My alarm goes off at…

…6.30am. I like to wake up early so that I have time to run errands, review any work emails that have come in overnight, eat a healthy breakfast, read the news (sports news too) and then start my working day.

I wanted to work in the mortgage industry because…

…I would say I fell into the industry. After completing a degree in biology and sports science, I wanted to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales. But I ended up landing a job at my previous company (Together) and worked my way up from there.

I try to call at least one to two brokers a day to see how they are getting on

I always planned to spend six months getting experience, but I quickly caught the ‘lending bug’ and after 17 years in the industry I am still loving my career and haven’t looked back.

Something that surprised me about my job was…

…how every day was different! New challenges and, more importantly, new opportunities.

You need to have an open mind and treat every hurdle as another way to find a solution, and to look at every application on its own merits.

A misconception about my role is…

…that we are not flexible. Of course, there are policies and procedures put in place, and it’s easy for an underwriter to turn down an application if it’s not immediately straightforward.

In a small way I get to help others to achieve their dreams. That’s my favourite part of the job

However, a good underwriter is willing to proactively evaluate the application and see how they can deliver a better outcome for the customer, while ensuring the lender’s requirements are also adhered to.

My typical day entails…

…catching up with the team regarding any updates, actioning emails, and liaising with colleagues regarding how we can not only constantly improve our bridging proposal at Shawbrook but also increase the amount of applications being received. I speak to our relationship managers, development managers and risk team to ensure we are all pulling in the same direction.

I love nothing more than to break down and understand a complex application to find a solution that enables us to provide the best service we can to our clients and brokers.

Having the option to work from home or in a bustling office has enabled me to flourish

I try and make a point to call at least one to two brokers a day to see how they are getting on and how Shawbrook can assist their clients.

A perk of the job is…

…working with great people. I have a hard-working team and network around me, which has been a bonus to the role.

Having the option to work from home or in a bustling office has also enabled me to flourish. I can work alongside my team one day but have the option of a quieter home working environment with no other distractions. My focus can be solely given to a certain aspect of the role.

After spending 16 years in a bustling office, it has been a change, but any fears were put to the side by the support I received, not to mention the hours on Teams and Zoom with colleagues.

My favourite work memory is…

…helping a customer to purchase their dream home. We all know how hard it can be, purchasing a house, and I faced plenty of hurdles, deadlines and worrying if we could get the application over the line in time.

A good underwriter is willing to proactively evaluate the application and see how they can deliver a better outcome

To be able to get the best outcome for your clients, knowing that all your hard work and perseverance ended up making someone happy, is an amazing feeling to achieve.

That’s my favourite part of the job; in a small way I get to help others to achieve their dreams.

To unwind after work…

…I love being with my family, cooking, watching the football, going on long walks, or simply relaxing on the sofa and watching TV.