How Michelle scaled her local brand in record time

See how Michelle transitioned out of a home office, set up her own limited company, and unlocked full specialist market access with the right network infrastructure behind her.

• The Challenge: Operating from a home office, restricted by corporate visibility limits, and lacking direct support for specialized case placements.

• The Solution: Partnered with The Cornerstone Network to handle compliance logistics, set up a limited company structure, and leverage dedicated marketing support.

• The Result: Transitioned into a prime high-street estate agency office, exploded local face-to-face brand authority, and mastered specialist bridging finance revenue.

The Cornerstone Network mortgage adviser Michelle Strelley had been running Mercury Mortgages from home and says the move into an office above Goodman & Lilley Estate Agents in Portishead is already supporting her plans to expand.

The move to an office environment brings structure and routine to the business. I have ADHD and so it’s especially important for me to have this as I grow the firm.

Being based onsite at the estate agency has already enabled walk‑in conversations with clients and it naturally increases my brand visibility for people who prefer face‑to‑face advice.

Being co-located with the estate agents helps me to stay close to local market activity and collaborate with the agents on client challenges and potential mortgage solutions.

Michelle joined the Cornerstone Network in spring 2024 and has benefited from business support and guidance, including around setting up a limited company.

Michelle specialises in finding tailored mortgage solutions for a range of financial situations, including supporting self-employed individuals, first-time buyers, buy-to-let investors, and businesses seeking financing.

She also offers guidance and support around insurance needs including life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, and business protection.

Being part of the Cornerstone Network has helped Michelle develop her knowledge and expertise.

With Cornerstone I’ve been able to attend weekly webinars with lenders, insurers and other market experts as well as take part in ongoing learning around specialist areas such as bridging finance. This gives me an ever-increasing breadth of knowledge which means I’m better equipped to fully support my clients at all stages of their journey.

Being part of the network also means that if I need to access more in-depth or specialist support for a client, it’s only a phone call away.

The marketing support offered by the Cornerstone Network has also been crucial as I grow my business. They’ve helped me to become more confident in using social media and develop my own voice and personality across platforms, balancing compliance with the authenticity that my brand needs.

The Cornerstone Support Framework That Powered Michelle’s Growth

To scale a local brand sustainably, you need more than just a regulatory umbrella. As our Head of Network Engagement, Graeme Lewis, notes, our relationship-based model gives you direct access to the infrastructure required to build a real asset:

• Continual Training: Master specialist, high-fee lending sectors like bridging finance to expand your client offering.

• Innovative Technologies: Streamline applications, back-office tracking, and client data processing with top-tier tech suites.

• Practical On-the-Ground Support: Get direct, one-on-one guidance to set up your limited company, map your local marketing, and manage compliance.

“We know this structured, practical approach is the key for ambitious advisers who want to confidently grow their own businesses and build lifelong client relationships.” – Graeme Lewis, Head of Network Engagement