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September brings that back-to-school energy—a perfect moment to reset, refocus, and chart your course for the months ahead. After the summer lull, it's time to think about how you want your mortgage broker business to look by December 2025.

Most brokers live deal-to-deal in an industry where everything changes overnight—rates shift, criteria evolve, and client circumstances transform without warning. This reactive approach leaves you perpetually treading water. But what if you could build a business that not only survives these fluctuations but genuinely thrives through them?

True resilience isn't gritting your teeth and powering through. It's developing adaptability and bounce-back capacity that turns challenges into growth opportunities. This begins with a simple yet powerful mindset shift: focus exclusively on what's within your control (your planning, reactions, and systems) while accepting what isn't (market conditions, underwriter decisions). The energy wasted on uncontrollable factors is energy stolen from meaningful progress.

Want practical ways to strengthen your resilience muscle? Start by setting micro-goals alongside your bigger ambitions—small weekly wins that build momentum. Schedule just 10 minutes each week for honest reflection on what worked and what didn't. Protect your energy by taking genuine breaks (and no, scrolling social media doesn't count). Connect with other brokers who understand your challenges—sometimes a quick conversation resets your entire perspective.

Ready to finish 2025 stronger than ever? Review your year-end goals now, break them into monthly milestones, and schedule strategic thinking time in your calendar. Remember, running your own race doesn't mean running alone. What's one small step you could take this week toward your December 2025 vision? Your future self will thank you for starting today.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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What does it take to leave behind a successful 20-year career and start completely fresh in a new industry? In this candid conversation, Dave Tindall of DLI Mortgages reveals the reality of transitioning from automotive marketing to establishing his own mortgage brokerage at age 38.

Dave shares the moment he decided to make this life-changing move—how he methodically assessed his strengths and desires on a blank piece of paper, and why mortgage broking emerged as his path forward. With refreshing honesty, he discusses the initial fear, the unwavering support from his now-wife, and that strange first Monday morning sitting at his desk with no boss and no corporate structure to fall back on.

For anyone contemplating a similar leap, Dave's insights about "employee guilt" are particularly valuable. He describes the six-month journey to overcome the ingrained belief that working hard means putting in specific hours rather than focusing on results. His marketing background gave him advantages in building his brand, though stepping in front of the camera for social media content required pushing past significant discomfort.

What resonates most powerfully is Dave's reflection on finding greater fulfillment in helping people achieve homeownership than he ever experienced in his previous career. The moment when clients receive their keys and his role in making that life-changing event happen provides satisfaction that selling luxury cars never could.

Looking ahead, Dave has intentionally chosen to build a business that prioritizes lifestyle and values over rapid expansion. His plans to create a husband-and-wife team reflect a thoughtful approach to success on his own terms.

Whether you're considering a career change, thinking about self-employment, or simply curious about the mortgage industry, this episode offers valuable wisdom about having the courage to make brave choices and defining success in ways that truly matter to you.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Feeling isolated as a mortgage broker? You're not alone. In this candid conversation, Craig Skelton welcomes back Jonathan Needham to explore the evolution of the Broker Foundry and address the unspoken challenges facing today's mortgage professionals.
 
 The pair reflect on their recent "Foundations to Freedom" webinar and the overwhelming feedback from brokers hungry for unbiased industry guidance. What began as a live event is now transforming into something more accessible and impactful – a monthly conversation series designed to build a modern broker community without the barriers of registration or hidden agendas.
 
 At the heart of their discussion lies a troubling reality: broker isolation. Whether you're a successful lone wolf operation or managing a growing team, the feeling of professional isolation affects brokers at every level. Existing communities often fail to provide truly neutral spaces where professionals can seek advice without encountering commercial motivations.
 
 Craig and Jonathan dive deep into the concept of playing "devil's advocate" – offering perspectives that challenge thinking without steering brokers toward particular products or networks. This authentic dialogue represents something increasingly rare in an industry where advice typically comes with strings attached.
 
 Against a backdrop of sweeping industry changes – AI integration, CMAP qualification updates, evolving FCA regulations, and a flood of new technology – brokers need straightforward guidance more than ever. The reimagined Broker Foundry aims to cut through the noise with practical insights delivered by two industry veterans who put their faces to their opinions.
 
 Ready to break free from isolation and join a community built on transparency? Subscribe now and discover why this evolving platform might be exactly what you've been searching for as a mortgage professional navigating today's complex landscape 

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Securing your clients' futures doesn't stop at arranging their mortgage and protection. Estate planning remains one of the most overlooked yet crucial components of financial wellbeing, with over 80% of people under 50 lacking a will. This missing piece creates vulnerability not only for clients but for your broker-client relationship.

