Bio
Shideh Mirashrafi is Head of Marketing at Mercantile Trust, where she helps make specialist property finance easier to understand. She has more than 14 years’ experience in marketing and enjoys the mix of creativity, strategy and people that comes with the job.
No two days look quite the same. Shideh might be planning an event, working on a social media campaign, improving a page on the website or sitting down with the sales and underwriting teams to learn more about the questions brokers and customers are asking. She enjoys finding the clearest way to explain a complicated topic and making sure the answer is genuinely helpful.
One of the projects she’s most proud of is Mercantile Trust’s brand refresh and new website. It gave her the chance to bring together ideas from across the business and create a better experience for both brokers and direct customers.
Shideh believes good marketing begins with curiosity. She likes asking questions, listening to different perspectives and understanding what matters to people before deciding what to say or how to say it. That approach shapes everything from a social media post to a wider brand strategy.
Outside work, Shideh loves reading and sharing book recommendations. Books give her new ideas, introduce her to different ways of seeing the world and occasionally provide a welcome break from thinking about marketing!
Shideh Mirashrafi's Articles
Learn how Airbnb mortgages work, what lenders assess, the costs and rules involved, and how to build a stronger holiday let investment in the UK.
Explore ways to release rental property equity for business funding, including secured loans, refinancing and short-term bridging finance.
Self-employed applicants may get buy-to-let mortgages or bridging loans with income evidence, property details, and a clear exit plan.
Learn the key differences between regulated and unregulated bridging finance, including uses, borrower types and what Mercantile Trust can consider.
Learn the key differences between first and second charge bridging loans, how they work, when to use them and which option may suit your needs.
Compare bridging loans and buy-to-let mortgages, including costs, speed, eligibility, and when each option suits UK property investors.
A UK guide to the BRRR strategy, explaining how investors buy, refurbish, refinance, rent and repeat to recycle capital and grow.
A quick guide on using bridging finance to invest in HMOs and MUFBs, helping landlords move fast on high‑yield property opportunities.
Bridging loans and buy-to-let mortgages may still be possible with bad credit. Learn how Mercantile Trust assesses adverse credit.
First-time landlord? Learn how to secure an HMO mortgage, what lenders require, and how to start your HMO investment with confidence.
Learn what a first charge mortgage is, how it works, and why it’s often the most cost-effective option for property buyers and landlords.
A bridging loan can affect your credit score, but managed well, it may improve your profile. Timely payments are key to a positive impact.
Mercantile Trust has been shortlisted for the 2025 National Mortgage Awards – Second Charge in the category of Best Small/Medium Lender.
Guide to securing buy to let mortgages in Northern Ireland, with tips, eligibility criteria, and flexible options from Mercantile Trust.
Get a buy to let mortgage with no minimum income requirement. Ideal for landlords with irregular income or poor credit. Flexible UK lending solutions.
Get a buy to let mortgage with bad credit. Learn how UK landlords secure finance through specialist lenders like Mercantile Trust.
When applying for a buy-to-let or bridging loan in the UK, the number of applicants allowed can impact how you structure your deal.
This guide outlines the key concepts, eligibility criteria, lending process, and considerations associated with first charge BTL lending.
Thinking about investing in property? Buy to Let remains one of the most reliable and rewarding strategies for landlords looking to grow their wealth.
Ready to unlock the power of your home equity? Read our guide to learn how!
Thinking about investing in an HMO property? This guide covers everything you need to know about HMO mortgages!
First-time investor or seasoned landlord? Learn how buy-to-let mortgages work to make smart decisions and boost your rental income.
This guide explores how second charge loans work, their benefits, risks, and who they’re best suited for.