Why we’re called…
Your home is your castle.
And we see it as our job to help you secure the mortgage you need to buy it and the insurance you need to protect your loved ones who live in it.
That’s why we called ourselves moat.
We’ve got a mission.
And we’re on it.
Trusted advice is hard to find. Finding free, trusted advice is even harder. Good news, you just found it.
At Moat, we believe everyone deserves free, trusted mortgage and life insurance advice. That’s why we’re building a nationwide brand with one clear mission:
To make expert advice accessible and free for everyone across the UK.

The story so far.
Moat may be a new name in mortgage advice, but it’s built on decades of experience.

Pete and his son Dave back then.
1997
1997
Formerly known as Hazelwood Financial Services, our business was founded in 1997 by Peter Hunt, who believed personal mortgage and life insurance advice should be accessible to everyone.
So, from day one, Peter refused to charge his clients for his advice, relying solely on the commission he earned from the lenders he recommended.
Formerly known as Hazelwood Financial Services, our business was founded in 1997 by Peter Hunt, who believed personal mortgage and life insurance advice should be accessible to everyone.
So, from day one, Peter refused to charge his clients for his advice, relying solely on the commission he earned from the lenders he recommended.

Pete and his son Dave today.
2026
2026
Fast forward to today, and Peter and his son Dave are running the business together.
They’re on a mission to grow the business into a nationwide brand, without losing the free advice philosophy and personal touch it was built on.
The name’s changed, but what we stand for hasn’t. We’re still all about real advice, from real people, who genuinely care.
Fast forward to today, and Peter and his son Dave are running the business together.
They’re on a mission to grow the business into a nationwide brand, without losing the free advice philosophy and personal touch it was built on.
The name’s changed, but what we stand for hasn’t. We’re still all about real advice, from real people, who genuinely care.
Here are a few of our faves.
Would genuinely put 6 stars if I could.
Bella
Would genuinely put 6 stars if I could.
Bella
Would genuinely put 6 stars if I could.
Bella
We would highly recommend Moat (formerly Hazelwood) and will be using them again.
Harry
We would highly recommend Moat (formerly Hazelwood) and will be using them again.
Harry
We would highly recommend Moat (formerly Hazelwood) and will be using them again.
Harry
Couldn’t have asked for a better adviser to talk us through buying our new home.
Priyanka
Couldn’t have asked for a better adviser to talk us through buying our new home.
Priyanka
Couldn’t have asked for a better adviser to talk us through buying our new home.
Priyanka
Super knowledgeable and took time to run through the process, ensuring clarity and transparency.
Mantas
Super knowledgeable and took time to run through the process, ensuring clarity and transparency.
Mantas
Super knowledgeable and took time to run through the process, ensuring clarity and transparency.
Mantas
The most professional, efficient and responsible broker I have ever known.
Mingda
The most professional, efficient and responsible broker I have ever known.
Mingda
The most professional, efficient and responsible broker I have ever known.
Mingda
Nothing short of amazing.
Laura
Nothing short of amazing.
Laura
Nothing short of amazing.
Laura
Thanks for everything you have done for us to get us our dream home.
Louise
Thanks for everything you have done for us to get us our dream home.
Louise
Thanks for everything you have done for us to get us our dream home.
Louise
The Moat Approach
Get ready to pounce
Discover how we get you mortgage-ready, so you can secure the best mortgage deal, exactly when you need it.
The Moat Approach
Get ready to pounce
Discover how we get you mortgage-ready, so you can secure the best mortgage deal, exactly when you need it.
The Moat Approach
Get ready to pounce
Discover how we get you mortgage-ready, so you can secure the best mortgage deal, exactly when you need it.
The right advice for free
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Moat Mortgages is a trading name of Hazelwood Financial Services, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Register number is 303934. Registered Address: 12 Hamlet Hill, Roydon, Essex, CM19 5LA
The right advice for free
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Moat Mortgages is a trading name of Hazelwood Financial Services, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Register number is 303934. Registered Address: 12 Hamlet Hill, Roydon, Essex, CM19 5LA
The right advice for free
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Moat Mortgages is a trading name of Hazelwood Financial Services, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Register number is 303934. Registered Address: 12 Hamlet Hill, Roydon, Essex, CM19 5LA