Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Custom
Timeline
Generic

John Howard Smith

Aylesford,Kent

Summary

Extremely ethical and hard working individual that is Dynamic and a results-driven professional with a robust skill set in investment evaluation, data analytics, and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Demonstrates exceptional leadership acumen and visionary thinking, driving business development and sales growth through innovative strategies and problem solving. Adept at crisis management and budget control, with a proven track record of initiative taking to achieve organisational goals.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Director

Oscar Vicarage Ltd
Maidstone, United Kingdom
12.2016 - Current

Established as a Special Purpose Vehicle in 2016 for property development.

  • This later transitioned into a private management company in 2022 for high net worth & sophisticated investors who were offered non regulated investment products with high yielding returns.
    Identified and onboarded clients for these products through targeted strategies and now offering clients to participate in an equity play.
  • Managed negotiations with clients to secure profitable contracts.
  • Identified and capitalised on growth opportunities in the market.
  • Initiated business development activities, expanded client base.
  • Formulated business plans to increase growth and minimise cost for company.

Director

GHL Network Services Ltd
Orton Southgate, Peterborough
09.2008 - Current

GHL Network Services Ltd (GHLNWS) was established in 2008 through the merger of Genesis Home Loans Ltd and Guaranteed Home Loans Ltd, and operates as a regulated mortgage brokerage. The company consists of around 30 mortgage direct sales advisors, 30 appointed representatives, and 7 employed staff. I am a director and major shareholder, while day-to-day operations are overseen entirely by my Co-Director these days.

Prior to the merger I weas the Sales Director -

  • Optimised sales tactics based on comprehensive market analysis.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance in all commercial operations, maintaining corporate integrity.
  • Strengthened team performance through effective coaching and mentoring.
  • Delivered compelling sales presentations, securing high-value contracts.
  • Led successful product launches, increasing brand visibility.
  • Attended industry and company-specific events as [Company] representative.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key organisations and professionals to support future business growth objectives.

Managing Director

Guaranteed HomeLoans Ltd
Maidstone, Kent
03.2000 - 12.2008

Guaranteed Home Loans Limited was incorporated in 2000 as an independent mortgage packaging company. It quickly grew to become one of the UK’s leading packagers and, ahead of the introduction of mortgage regulation in 2004, transitioned into a fully regulated mortgage network platform. In 2005, and subsequently in 2008, the business merged with Genesis Home Loans, to become GHL Network Services Ltd and is still trading today.

  • Identified market trends, leading to business expansion opportunities.
  • Developed effective business strategies for sustained growth.
  • Drove innovation for improved product offerings.
  • Fostered partnerships to expand business opportunities.
  • Managed crisis situations with strategic planning.
  • Enhanced staff morale with effective communication and engagement strategies.
  • Facilitated training programmes to improve employee skills and capabilities.
  • Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
  • Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
  • Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.

Property developer & portfolio management

Premier Holdings
Maidstone, Kent
06.1993 - Current

Premier Holdings was established in 1992 as a trading style to facilitate property acquisitions for rental income. The business continues to manage rental properties today and has also undertaken several small-scale developments and property refurbishments.

  • Strategised investment plans, resulting in increased profit margins.
  • Maintained risk-adjusted returns with careful asset allocation.
  • Conducted detailed financial analysis, leading to improved portfolio decisions.
  • Met strict compliance standards during all transactions, maintaining a clean regulatory record.
  • Oversaw construction phases, maintaining high quality standards throughout development process.
  • Implemented risk management strategies to minimise potential losses.
  • Conducted detailed feasibility studies, ensuring financial viability of projects.

Propreitor

Status Financial Services
Maidstone, Kent
04.1988 - 04.2000

Status Financial Services was established in 1988 as a trading style. The business provided mortgage advice and recommendations through its owner, who supported six independent estate agents in Kent by arranging mortgages for clients purchasing properties on the market. The owner later redirected the company’s strategy, transitioning it into a mortgage packaging business.

  • Conducted in-depth financial analyses for optimal loan solutions.
  • Ensured complete transparency in dealings, fostering trust and building long-term relationships with clients.
  • Offered comprehensive support to clients with complex mortgage queries.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for superior service delivery.
  • Produced accurate documentation promptly, minimising delays in the lending process.
  • Educated clients on various mortgage products to aid informed decision-making.
  • Simplified complex financial terms for better client understanding.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards throughout all procedures.
  • Assessed risk factors carefully to ensure responsible lending practices.

Education

GCSEs - General Education

The Maplesden Noakes School
Maidstone
09.1981 - 05.1986

Skills

  • Investment evaluation
  • Data analytics and interpretation
  • Business development savvy
  • Crisis management expertise
  • Strategic mergers and acquisitions
  • Budget control aptitude
  • Visionary thinking
  • Leadership acumen
  • Sales growth strategies
  • Initiative taking

Certification

Diploma In Financial Planning Certificates 1,2 and 3

CEMAP Qualified

Affiliations

Sports have always been a passion of mine, and I have always obtained a high standard of performance in whatever sport I have competed in. Whether cross-country running, athletics or Table Tennis, with football being my primary focus until hanging up my boots at the age of 50. I now concentrate on golf and paddle tennis, whilst enjoying pool and darts. Beyond sports, I have a strong interest in the performing arts and I am an avid theatre-goer, and enjoy reading autobiographies.

Custom

I’ve been happily married for 31 years to my wife, Georgina, who keeps me grounded and provides a strong foundation that enables me to pursue and succeed in any goal. We have three beautiful daughters, all grown up and forging their own paths in life. I always tell them to be the very best they can be, and to be successful in whatever it is you look to do, then everything will fall into place

Timeline

Director

Oscar Vicarage Ltd
12.2016 - Current

Director

GHL Network Services Ltd
09.2008 - Current

Managing Director

Guaranteed HomeLoans Ltd
03.2000 - 12.2008

Property developer & portfolio management

Premier Holdings
06.1993 - Current

Propreitor

Status Financial Services
04.1988 - 04.2000

GCSEs - General Education

The Maplesden Noakes School
09.1981 - 05.1986
John Howard Smith