James Rainbird CeMAP
James is Board Director with extensive professional experience and significant executive leadership accomplishments in the Financial Services sector.
James has been the Managing Director of Pink Pig Loans Limited (the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance) since 2006 and possesses strong analytical skills coupled with a natural affinity for creating long term mutually beneficial relationships, convening, and facilitating consensus amongst diverse individuals.
He is a hands-on problem solver and has a strong appetite for new internal challenges – especially those that make the most of his key skill areas: account management, communications, organisational strategy, monitoring and evaluation, process improvement and regulatory strategy.
Sarah Stroud CeMAP
Sarah’s first role in Financial Services was back in 1993 when she joined Woolwich Building Society. From there, she has progressed to cover almost all aspects of the mortgage market; first charge mortgage underwriter/mortgage broker/compliance manager, to name but a few.
In May 2013 Sarah joined Pink Pig Loans Limited, the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance, as a second charge underwriter and then progressed to the Sales Team end of 2014. Sarah went on to be appointed as a Director in July 2021.
During her down time Sarah enjoys a range of activities and in her own words is ‘addicted’ to spin classes, which she tries to attend three times a week. She has recently joined Penarth Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in a voluntary capacity.
In summary Sarah says: “2023 is a big year for me as it coincides with my 10-year anniversary working with James and 30 years in the industry!”.
Gavin Payne
Gavin is a qualified chartered accountant and has a Degree in Law and French from the University of Cardiff. Gavin has over 23 years’ experience in a variety of roles that include working in practice for a leading UK firm (audit and corporate finance) and over the past 16 years acting as Chief Executive, Finance Director and Non-Executive & Chairman roles across a range of industries. His particular expertise is working closely with owner managers, senior management teams and investors to ensure business growth and objectives are strategically managed whilst challenging Directors to help improve and achieve their overall business plans.
Nick Johns CeMAP
Nick has worked in the finance industry for the past 14 years, starting his career in intermediary mortgage support for Barclays before moving into the specialist mortgage market in 2012. He’s worked with Truffle Specialist Finance for the past 5 years becoming a director in 2021 and now head up the sales team.
Nick is very driven and focused with a real passion for finding the best resolutions to clients’ complex residential and BTL mortgage applications.
If you’ve dealt with Nick before you’ll know he is very knowledgeable about the specialist market and will always ensure your client is treated with the utmost professionalism.
Outside of work, Nick is a lover of good food and wine, renovating a new house purchase and walking the dog.
Calum Sayer CeMAP
In 2013, Calum graduated with a BSc in Sports Coaching Science from The University of Wales Institute Cardiff. This degree allowed him to combine his love of sports with his natural people skills and as a result, he loved his time at university. After graduating a few jobs followed but in 2015, a friend who was already working in the specialist finance industry invited Calum to an interview where he was offered a position as a trainee specialist mortgage broker.
Over the coming months and years Calum gained CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 and has been part of the specialist finance industry ever since, spending the majority of those years with Truffle Specialist Finance.
Calum has a deep understanding of the specialist mortgage market and prides himself on achieving the best results for his clients.
Calum spends most of his Sunday’s on his local golf course and is a lifelong Manchester United fan.
Karen Deguara CeMAP
Karen joined Pink Pig Loans Limited (the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance) in 2014. She is an experienced 2nd charge underwriter, responsible for processing and underwriting 2nd charge applications in accordance with the individual lender’s criteria, always ensuring she delivers a first-class service to valued clients and brokers. One aspect of her role that she particularly enjoys is that no two days are ever the same.
Karen spends her free time with her grandson Oscar and the family is looking forward to the arrival of another grandchild. Going to the gym and keeping fit are amongst Karen’s favourite pastimes and her cockerpoo puppy keeps her occupied with long walks. Karen also enjoys going on holidays and spending time with family and friends.
Ryan Thompson
After leaving university in 2016, Ryan made the decision to join the financial services industry with James and Pink Pig Loans Limited, the predecessor to Truffle Specialist Finance.
Ryan attended the University of Wales Trinity St David Swansea (UWTSD) from 2013-2016 where he studied Early Years Education. Even though his degree was in a completely unrelated field, studying taught him the discipline and focus required as his career developed.
Ryan initially joined as administrative support for the underwriting team and, after learning the process involved within the business, he soon progressed to become a full-time underwriter.
