Whitmore Financial

03/09/2026

Hi, I’m Andrew - this is me in Cornwall last week enjoying a fantastic full English on a shovel, an award winning speciality from Cornwall Gold (well worth a drop in if you’re down that way).

You’ll probably realise this business page hasn’t been getting much in the way of content put up and the reason for that is … well … me!

This is my story.

I started Whitmore Financial over a decade ago. Unlike the majority of business owners, I didn’t start it with a clear plan. No mortgage world domination, no specific market I wanted to embed myself in. I just liked talking with and helping people and really disliked the way larger firms were doing things, driving processes and profits before customer needs.

I remember my first business card said something along the lines of “Offering clear advice in confusing times” and my business plan was that if I was going to set up on my own, there should be not barrier to good advice. No fees, no cherry picking the easiest or most profitable cases. Everyone had the same opportunity. If I couldn’t offer that, it would be time to close the doors. The crazy thing is that this simple approach went from strength to strength and within a few years we had an office of 5 full time staff members. I was constantly busy and stressed and the business was running me and I had to admit to myself that I didn’t want the big business and the profits that came with it; I liked a smaller, simple model where people were recommended my services and spoke with me for advice, not passed to another member of staff. This of course created a limit on how much new work we could take on, but things felt more in line with the vision I had for how things would operate as my understanding of what was important became more clear.

By Covid we were back down to 3 members of staff and things were running smoothly. And then the world fell apart for a while and the mortgage market went crazy and the biggest business shift happened; a business I founded on offering face to face advice was no longer that business. Everything was done over the phone. I started to fall out of love with my career choice as it felt like people no longer wanted that personal touch that I felt separated my service from others. But it came at the right time as we welcomed our son, Arthur, into our lives in August 2021 and the opportunity to spend more time with him as he grew became an easy opportunity as I wasn’t bouncing around between face to face meetings day and night. Instead I pulled in to supporting my existing client bank and personal referrals rather than looking at increasing my workload.

All was working as one would hope until September 2024; a simple mistake when having a blood test at the GP meant I wasn’t tested for one thing but was tested for something else most GPs wouldn’t have tested for. That simple decision both led to 18 months of frustration and ironically more than likely saved my life after that extra test referred me to the local hospital for further exams. During all of this I was feeling very much under the weather, foggy, and lethargic. I felt like I wasn’t getting a good night sleep and things just weren’t improving. In 18 months, after multiple MRIs, a CT scan and a biopsy they were still unsure of why the bloodwork presented as it did. Then, in late Jan 2026, it came to light that one of the tests was missed. HBA1C (diabetes test). I was slightly overweight, diet could have been more structured, but nothing out of the ordinary. But it turned out that I had a result that was twice the diabetic threshold and the likely reason for my symptoms. Celebrations all round as finally I could get back to life as I knew it … or so I thought. I had another biopsy booked for 2 weeks later and the blood results had no connection the the diabetic results … so we went ahead.

It turned out this time there was a result. Cancer.

It was an aggressive grade 4 prostate cancer with cribiform change that had spread across both sides of my prostate and had a high likelihood of having spread outside of my prostate, meaning it might be treatable, but not curable. Roll on 6 weeks, a lot of tests and an emotionally traumatic rollercoaster journey later and I was lying in a hospital bed without a prostate and a lot of questions about my future. It was a lot.

But during all of this, I remember submitting cases the night before the prostatectomy and I was submitting another case within a few days of getting out of the hospital, as soon as I had my faculties about me. I look back and recognise I wasn’t looking after myself and my mental health, focusing on that motto; “everyone deserves no barrier to good advice” and I wasn’t processing what I was going through, possibly damaging myself more emotionally in the process.

May 2026, I had my first blood results and the comment was essentially, “You blood looks good - we may have got it all!”. Then, when being asked by a friend, “You must feel so relieved?!”, I realised I felt numb and broken and didn’t really feel relieved at all … it obviously wasn’t how I was meant to feel and I realised that I needed to make some time for myself.

So this is me. 3 months later.

