Source My Mortgage is a whole-of-market mortgage and protection brokerage that has been trading for 10 months, run by me. We were authorised on the day the World Health Organization declared the pandemic and our feet haven’t touched the ground since.

I am currently a ‘solo-preneur’ with aspirations to grow a firm of brokers where the customer is at the centre of everything we do. I am supported by Stonebridge, the network that provides my authorisation, and I have recently taken on a new case administrator to support our plans.

What led you to become a broker?

Mr W and I bought our first home when I was 19 and I was absolutely fascinated by the whole process. When we were looking to move the second time while I was just finishing my degree, our broker came back and helped us to secure our next mortgage on our dream home.

She planted a seed in my head at the time that I would make a great broker, and that has stuck with me. I have always enjoyed being an ‘enabler’ throughout my career, and what better thing to be a part of than a person’s property-owning aspirations?

I really believe in homeownership being vital to build buoyant societies. The customer experience is everything to me. I work with my heart on my sleeve and go above and beyond to ensure my clients reach their goals.

As well as brokering being fulfilling, it also means I can work self-employed, which was key for my next career move. I have two children, aged five and eight, and a health condition, so I need to work flexibly to ensure I can be there for my children and take a break when my body tells me to.

What plans do you have for the future of your firm?

I plan to grow steadily throughout the next few years to enable me to meet our increasing customer demand, but in a way that we can develop new advisers into our firm who will work ‘our way’.

By that I mean our culture and values, putting the customer at the heart of our decision making depending on their personal requirements, and offering a needs-focused service.

I want to provide a brand and framework for brokers to work within flexibly, and afford people the same luxury I have of being in control of my work-life choices. I will be recruiting soon for advisers on a self-employed basis, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if what I am saying sounds good to you.

What single thing could lenders do to improve brokers’ lives the most?

Structure case ownership to one team with responsibility for underwriting, because this makes the process between submission and offer more efficient and cost-effective for the lender and the broker.

As well as this, it makes the client journey a lot more succinct and enjoyable — a win-win for everyone.

What advice do you have for a broker just starting out?

Don’t be scared to be self-employed if your finances will allow for it. I have never been an employed broker and you must have the drive, ambition and work ethic to make your brokerage business successful.

There is enough business for everyone. If you work hard to build long-lasting relationships with your customers and your key stakeholders such as BDMs, network and fellow businesses, work will flow.

Working on your business is as important as working in your business. Don’t give up, but keep going. The answer will be there.

How can the industry encourage a new intake of brokers?

The industry should focus on what a good broker does for their customers. What we help our customers achieve has so big an effect on their entire life that job satisfaction just from this fundamental element should be enough for someone to know mortgage brokering is for them. The bonus of being able to do it on a self-employed basis, the flexibility it offers and the career satisfaction all really make it a winner.