Ryan excels in paying attention to detail and he understands that it is of vital that an underwriter thoroughly reviews applications and ensure the accuracy of every detail. He also enjoys the customer service aspects of his role - interacting with clients, brokers, lenders, accountants and solicitors.
As an escape from work, Ryan enjoys playing rugby for his local team Penarth RFC, going to the gym and socialising with friends.
Emma Rainbird
Edward Smith CeMAP
Edward entered the specialist market 4 years ago, after previously working in telecommunications and the footballing/sporting industry. He started with very limited knowledge of the Specialist Finance industry but has over the years developed key relationships with a wide network of introducing brokers, helping arrange an extensive range of specialist finance options for their clients.
With a focus on excellent service remaining at the forefront, Edward now has a comprehensive understanding of the specialist market. He has a professional approach when dealing with introducers and always maintains the clients’ best interests.
Edward is an avid Liverpool fan but also follows his local side, Cardiff City, when they are winning! If it weren’t for a shoulder and knee operation, he would still play football!
Luke Egan CeMAP
Luke’s career in the world of finance began when he joined Woolwich/ Barclays in 2005 at the age of 19 as a customer service agent within a year became a mortgage specialist and gained CeMAP 1,2 and 3. After 9 years with Barclays, Luke left to work for Pure Commercial finance (now Pure Property Finance) in 2014.
Post-recession the specialist property finance sector was growing as people looked for alternatives and more options for their projects. This intrigued Luke and presented a new challenge, especially as a new broker looking to establish themselves. He quickly realised this was the sector for him and describes every day as “Being completely different with a weird and wonderful section of deals and securities that certainly kept you on your toes”. Pure quickly became established as one of the ‘go to’ brokers, under the stewardship of Luke as ‘head of specialist property finance’ and was recognised with a number of awards including at the prestigious and industry leading Bridging and Commercial Awards: ‘best bridging broker’, ‘best development broker’ and finally ‘best commercial broker’.
One of Luke’s core strengths is speed, which is a key requirement for bridging related deals. He quickly identifies the key points in a deal which allows him to package appropriately; he is also quick to highlight any issues up front and provide mitigants, to ensure everyone is comfortable with the deal. Being able to react quickly and communicate effectively to minimise any hold ups is essential as only a few hours are available in which to get everything in place for the next stage of the application in some cases. Another of Luke’s key strengths is attention to detail, which may seem at odds with working quickly but that is the real skill of specialist finance - combining the best of both worlds makes the best packaging broker.
When he isn’t working, Luke’s hobbies are most sport, he enjoys watching Welsh rugby and he also supports Manchester United.
Penny Rapley CeMAP
Sam Davies
Sarah Stroud CeMAP
Sarah’s first role in Financial Services was back in 1993 when she joined Woolwich Building Society. From there, she has progressed to cover almost all aspects of the mortgage market; first charge mortgage underwriter/mortgage broker/compliance manager, to name but a few.
In May 2013 Sarah joined Pink Pig Loans Limited, the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance, as a second charge underwriter and then progressed to the Sales Team end of 2014. Sarah went on to be appointed as a Director in July 2021.
During her down time Sarah enjoys a range of activities and in her own words is ‘addicted’ to spin classes, which she tries to attend three times a week. She has recently joined Penarth Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in a voluntary capacity.
In summary Sarah says: “2023 is a big year for me as it coincides with my 10-year anniversary working with James and 30 years in the industry!”.
Nick Johns CeMAP
Nick has worked in the finance industry for the past 14 years, starting his career in intermediary mortgage support for Barclays before moving into the specialist mortgage market in 2012. He’s worked with Truffle Specialist Finance for the past 5 years becoming a director in 2021 and now head up the sales team.
Nick is very driven and focused with a real passion for finding the best resolutions to clients’ complex residential and BTL mortgage applications.
If you’ve dealt with Nick before you’ll know he is very knowledgeable about the specialist market and will always ensure your client is treated with the utmost professionalism.
Outside of work, Nick is a lover of good food and wine, renovating a new house purchase and walking the dog.
Sarah Stroud CeMAP
Sarah’s first role in Financial Services was back in 1993 when she joined Woolwich Building Society. From there, she has progressed to cover almost all aspects of the mortgage market; first charge mortgage underwriter/mortgage broker/compliance manager, to name but a few.
