London cabbie uses financial skills to support fellow taxi drivers with mortgages and protection advice
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 1 min read
A London taxi driver has launched a mortgage and protection advice service aimed at helping self-employed drivers navigate financial challenges unique to the trade.
Paul Buck entered the cab industry in 2014 after completing the Knowledge, following a career in financial services that began in 2001. Initially working in the financial advice sector, Paul later explored trades like plumbing and electrical work before deciding to pursue a career as a black cab driver.
The idea for his new venture, The Mortgage Cabbie, took shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many in the taxi industry, Paul experienced a sudden loss of income and realised the need for an additional income stream that could run alongside driving a taxi.
He began studying for a new financial qualification and eventually moved into mortgage advising, identifying it as a quicker and more accessible path than his original plan. His previous exams were able to count towards the mortgage qualification, allowing him to fast-track his entry into the field.
With his combined knowledge of the financial sector and the day-to-day realities of self-employment as a taxi driver, Paul believes he can offer insight that many mainstream advisers cannot. He understands the paperwork involved for self-employed mortgage applicants, including SA302s and tax overviews, and can relate to the specific needs of the trade including cab drivers with adverse credit.
Paul also wants to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of financial protection, including life, critical illness and income cover. He said many self-employed workers are without any form of pension or insurance safety net, and hopes his service can help close that gap.
