Growing a Business Through Change and Challenge

When Mark Crawford and I set out in 2017 to establish Crawford Mulholland Financial , we knew that?there would be challenges when it came to creating a business of such scale.

October 2024 marked our best month ever in terms of new business, a milestone that not only celebrated our achievements but also reminded us of the dedication, teamwork, and perhaps most importantly, our adaptability that got us here.

Since then, the team and I have navigated a massively changing environment. No two days are ever the same. From the uncertainties of Brexit to the challenges brought by Covid-19, and now operating in a post-pandemic economy with new governments shaping policy, the mortgage market here has been anything but predictable.

Despite these external pressures, we’ve always kept our eyes firmly on our mission: helping more people to get on to the property ladder. Whether it’s securing a first home, remortgaging to ease financial strain, or expanding into commercial property, our focus has been on providing clarity and confidence in an often complex market.

One of the core values Mark and I share is the belief that if you want something new, you have to do something new.

That mantra has driven every stage of our growth. Over the past year, we’ve welcomed several new team members, each bringing unique skills and perspectives. This investment in talent has allowed us to better serve our clients and keep pace with a growing demand for our services.

As the team and client base expanded, so did our need for space. Moving to a larger, more modern office was a tangible step forward, providing the environment we need to collaborate effectively and deliver top-tier service. And the new coffee machine didn't do any harm either.

Our new Financial Planning business, led by?Director Stephen McCallum , specialises in investments, pensions, and long-term financial strategies. Additionally, we've introduced a Commercial Finance arm that provides expert support with property development loans, bridging finance, asset finance, and more - helping businesses and investors navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

The Northern Ireland mortgage market has been particularly busy, with falling interest rates sparking a wave of activity among buyers and those looking to remortgage. Navigating this often hectic market has required us to stay agile, informed, and proactive in finding the best solutions for our clients. It goes without saying, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on long hours, tough decisions, and the willingness to take risks.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. The greatest marker of our success is the trust our clients place in us. But there's still a lot to look forward to. Continuing to expand our team with talented professionals, exploring new technologies to streamline processes and enhance the client experience, and strengthening our presence in the Northern Ireland market and beyond is all on the horizon for us.

Running a business isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, and every success has been a reminder of why we do what we do.?

We're at www.crawfordmulholland.com