In May 2013 Sarah joined Pink Pig Loans Limited, the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance, as a second charge underwriter and then progressed to the Sales Team end of 2014. Sarah went on to be appointed as a Director in July 2021.
During her down time Sarah enjoys a range of activities and in her own words is ‘addicted’ to spin classes, which she tries to attend three times a week. She has recently joined Penarth Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in a voluntary capacity.
In summary Sarah says: “2023 is a big year for me as it coincides with my 10-year anniversary working with James and 30 years in the industry!”.
Nick Johns CeMAP
Nick has worked in the finance industry for the past 14 years, starting his career in intermediary mortgage support for Barclays before moving into the specialist mortgage market in 2012. He’s worked with Truffle Specialist Finance for the past 5 years becoming a director in 2021 and now head up the sales team.
Nick is very driven and focused with a real passion for finding the best resolutions to clients’ complex residential and BTL mortgage applications.
If you’ve dealt with Nick before you’ll know he is very knowledgeable about the specialist market and will always ensure your client is treated with the utmost professionalism.
Outside of work, Nick is a lover of good food and wine, renovating a new house purchase and walking the dog.
Calum Sayer CeMAP
In 2013, Calum graduated with a BSc in Sports Coaching Science from The University of Wales Institute Cardiff. This degree allowed him to combine his love of sports with his natural people skills and as a result, he loved his time at university. After graduating a few jobs followed but in 2015, a friend who was already working in the specialist finance industry invited Calum to an interview where he was offered a position as a trainee specialist mortgage broker.
Over the coming months and years Calum gained CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 and has been part of the specialist finance industry ever since, spending the majority of those years with Truffle Specialist Finance.
Calum has a deep understanding of the specialist mortgage market and prides himself on achieving the best results for his clients.
Calum spends most of his Sunday’s on his local golf course and is a lifelong Manchester United fan.
Edward Smith CeMAP
Edward entered the specialist market 4 years ago, after previously working in telecommunications and the footballing/sporting industry. He started with very limited knowledge of the Specialist Finance industry but has over the years developed key relationships with a wide network of introducing brokers, helping arrange an extensive range of specialist finance options for their clients.
With a focus on excellent service remaining at the forefront, Edward now has a comprehensive understanding of the specialist market. He has a professional approach when dealing with introducers and always maintains the clients’ best interests.
Edward is an avid Liverpool fan but also follows his local side, Cardiff City, when they are winning! If it weren’t for a shoulder and knee operation, he would still play football!
Sarah Stroud CeMAP
Sarah’s first role in Financial Services was back in 1993 when she joined Woolwich Building Society. From there, she has progressed to cover almost all aspects of the mortgage market; first charge mortgage underwriter/mortgage broker/compliance manager, to name but a few.
In May 2013 Sarah joined Pink Pig Loans Limited, the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance, as a second charge underwriter and then progressed to the Sales Team end of 2014. Sarah went on to be appointed as a Director in July 2021.
During her down time Sarah enjoys a range of activities and in her own words is ‘addicted’ to spin classes, which she tries to attend three times a week. She has recently joined Penarth Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in a voluntary capacity.
In summary Sarah says: “2023 is a big year for me as it coincides with my 10-year anniversary working with James and 30 years in the industry!”.
Nick Johns CeMAP
Nick has worked in the finance industry for the past 14 years, starting his career in intermediary mortgage support for Barclays before moving into the specialist mortgage market in 2012. He’s worked with Truffle Specialist Finance for the past 5 years becoming a director in 2021 and now head up the sales team.
Nick is very driven and focused with a real passion for finding the best resolutions to clients’ complex residential and BTL mortgage applications.
If you’ve dealt with Nick before you’ll know he is very knowledgeable about the specialist market and will always ensure your client is treated with the utmost professionalism.
Outside of work, Nick is a lover of good food and wine, renovating a new house purchase and walking the dog.
Calum Sayer CeMAP
In 2013, Calum graduated with a BSc in Sports Coaching Science from The University of Wales Institute Cardiff. This degree allowed him to combine his love of sports with his natural people skills and as a result, he loved his time at university. After graduating a few jobs followed but in 2015, a friend who was already working in the specialist finance industry invited Calum to an interview where he was offered a position as a trainee specialist mortgage broker.
