Finance Forward with Stuart Johnston
Strategic finance for self-employed professionals, directors, and growing businesses.
Why I Do What I Do
I believe finance should feel personal not painful.
Too many self-employed professionals, business owners, and directors are let down by a system that treats them like numbers, not people. I’ve seen clients who work hard, take risks, and build amazing lives, only to be turned away because they don’t fit a standard tick-box.
That never sat right with me.
I believe that no matter your circumstances, you deserve clarity, confidence, and control when making big financial decisions whether that’s buying your dream home, growing your business, or protecting your future.
That’s why I created a more human, more strategic approach one built on listening first, advising with honesty, and guiding you all the way through.
Because to me, finance isn’t just about the deal.
It’s about understanding your goals, your challenges, and what success really looks like for you.
That’s why I do this to help real people move forward with confidence.
Stuart Johnston
About Stuart
From teacher to landlord to finance broker helping real people make confident financial decisions.
I started my professional life as a teacher. Working in education taught me the value of patience, clear communication, and listening qualities that still guide how I work with clients today.
After going through a divorce, I needed a fresh start not just financially, but personally too. That’s when I created Shrewd Education Ltd, a company that delivered financial education workshops in schools and sixth forms. It helped young people better understand money, but it also helped me rebuild with purpose and independence.
During that time, I also began investing in property gaining hands-on experience as a buy-to-let landlord. I dealt with lenders, legal challenges, tenants, and risk all of which deepened my understanding of how complex financial decisions really are when it’s your own money on the line.
That journey brought me into finance professionally. Today, I help self-employed professionals, company directors, and business owners access the residential and commercial finance they need — while protecting what matters most.
I developed the Finance Forward System™ to provide structure, support, and strategy not sales. You won’t deal with a call centre. You’ll work with me, directly.
Whether you’re buying a home, acquiring a business, or simply need someone to guide you through a big financial moment, I’m here to make it clearer, calmer, and more human.
Why work with Stuart?
Because finance isn’t just about products — it’s about people.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. I work with individuals and business owners who want a smarter, more personalised approach to mortgages, commercial finance, and financial protection.
When you work with me, you get:
Real Expertise — Not a Call Centre
You’ll deal directly with me not a switchboard, a chatbot, or a junior assistant. I bring experience, lender insight, and strategic thinking to every case, no matter how complex.
Tailored, Strategic Advice
Whether you’re self-employed, a director, or growing a business, I take the time to understand your goals then build a plan that fits. No guesswork. No shortcuts. Just clear, honest advice.
Access to the Finance Forward System™
This 5-step advisory process guides you from start to finish with structure, clarity, and care so you always know where you stand, and what’s coming next.
Support Beyond the Deal
My service doesn’t stop at approval. I help protect what you’ve built and check in after completion to ensure you’re still on track.
A Reputation Built on Trust
Clients come to me when other brokers say no and stay with me because they know I put their interests first. Just check the testimonials.
Download Free Guides Designed to Move You Forward
Expert insight, practical tools all tailored for people who want more than just a mortgage.
These free resources are created to support your financial journey, whether you’re buying your first home, investing, growing a business, or protecting what matters most. No fluff — just practical, personalised guidance you can actually use.
Available to Download:
The Finance Forward System™ Guide
Discover the 5-step process I use to help clients move from confusion to clarity and secure smarter, tailored finance.
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Understand how I work
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Know what to expect at every stage
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Take control of your financial strategy
DealSense™ Pre-Offer Report
Thinking about putting in an offer? This guide helps you assess the numbers, identify risks, and prepare with confidence.
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Know your borrowing potential
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Spot red flags before committing
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Be better prepared than other buyers
Home Buyers Guide 2025
The definitive guide to getting a mortgage in London & the South East as a self-employed or company director.
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Understand 2025 lending trends and criteria
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Avoid costly first-time mistakes
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Get tailored advice for your structure and goals
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Includes DealSense™ Report offer
Acquisition Finance Guide
"7 Things Lenders Look for in Acquisition Finance Deals”
Essential reading before you fund a takeover, franchise, or business expansion.
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Discover how lenders assess you and the deal
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Learn how to structure your application
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Reduce delays and improve approval odds
Finance That Works for You — Not Just the Bank
What I Offer
Financial advice that fits your world — not just a lender’s form.
I specialise in providing tailored finance solutions for people with more complex lives — self-employed professionals, company directors, and business owners who don’t tick the “standard” boxes.
Whether you’re buying, borrowing, investing or protecting, my advice is strategic, personal, and built around your goals.
Residential Mortgages
First-time buyer? Moving home? Remortgaging? I help you navigate the process with confidence — especially if you’re self-employed or have multiple income streams.
