families and businesses with the right insurances in place.

If you’re serious about building something that lasts, start with the basics.

02/19/2026

We’re Building the Largest Property Network in East London

Let’s be honest… property is a team sport.

The NEW Redbridge Chamber of Commerce exists to connect the 14,000+ businesses in the London Borough of Redbridge — and property is one of the biggest drivers of local growth.

Here’s a fact: over 65% of households in England are owner-occupied. Property isn’t a side conversation. It’s central to how families build wealth and communities grow.

That’s why our Property & Finance Group is bringing together:

✔ Brokers
✔ Estate agents
✔ Investors
✔ Buyers & sellers
✔ Developers
✔ Solicitors & finance professionals

This isn’t about swapping business cards. It’s about collaboration, referrals, and real opportunities.

If you’re in property and serious about growth, now’s the time to get connected.

Let’s make Redbridge an even better place to live, work, and invest.

02/15/2026

02/15/2026

At the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce, we’re here to support your business — not just in words, but in action.

Each month we host MEGA networking meetings where business owners come together to learn, connect, and grow. Our sessions cover practical topics including finance, AI, budgeting, and business basics — the things that actually move the needle.

We exist to support the 14,000 businesses across the London Borough of Redbridge, from startups and side hustles to established companies.

For a limited time, you can join today and get 50% off membership.

If you want support, knowledge, and real connections, this is your business community.

👉 Learn more at https://bit.ly/4touoWO

02/14/2026

Running a business isn’t just about working harder.

It’s about alignment. Balance. Clarity.

That’s why I’m pleased to highlight David Corbishley, an experienced business coach and sponsor of the upcoming East London Business Expo.

Let’s be real.
Most business owners are busy… but not always clear. You can hit revenue targets and still feel stretched. You can grow a team and still feel stuck.

David works with business owners, leaders, and teams to bring structure to the thinking. Clear strategy. Better decision-making. Stronger leadership.

Here’s a stat worth paying attention to:
According to the International Coaching Federation, over 70% of people who work with a coach report improved work performance and communication.

Why does that matter?

Because blind spots are expensive.

You can’t read the label from inside the bottle. An experienced coach helps you see what you’re missing before it costs you time, money, or momentum.

If you’re serious about growth this year, don’t guess your way forward.

Book a meeting with David and have a focused conversation about where you are and where you’re headed.

One good conversation can change your direction.

02/12/2026

Life is messy.
It’s rarely picture perfect (unless you’re using AI).

What a terrible, horrible no good very bad day I had.

One of the worst days of the year so far was followed by one of the best. It’s worth sharing both.

Just before lenders closed in December, I got three very important mortgage deals across the line.
(Woop! Woop!)

Then, on the second business day of 2026, four deals that I thought were in the bag completely fell apart.

Not exactly how you want to start a new year.

I was deflated. Defeated. And honestly, not too excited about what 2026 had in store.

Later in January, things shifted.

I met with Jemma Bicknell from Redbridge Giving and Franchesca (Akuawords) Pinamang to talk about helping people in the London Borough of Redbridge (and yes… some top-secret stuff 🥷).

We formulated a plan.
We talked about how each of us can genuinely make people’s lives better.

And we made a difference.

Here’s my point.

As business owners, we carry a lot. We have good days and bad days. Wins and gut punches. It’s worth sharing both, not just the highlight reel.

Fast forward to February:

Every one of those mortgage deals was saved for my clients

And we’ve launched the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce Charity Award

We’ll hit bumps. Things will get messy.

That’s life.

We’re not AI. We’re human. And not every snapshot will be perfectly composed.

So tell me —
What setbacks have you already faced in 2026? Are you on the mountaintop or in the valley?

02/12/2026

Thinking about joining the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce?
The best way to experience what we do is to come to one of our Monthly MEGA Meetings.

Each month we bring business owners together for high-energy networking and practical learning, covering topics like finance, AI, budgeting, and business fundamentals.

These meetings give you a real feel for the community, the quality of businesses in the room, and the value we provide to the 14,000 businesses across the London Borough of Redbridge.

Come along, meet the network, and see if the Chamber is right for your business.

Join today and get 50% off membership

02/11/2026

Each year we bring together hundreds of business owners at the East London Business Expo—and this year is no different.

Founders, business owners, startups, and side hustlers all in one place.
Real conversations. Real connections. Real opportunities.

This year you’ll meet David Corbishley from E3 Training, a business coach helping owners, leaders, and teams find alignment, balance, and clarity.

You’ll also meet Matthew Bell, Founder of Cyber Protection Group and an IT & Cyber Security leader who heads the Digital & Online Group for the Redbridge Chamber of Commerce.

They’ll be joined by other exclusive exhibitors across business, tech, and professional services.

✅ Registration is FREE.
Because access to opportunity matters.

The Redbridge Chamber of Commerce exists to connect the 14,000+ businesses across the London Borough of Redbridge—and this Expo is one of the ways we do exactly that.