Over the coming months and years Calum gained CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 and has been part of the specialist finance industry ever since, spending the majority of those years with Truffle Specialist Finance.
Calum has a deep understanding of the specialist mortgage market and prides himself on achieving the best results for his clients.
Calum spends most of his Sunday’s on his local golf course and is a lifelong Manchester United fan.
Edward Smith CeMAP
Edward entered the specialist market 4 years ago, after previously working in telecommunications and the footballing/sporting industry. He started with very limited knowledge of the Specialist Finance industry but has over the years developed key relationships with a wide network of introducing brokers, helping arrange an extensive range of specialist finance options for their clients.
With a focus on excellent service remaining at the forefront, Edward now has a comprehensive understanding of the specialist market. He has a professional approach when dealing with introducers and always maintains the clients’ best interests.
Edward is an avid Liverpool fan but also follows his local side, Cardiff City, when they are winning! If it weren’t for a shoulder and knee operation, he would still play football!
Sarah Stroud CeMAP
Sarah’s first role in Financial Services was back in 1993 when she joined Woolwich Building Society. From there, she has progressed to cover almost all aspects of the mortgage market; first charge mortgage underwriter/mortgage broker/compliance manager, to name but a few.
In May 2013 Sarah joined Pink Pig Loans Limited, the forerunner to Truffle Specialist Finance, as a second charge underwriter and then progressed to the Sales Team end of 2014. Sarah went on to be appointed as a Director in July 2021.
During her down time Sarah enjoys a range of activities and in her own words is ‘addicted’ to spin classes, which she tries to attend three times a week. She has recently joined Penarth Coastguard as a Coastguard Rescue Officer in a voluntary capacity.
In summary Sarah says: “2023 is a big year for me as it coincides with my 10-year anniversary working with James and 30 years in the industry!”.
Nick Johns CeMAP
Nick has worked in the finance industry for the past 14 years, starting his career in intermediary mortgage support for Barclays before moving into the specialist mortgage market in 2012. He’s worked with Truffle Specialist Finance for the past 5 years becoming a director in 2021 and now head up the sales team.
Nick is very driven and focused with a real passion for finding the best resolutions to clients’ complex residential and BTL mortgage applications.
If you’ve dealt with Nick before you’ll know he is very knowledgeable about the specialist market and will always ensure your client is treated with the utmost professionalism.
Outside of work, Nick is a lover of good food and wine, renovating a new house purchase and walking the dog.
Calum Sayer CeMAP
In 2013, Calum graduated with a BSc in Sports Coaching Science from The University of Wales Institute Cardiff. This degree allowed him to combine his love of sports with his natural people skills and as a result, he loved his time at university. After graduating a few jobs followed but in 2015, a friend who was already working in the specialist finance industry invited Calum to an interview where he was offered a position as a trainee specialist mortgage broker.
Over the coming months and years Calum gained CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 and has been part of the specialist finance industry ever since, spending the majority of those years with Truffle Specialist Finance.
Calum has a deep understanding of the specialist mortgage market and prides himself on achieving the best results for his clients.
Calum spends most of his Sunday’s on his local golf course and is a lifelong Manchester United fan.
Edward Smith CeMAP
Edward entered the specialist market 4 years ago, after previously working in telecommunications and the footballing/sporting industry. He started with very limited knowledge of the Specialist Finance industry but has over the years developed key relationships with a wide network of introducing brokers, helping arrange an extensive range of specialist finance options for their clients.
With a focus on excellent service remaining at the forefront, Edward now has a comprehensive understanding of the specialist market. He has a professional approach when dealing with introducers and always maintains the clients’ best interests.
Edward is an avid Liverpool fan but also follows his local side, Cardiff City, when they are winning! If it weren’t for a shoulder and knee operation, he would still play football!
Luke Egan CeMAP
Luke’s career in the world of finance began when he joined Woolwich/ Barclays in 2005 at the age of 19 as a customer service agent within a year became a mortgage specialist and gained CeMAP 1,2 and 3. After 9 years with Barclays, Luke left to work for Pure Commercial finance (now Pure Property Finance) in 2014.