Colin Gill, founder of The Will Place, shares his journey from corporate financial services to creating a platform that transforms how brokers approach estate planning. Drawing from his 11 years at Connells and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures, Colin identified a critical gap in how mortgage professionals address will writing – often recognizing the need but lacking a streamlined solution to offer clients.

The conversation reveals how will fact-finds expose clients' entire financial situations – including details about mortgages, protection, pensions, and investments – making them particularly vulnerable to poaching when seeking estate planning elsewhere. By integrating will writing into their proposition, brokers not only protect these relationships but uncover significant business opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

What sets The Will Place apart is its dual focus on client experience and broker business generation. The platform identifies protection gaps and financial planning needs during the will creation process, then directs these opportunities back to the originating broker. Even more valuable is the executor and guardian notification system that creates new qualified introductions from a client's close connections – people you might never otherwise meet.

Whether you're a newly self-employed broker looking to differentiate your proposition or an established business seeking to enhance client retention, this episode provides practical insights into transforming a traditional pain point into a powerful business advantage. The future of mortgage advice isn't just about finding the right mortgage – it's about protecting client relationships by addressing their complete financial journey.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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A seismic shift is coming to the mortgage advice profession in the UK. The Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) – the qualification that opens the door to a career as a mortgage advisor – is about to undergo its most significant transformation in years. Whether you're studying now, managing a team of advisors, or considering entering the industry, these changes will directly impact your professional journey.

From September 30, 2025, CeMAP will feature a completely redesigned structure. The regulatory foundation is moving from Level 3 to Level 4 with a new FSRE qualification replacing Module 1, reflecting higher standards and greater emphasis on ethics. Module 2 is being streamlined from four units to two, while Module 3 will incorporate protection advice – a change that acknowledges what successful brokers have always known: mortgages and protection go hand in hand. The critical date to remember is January 12, 2026 – the final day to complete exams under the current structure before the transition becomes mandatory.

This redesign isn't just bureaucratic reshuffling; it's a reflection of where our industry is heading. Under Consumer Duty, the regulatory bar has been raised, and clients expect more comprehensive advice that considers their overall financial wellbeing. For brokers committed to excellence, these changes represent an opportunity to distinguish yourself in a competitive market. Those currently mid-qualification face a choice: accelerate your studies to beat the deadline or prepare to embrace the new framework. Either way, understanding these changes now allows you to transform potential disruption into strategic advantage. Listen to explore exactly what's changing, when it takes effect, and how to position yourself for success in this new chapter of mortgage advice.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Ever notice how marketing is the first thing to go when client work piles up? That feast-or-famine cycle is killing your long-term growth, and it's completely unnecessary in today's AI-powered world.

After nine weeks of exploring artificial intelligence for mortgage brokers, we're tackling perhaps the most practical application: using AI to maintain consistent marketing even during your busiest periods. The brokers who truly succeed aren't necessarily the most skilled or experienced – they're the ones who stay visible regardless of how swamped they are with client work.

What if you could create an entire month's content calendar in under 10 minutes? What if writer's block became a thing of the past? What would change if you could script videos, craft personalized email sequences, and maintain a steady social media presence without sacrificing hours of precious time?

This episode breaks down exactly how to use ChatGPT to eliminate marketing decision fatigue, generate on-brand content that sounds authentically like you, and keep your pipeline flowing even when you're at maximum capacity. You'll learn specific prompts that transform hours of marketing work into minutes, allowing you to focus on what matters most – serving your clients and growing your business.

The most successful mortgage professionals aren't working harder on their marketing – they're working smarter. Learn how to stay consistent, remain visible, and build your brand effortlessly using AI tools that are available to every broker right now.

Ready to transform your marketing approach? Listen now, then take the four simple action steps outlined at the end of the episode to immediately implement AI in your marketing strategy. Your future self (and your steady pipeline of new clients) will thank you.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Looking squarely at the mortgage industry's future, one undeniable truth stands out: while AI won't replace mortgage brokers, brokers who harness AI will absolutely eclipse those who resist it. This reality check frames our exploration into how forward-thinking mortgage professionals are revolutionizing their practices through strategic AI integration.

The real magic of AI for mortgage brokers isn't about replacing human connection—it's about enhancing it. When you delegate repetitive tasks like meeting notes, email drafting, and administrative paperwork to AI tools, you create valuable space to be fully present with clients. Imagine conducting fact-finding without frantically typing, discussing protection needs without watching the clock, or exploring clients' genuine financial concerns without distraction. This is the transformative power of AI: it handles the mundane so you can focus on what truly matters—building relationships and providing nuanced, personalized advice that algorithms simply cannot replicate.