August 2026. I’ve lost 2 stone (14kg to those who use the more logical weight measurement!), I’ve got well controlled blood sugar (now pre-diabetic) and, whilst I’ve got a pill cabinet that would have made Ozzy Osborne blush, I am able to enjoy the occasional full English breakfast with the works and know as I’ve put in the effort to give me days where I can treat myself. I’m feeling fitter, stronger and healthier. And best of all, my latest blood test in August confirmed I’m still cancer free. And it made me feel good. The future, as they say, is bright. I’m incredibly lucky that my proactive GP ran a PSA test when I noted I had lower back pain amongst other symptoms and having not had the diabetes test, I was likely more invested in staying the course at the hospital with the urology department.

So I’m writing this to update clients and prospective clients, agents, solicitors and anyone else that has followed my business over the years and remember me, my wife and other members of incredible staff over the years. After making time for myself and really taking some, I believe, well earned time off this year (or as best as you can when you have an existing client bank to support and advise!), to give myself time to understand my needs better moving forward, I have had the time to remind myself why I love what I do and why I do it.

And also to say thank you to the great people (including customers) I’ve met along the way. I’m proud of the little firm that we have all built together and I feel ready to step back up to the plate for another decade of hard work and dedication. I will be making a few changes to how I do things, essentially less weekends and evenings and less early morning networking. Making more time for family and more time for me.

Thank you all for bearing with me this year and to those who didn’t know, as Rafiki says, “It doesn’t matter! It’s in the past!” Hakuna matata!

17/07/2025

Incase you haven’t watched the Panorama that was recently aired, here’s a quick read that you may find quite illuminating.

This has been an issue for years, but it’s important to note that the Panorama is highlighting cross selling in large corporate estate agents that offer multiple services. A lot of this revolves around staff feeling pressured to perform a task that is pushed down from the top of the corporate structure as each level is results driven, but there is a clear disconnect from the accountability at the top, so they can just say, “we weren’t aware and have made changes”, which slows the practice for a time and then it’s slowly re-introduced with aggressive targets that are unachievable.

The fact is that if we support the businesses that support this practice, we keep them in business. I hope that people sit up and take note and that as a result, there is a push towards the smaller, local estate agents in the area. The reason why these agencies are so much better for clients is that:

1 - there is direct accountability. A manager is often an owner or part owner and the reputation of that branch means the world to them.

2 - continuity of staff - whilst I accept this is antidotal, in my 15 plus years of brokering, both within corporate environments in my early days and building a business that works around the consumer, not the corporate, I have noted a huge difference between staff retention of small independent agencies in comparison to larger corporate agencies. This is partly because the head of the agency is often present and an owner, but that seems to create a happier workforce, likely due to that accountability element stated above.

3 - You engaged an estate agency for a service; to sell your home. That is what they do best and why you have entered a contact with them. Smaller agencies don’t often have a range of services and may recommend local businesses they trust, but they stick to what you instructed them for - selling your property. The focus on that element is hugely important as highlighted in the Panorama as it ensures the right person buys a property.

The caveat to this is that just because an estate agency is smaller and independent of the chains of a corporate structure, that does not qualify it as being “better” on that premise alone. Always do your due diligence, look for professionalism, enthusiasm and knowledge. That may mean getting a few opinions before instructing, but it’s important not only to hold an estate agent accountable for their effort, but also hold yourself accountable for yours.

And of course, whilst we cannot give you advice on what estate agency is best, should you ever need mortgage advice, you can always contact us on 01225 436400 and we will do our best to support your needs.

Signed

Andrew Whitmore

"How dare Connells do that? Just appalling."

The dubious sales tactics at two leading estate agencies uncovered by BBC Panorama.

Tap the link to read more ⤵️
https://bbc.in/451zTAn

25/07/2024

It’s with a heavy heart that today we had to bury our Chief of Security. He’s been put to rest here in the grounds of Black Dog Farm and now it’s our turn to watch over him.

Thank you for sharing your last years with us, Oscar. RIP little guy, the world will be a little quieter without you in it.

Say hello to the new Chief of Security here at Whitmore Financial! Oscar the Jack Russell is settling in well in his first week with us. He comes to us with a wealth of experience in the security sector, with over 10 years of keeping a farmstead safe from rodents and thieves alike. Being a terrier, he has had a tendency to bark when he meets a new client, so we apologise for any inconvenience this causes whilst he gets used to his new life here in the office. He’s an adorable little guy, so hopefully he’ll be forgiven for his terrier ways!

When you’re passing, feel free to come give Oscar some love!

24/07/2024

One of the most common clients we deal with are families who struggle to get time to discuss the important things like their mortgage. As a result, we have always done our best to work around a busy family household, often booking evening meetings to be able to give our clients the time they need to focus on the important financial decisions in their lives without distractions.