Post-recession the specialist property finance sector was growing as people looked for alternatives and more options for their projects. This intrigued Luke and presented a new challenge, especially as a new broker looking to establish themselves. He quickly realised this was the sector for him and describes every day as “Being completely different with a weird and wonderful section of deals and securities that certainly kept you on your toes”. Pure quickly became established as one of the ‘go to’ brokers, under the stewardship of Luke as ‘head of specialist property finance’ and was recognised with a number of awards including at the prestigious and industry leading Bridging and Commercial Awards: ‘best bridging broker’, ‘best development broker’ and finally ‘best commercial broker’.
One of Luke’s core strengths is speed, which is a key requirement for bridging related deals. He quickly identifies the key points in a deal which allows him to package appropriately; he is also quick to highlight any issues up front and provide mitigants, to ensure everyone is comfortable with the deal. Being able to react quickly and communicate effectively to minimise any hold ups is essential as only a few hours are available in which to get everything in place for the next stage of the application in some cases. Another of Luke’s key strengths is attention to detail, which may seem at odds with working quickly but that is the real skill of specialist finance - combining the best of both worlds makes the best packaging broker.
When he isn’t working, Luke’s hobbies are most sport, he enjoys watching Welsh rugby and he also supports Manchester United.
Luke Egan CeMAP
Luke’s career in the world of finance began when he joined Woolwich/ Barclays in 2005 at the age of 19 as a customer service agent within a year became a mortgage specialist and gained CeMAP 1,2 and 3. After 9 years with Barclays, Luke left to work for Pure Commercial finance (now Pure Property Finance) in 2014.
Post-recession the specialist property finance sector was growing as people looked for alternatives and more options for their projects. This intrigued Luke and presented a new challenge, especially as a new broker looking to establish themselves. He quickly realised this was the sector for him and describes every day as “Being completely different with a weird and wonderful section of deals and securities that certainly kept you on your toes”. Pure quickly became established as one of the ‘go to’ brokers, under the stewardship of Luke as ‘head of specialist property finance’ and was recognised with a number of awards including at the prestigious and industry leading Bridging and Commercial Awards: ‘best bridging broker’, ‘best development broker’ and finally ‘best commercial broker’.
One of Luke’s core strengths is speed, which is a key requirement for bridging related deals. He quickly identifies the key points in a deal which allows him to package appropriately; he is also quick to highlight any issues up front and provide mitigants, to ensure everyone is comfortable with the deal. Being able to react quickly and communicate effectively to minimise any hold ups is essential as only a few hours are available in which to get everything in place for the next stage of the application in some cases. Another of Luke’s key strengths is attention to detail, which may seem at odds with working quickly but that is the real skill of specialist finance - combining the best of both worlds makes the best packaging broker.
When he isn’t working, Luke’s hobbies are most sport, he enjoys watching Welsh rugby and he also supports Manchester United.
Luke Egan CeMAP
Luke’s career in the world of finance began when he joined Woolwich/ Barclays in 2005 at the age of 19 as a customer service agent within a year became a mortgage specialist and gained CeMAP 1,2 and 3. After 9 years with Barclays, Luke left to work for Pure Commercial finance (now Pure Property Finance) in 2014.
Post-recession the specialist property finance sector was growing as people looked for alternatives and more options for their projects. This intrigued Luke and presented a new challenge, especially as a new broker looking to establish themselves. He quickly realised this was the sector for him and describes every day as “Being completely different with a weird and wonderful section of deals and securities that certainly kept you on your toes”. Pure quickly became established as one of the ‘go to’ brokers, under the stewardship of Luke as ‘head of specialist property finance’ and was recognised with a number of awards including at the prestigious and industry leading Bridging and Commercial Awards: ‘best bridging broker’, ‘best development broker’ and finally ‘best commercial broker’.
One of Luke’s core strengths is speed, which is a key requirement for bridging related deals. He quickly identifies the key points in a deal which allows him to package appropriately; he is also quick to highlight any issues up front and provide mitigants, to ensure everyone is comfortable with the deal. Being able to react quickly and communicate effectively to minimise any hold ups is essential as only a few hours are available in which to get everything in place for the next stage of the application in some cases. Another of Luke’s key strengths is attention to detail, which may seem at odds with working quickly but that is the real skill of specialist finance - combining the best of both worlds makes the best packaging broker.
When he isn’t working, Luke’s hobbies are most sport, he enjoys watching Welsh rugby and he also supports Manchester United.