From a one-man operation in a back bedroom to owning one of the most recognisable buildings in Bolton, Gary Oxborough, Founder and Managing Director of Barlow Irvin, has built a mortgage brokerage defined by resilience, community, and ambition.
With over two decades in financial services, Gary’s journey hasn’t been without its setbacks – but it’s precisely his steady growth and people-first approach that make his story so relatable and inspiring.
“We’re good at what we do. But now it’s time to put the structure in place to build a proper business.”
Starting in the Deep End
Gary began his career like many in the mortgage world – at a big corporate firm. But when the 2008 financial crisis hit, the industry changed overnight.
“The world in the mortgage world ended there and then.”
Rather than retreat, Gary went solo. Over time, necessity led to growth. A need for admin support turned into hiring. Hiring meant finding an office. From there, the business slowly evolved.
“It started as just me. Then I needed some help, and suddenly we were growing. I didn’t want to just survive – I wanted to build something.”
The Challenge of Scaling
Barlow Irvin now has a team of seven and continues to grow. But Gary is candid about the challenges of scaling a business from a solo venture into something bigger.
“We still run the business the same way we did when there were three or four of us. It’s time to move from winging it to building systems and processes.”
He’s also found that managing people has been one of the steepest learning curves.
“You go from being a mortgage broker to being a primary school teacher. Everyone has their own challenges, and that affects the whole business. It’s something that took me a while to get used to.”
Proud Moments and Prominent Landmarks
One of Gary’s proudest milestones is moving into their current office—now a landmark location in Bolton—and purchasing the building.
“Sometimes I drive past at the weekend and just think… we’ve come a long way.”
That visibility has become a symbol of the brand, though locals still refer to it by the solicitor firm that occupied it 15 years ago.
“We’re trying to change that. It needs to be the Barlow Irvin building. That’s the goal.”
The Next Phase: From Business Operator to Business Owner
Gary is clear about his next focus: putting in place the systems and structure needed to grow from seven to ten team members—and eventually step back from day-to-day operations.
“I want to get to the point where I can take three months off and the business doesn’t burn down.”
He’s already making space for this shift by using Ministry of Work as a place to work on the business, away from the day-to-day distractions of the office.
“I’ve had a couple of messages from the team today, but I can turn the phone off, turn the emails off, and focus. That separation is powerful.”
Helping Others Make the Leap
For others at Ministry of Work, Gary’s advice is particularly relevant for those transitioning from freelancer or solo operator to employer.
“The step from self-employed to business owner is a big one. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, and I’m happy to share them if it helps someone else.”
He emphasises the value of looking just a few steps ahead, rather than trying to emulate industry giants.
“I used to look at the biggest firms in the country and wonder if they were our competitors—but they’re in a totally different league. What matters is learning from someone one or two steps ahead.”
What He Needs Help With
Right now, Gary is looking for support in developing the right structure and systems to take his business to the next level.
“We’ve got to move from good to great. That means getting the foundations right.”
He believes that shared knowledge and small group discussions with others who’ve been through similar growth stages could be invaluable.
Beyond Mortgages
Outside of work, Gary is a sports fan through and through. A Liverpool supporter and former basketball player and coach, he now spends much of his downtime watching cricket—preferably in the sun, with a drink in hand.
“Football matches were muddy fields and cold mornings. Cricket is better. There’s always a bar.”
Best Advice?
“Never assume someone you hire will care as much as you or be as good at what you do. Factor that in to everything.”
It’s a piece of advice that’s stayed with him and helped him shape realistic expectations as he’s grown the team.
Connect with Gary
Whether you’re looking to buy a home or build a business, Gary is always open to a chat. You can connect with him over on LinkedIn or simply say hello if you see him around Ministry of Work.