Not only does that help offer clarity in the conversation, but it also offers the opportunity to spend those other blocks of free time when their children are awake focusing on just being a family and making memories for years to come.

And with the school holidays coming up, National Trust are giving away 50,000 free family day passes to families around the UK, so if you’re stuck for something to do, we’d highly recommend stepping back in time with a visit to one of the many National Trust properties available, like this beautiful Lake District gem. Follow the link to register before the passes run out!

*EDIT - all 50,000 passes have been used.

(We are not affiliated with National Trust in any way)

24/11/2023

Happy Friday! Don’t you just love this photo?! What’s your favourite landmark in the South West?

07/11/2023

As people come to the end of their fixed rate period, there is often a fear that payments may double or even triple as a result of the increased rates in the marketplace at present. This has often been driven by a wealth of information, but a lack of context of the individual’s circumstances.

For example, if you borrow £100,000 on a repayment basis over a 25 year term with various interest rates, the payments would roughly look as follows:

2.0% = £424 per month
2.5% = £449 per month
4.2% = £539 per month
5.6% = £620 per month
6.5% = £675 per month

In this example, even when rates more than triple from the cheapest to the most expensive, the increase in monthly payment is approx 60% (£251) higher payments. If you borrowed over a 35 year term, you’d see payments increase by over 80% in the same calculation but with only 10 years left on your mortgage term, the impact is lessened to an increase of just over 20% to your payment schedule.

Whilst this is still a significant change to many borrowers, the important information to note is that interest rates will affect everyone’s payments differently and rather than fear the greater picture with no context to how it affects the individual, it’s often a good idea to ask the next question;

“How do the market changes affect me?”

We are always happy to help and welcome you giving us a call or message if you’d like to get some context of how the marketplace affects you personally.

14/08/2023

We saw this great infographic this month showing the property market pricing across England and Wales over the last 12 months, which would have taken into account the peak last year, the Truss budget, the 180° shortly after, the inflation increase and mortgage rates becoming so unpredictable.

We often get enquiries for purchases in the South West down to Devon and Cornwall, often for clients looking for holiday homes. Our primary face to face market is within the BA, BS, SN and GL postcodes, so it’s easy to keep track of the more local market conditions, but when you see how the wider market has been moving and shaking, the one that I found most interesting is the significant price drops being experienced in Cornwall and Devon, counties well known for people wanting to escape to for their holidays … could this be the result of hiked prices during covid now resettling after people have moved away from the big cities and are working from home?

What do you think?

Thanks to Jaine Whitfield Estate Agent, covering Corsham and Melksham areas for highlighting the infographic! Jaine’s very active on social media (in contrast to ourselves!) and offers some very valuable advice for homeowners and buyers alike!

19/10/2022

There has been turmoil in the marketplace over the last few months, but the last few weeks have been by far the largest reaction from the banking institution in regards to rates.

This has led to an increased number of applications over the last few weeks and some lenders have increased rates by upwards of 2% within the course of a week, leaving many potential buyers frightened of their options moving forward.

This week, since the mini-budget has been almost entirely dismantled, the financial markets appear to be stabilising and lenders are re-introducing increased product ranges, giving buyers and remortgaging clients more options and opportunity to obtain a better product for their needs.

There has also been a significant reduction in rates for the first time, with Principality Building Society reducing selected fixed rate products by up to 0.45%

Whilst we will have to see what the future holds with the ever constant change we’re seeing, this appears to be the first positive reactions we are seeing regarding a market that has been, at least most recently, creating significant concern and fear for many families who have alright tight budgets to work within.

If you’d like any advice regarding your mortgage, you’re welcome to contact us via the “Message” button and we’ll come back as soon as we can. Alternatively, we’re available on 01225 436400

The new chancellor has outlined a host of policy changes. This is how is affects your finances.

03/10/2022

If you’ve been worried over the last week with the media frenzy surrounding the economy and mortgage rates, the update today may have a positive impact on the current economic viewpoint and stability may be seen soon afterwards.

Yes, there may be some damage that is already done and cannot be “undone” as such, but we will have to see how the next few days plays out in the hope that this will stabilise the mortgage market moving forward.

Kwasi Kwarteng says the proposals, announced just 10 days ago, had become "a distraction".