The hesitation to adopt new technology is natural, but the cost of inaction is growing steeper by the day. You don't need technical expertise to start benefiting from AI—just a willingness to experiment with one small implementation. The brokers who will dominate the industry in the coming years aren't necessarily working longer hours; they're working smarter by automating low-value tasks, maintaining consistent client communication, and delivering exceptional service with less personal strain. Their competitive edge comes not from replacing human judgment with AI but from strategically deploying technology to amplify their uniquely human capabilities. Ready to transform your practice? The time to start isn't some distant future date—it's today. Take ten minutes to reflect on what's holding you back, select just one AI application to try this week, and join the ranks of brokers who are redefining what's possible in mortgage advising.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Nathan Hill didn't follow the typical path into mortgage broking. As a Royal Marine Commando for six years, he developed extraordinary resilience in some of the most challenging environments imaginable – from the harsh Scottish wilderness to deployments in the Middle East. Now, he's applying that same determination to building a successful career as a self-employed mortgage advisor.

What drives someone to make such a dramatic career shift? For Nathan, it came down to finding his "why." Despite thriving in the military environment, he recognized that service life would never allow him to be fully present for his partner and future family. "You are married to the military, as they say, and wherever His Majesty will send you, you've got to go," Nathan explains. This realization became the catalyst for change.

While deployed overseas, Nathan began studying for his CeMAP qualifications, using his limited downtime to prepare for civilian life. Rather than taking the seemingly safer employed route, he chose to embrace self-employment from the start – a decision that reflects both his confidence and clear vision for the future. The transition hasn't been without challenges. Moving from the intense camaraderie of military life to working independently required adjustment, which he's balanced by maintaining connections through the Royal Marines Reserve while building new relationships in the mortgage industry.

What's particularly striking about Nathan's approach is his methodical preparation. Before committing to this path, he contacted numerous brokers to gain industry insights, building knowledge before making the leap. He emphasizes the importance of financial planning when transitioning to self-employment, ensuring sufficient savings to avoid the pressure of "chasing leads" from day one. For anyone considering a career change, especially those from military backgrounds, Nathan's journey demonstrates how discipline, structure, and resilience can translate perfectly to entrepreneurial success in the mortgage sector.

Ready to transform your mortgage business or start your journey as a broker? Visit craigskelton.co.uk to discover how personalized coaching can help you achieve your goals, whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing prac

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Have you wondered how to reclaim precious time in your mortgage business while still delivering exceptional client service? The secret might be sitting right in front of you.

Artificial intelligence isn't just a buzzword—it's becoming an essential tool for forward-thinking mortgage brokers. From crafting personalized social media content to transforming client meetings into comprehensive documentation, AI can revolutionize your entire client journey. Imagine recording your fact-finding meetings and letting AI generate detailed notes, follow-up emails, and even complete fact-finding documents while you focus solely on building client relationships.

The mid-year point offers the perfect opportunity to implement these systems. If the first half of 2025 felt chaotic or inconsistent, now is the time to honestly assess what's working and what isn't. Taking just 30 minutes away from your desk to reflect on your progress can completely transform your approach to the remainder of the year. Ask yourself: Did you show up consistently? Did you stick to your January goals? Did you use your time efficiently?

By combining a thorough mid-year review with targeted AI implementation, you'll create more headspace for the aspects of your business that truly require your expertise. Start small by selecting just one stage of your client journey for enhancement. Write one effective prompt, test it, refine it, and watch as it becomes an invaluable part of your workflow.

Ready to take your mortgage business to the next level? Book a discovery call at craigskelton.co.uk or reach out via WhatsApp to discuss how personalized coaching can help you achieve your goals for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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Ready to leverage AI in your mortgage business but not sure which tools actually work? This episode cuts through the hype to deliver exactly what self-employed mortgage brokers need.

Tired of hearing about AI without practical advice on what to actually use? I've got you covered. After exploring how to write prompts and integrate AI into your workflows in previous episodes, today we're getting specific about the software that's worth your time. These aren't overhyped tech solutions – they're practical tools designed for busy mortgage professionals who want to save time and stay consistent.

I break down six essential AI tools: ChatGPT for content creation and explaining mortgage terms; Grammarly for polishing your communications; Otter AI for transcribing client meetings; Notion AI for organizing your tasks and pipeline; Descript for creating video content without technical skills; and Zapier for connecting your apps and automating repetitive tasks. For each tool, I explain exactly what it does, how mortgage brokers can use it, why it matters, and whether the free version is sufficient.

The best part? You don't need to become a tech wizard overnight. These tools are designed to be user-friendly, and you can start with just one that addresses your biggest pain point. Remember, AI won't replace you – it just handles the boring tasks so you can focus on what you do best: building relationships and providing expert mortgage advice. Set aside 30 minutes this week to explore just one tool and apply it to a real business task. Those small steps will set you apart from brokers still doing everything manually.

Looking to take your mortgage business to the next level? Book a discovery call through my website craigskelton.co.uk and let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals in the second half of 2025.

Looking for one to one mentoring, visit my website to see how it works craigskelton.co.uk

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