Just Mortgages has hired Wayne Saker as area director, covering Kent and Greater London.

The brokerage says Saker will mentor new self-employed brokers, while supporting existing intermediaries to expand their business plans, build their own teams and target opportunities beyond traditional mortgages and protection. 

Saker joins from Countrywide, where he was regional mortgage services director. However, he started work at the estate agent in 2003 as a mortgage consultant and has acted in a variety of roles for the business, such as regional sales manager and financial services director.

The brokerage adds that the appointment means that it now has 15 area directors. The firm’s self-employed management team totals 30 members of staff supporting almost 500 self-employed brokers across the country. 

Just Mortgages head of mortgages and protection Ben Allkins adds: “Wayne is an excellent hire for the self-employed division, bringing additional real-world broker experience and two decades of knowledge to our talented management team. 

“Going self-employed certainly takes a leap of faith and can sometimes be a lonely experience. In addition to a full team that has walked the walk as a broker, we provide day-to-day support with sales, marketing and compliance, and connect brokers with our in-house learning and development team.”

Saker adds: “Mentoring brokers is a real passion of mine, whether it’s being a sounding board, offering advice or pushing them and challenging them to reach that next level. 

“There’s no question it’s a complex market, especially with the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

“In reality, it’s a great time to cut your teeth and learn your craft as it pushes you to explore new opportunities and other revenue drivers to move the business forward.”