FROM the financial scrapheap to the "top of the heap" in just two years.

That's the remarkable achievement of businessman Mark McBriar who is celebrating success after Radcliffe-based Adapt Finance scooped the "best newcomer to the industry" category at the coveted Bridging and Commercial Awards held at London's Hurlingham Club. And also joining in the celebrations were Mark's colleagues, including sons Jordan and Luis.

The national recognition marks a complete reversal of fortunes for the ex-local estate agent and finance broker. He recalled: "Mid recession, I found myself on the financial scrapheap. I wasn't sure in which direction to turn with the property and finance industries at an all time low."

Months of conversation with previous clients and short-term funders saw Mark establish the Adapt Finance brokerage in 2013, providing funding to the property profession throughout the UK. The company is located in Hollybank Street, Radcliffe.

Success saw continuous growth and expansion and Mark's eldest son, former Bury Grammar School (BGS) pupil and estate agent Jordan, joined the firm as did Mark's former colleagues and business partners. Latterly, thriving Adapt Finance welcomed Mark's youngest son and also a former BGS pupil, Luis, into the fold. A bespoke service, allied to a creative way of operating, attracted national recognition, illustrated by the Bridging and Commercial Awards accolade.

Mark added: "Beyond any expectation, we won the award as best newcomer to the industry and we became the first ever broker to achieve such recognition and this will really enhance our kudos. We were stunned to have won.

"We'd gone to London because we'd been shortlisted, without any consideration that we'd win, and as a thank you to staff for taking us as far as we'd gone. To actually win was beyond anyone's comprehension. It really puts you on the map."

Looking to the future, Mark concluded: "Our aim is for further growth and to maintain the family-based and service-led business. We are very hands on here."

For more information about the company, visit www.adaptfinance.co.uk