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Self-employed & director-friendly
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Buy-to-let & portfolio landlord advice
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Strategic remortgage planning
Commercial & Business Finance
Need capital to grow, acquire, or refinance your business? I’ll guide you through the complex commercial funding landscape.
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Business acquisition finance
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Franchise funding
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Commercial mortgages & asset finance
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Unsecured loans & short-term bridging
Financial Protection
Getting the right cover in place means protecting the life you’ve worked hard to build. I offer advice that’s human, not hard-sell.
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Income protection
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Critical illness & life cover
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Protection for business owners & directors
This isn’t about chasing the cheapest rate it’s about building a finance strategy that works for you today and tomorrow.
Let’s talk about what you need and how I can help you move forward
Your ‘How’ – The Finance Forward System™
A 5-step process built around you
Whether you’re self-employed, a company director, or a growing business, the Finance Forward System™ gives you clarity, strategy, and confidence at every step.
🔎 Step 1: Discovery
We start with a genuine conversation ideally face-to-face. I take time to understand your situation, your ambitions, and your financial reality. No jargon. No sales pitch. Just a clear picture of where you are and where you want to go.
📁 Step 2: Evidence
Once we’ve mapped out your goals, I help you gather the right documentation. This stage is crucial and often overlooked. I know exactly what lenders want to see, and I guide you in preparing your case properly, so we position you in the strongest light.
🧭 Step 3: Sourcing
This is where my market knowledge and lender relationships come in. I research, match, and often negotiate directly with underwriters or BDMs to find the most suitable product for your needs whether residential, commercial, or protection.
🧩 Step 4: Solution
You’ll receive a clear, personalised recommendation not a generic quote. We talk it through together, ensuring it fits your short- and long-term goals. I don’t disappear after the application either I guide you right through to completion, with regular updates and full transparency.
🔐 Step 5: Protection & Review
Once your mortgage or finance is secured, I help you protect what you’ve built with tailored protection advice. And I stay in touch. We review your needs regularly so that you’re always one step ahead.
🧠 Why It Works:
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No call centres
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No guesswork
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No pressure
Just strategic, relationship-led advice built on experience, empathy, and execution.
Why Clients Trust Stuart
Real Stories, Real Results
I work with self-employed professionals, directors, and business owners who are often overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream lenders.
What they find with me is different a personal, strategic approach that speaks their language and respects the way they work.
Here’s what they say after going through the process with me:
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Straightforward guidance
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Tailored finance strategies
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No call centres just real advice, from someone who listens
Their words say more than I ever could.
Don't Miss It
Exclusive Offer
For a limited time, I’m offering my DealSense™ Report normally priced at £100 for just £75 when booked alongside a consultation or downloaded with the Finance Forward System™ guide.
Clarity before commitment – your insider edge when buying property
Buying a property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make but too often, buyers rush into offers without fully understanding the risks or implications.
That’s why I created the DealSense™ Report — an exclusive, pre-offer guide designed to give you clarity, confidence, and control before you commit.
What’s Included in the Report?
📊 Affordability guidance – based on your current income and goals
🧱 Property insights – to ensure you’re not overpaying or overlooking key issues
📍Local market indicators – where relevant
💡 Funding strategy – tailored to your unique profile (especially useful for self-employed buyers or portfolio landlords)
🛡 Initial protection considerations – so you’re not exposed post-purchase
Why It’s Valuable?
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Helps you make smarter offers
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Gives you more confidence when negotiating with agents
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Prevents rushed decisions that could hurt your long-term plans
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Shows lenders and solicitors that you’re prepared and credible
Expertise
Specialist advice for complex lives.
I don’t just offer financial products — I bring practical experience, real strategy, and personal insight to every case. My expertise has been shaped by life in the classroom, time in business, and years navigating the finance industry for clients who don’t fit into standard boxes.
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Self-Employed & Director Mortgages
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Buy-to-Let & Property Investment
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Business & Commercial Finance
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Financial Protection for Professionals
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Pre-Offer Property Evaluation
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Client-First Relationships
I understand how lenders view limited company directors, retained profits, dividends, and contractor income and how to present your case effectively.
As a landlord myself, I know the pressures and possibilities of property investment. Whether you’re buying through a company, refinancing, or building a portfolio, I’ll help you fund smartly.
From acquisition finance to asset and franchise funding, I work with lenders who understand SME growth — and help clients structure deals that get approved.
I offer tailored advice on life cover, critical illness, and income protection with a focus on protecting families and directors with complex income structures.
Through my exclusive DealSense™ Report, I help clients assess affordability, risk, and strategy before making a property offer giving them a professional edge in a competitive market
This isn’t about transactions. It’s about trust. My clients get direct access to me, clear guidance, and ongoing support long after a deal completes.