Meet ballet dancer turned banking figurehead, Esther Dijkstra, Managing Director for Lloyds Banking Group as she joins us on the second episode of Mortgage Mentors, hosted by Jeremy Duncombe. 

From Esther’s humble beginnings in a Dutch village to becoming a global leader in the mortgage industry, this episode will take you through the pivotal milestones in Esther’s career, exploring topics of resilience, adaptability, current market insights and more. Perhaps most interesting is the personal tone of this discussion as Esther uncovers her unique approach to leadership learned over 25 years in the industry. At the core of it all, Esther encourages authenticity, empathy and inclusivity as key pillars for future leaders. A must-listen for the most ambitious amongst us, this is a rare look into what it means to not only manage, but lead teams to excellence.   

In episode #115 of the Growth Series podcast, Ian Cunningham, Corporate Account Manager at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Business Development Managers at Accord Mortgages, Kathy Clark and Mike Houston, to discuss the evolving role of self-serve tools in the mortgage industry.

They reflect on the challenges of 2024, including market volatility and affordability, and share their predictions for 2025. The discussion explores how self-serve solutions can complement BDM support to help brokers work more efficiently and effectively.

What to Expect:

• Key challenges brokers faced in 2024, such as affordability and market volatility
• How self-serve tools improve efficiency and free up time for brokers and BDMs
• Insights into the opportunities for brokers in 2025, including refinancing and digital innovation.

The Growth Series is a dedicated and FREE resource for mortgage brokers, containing blogs, guides, and podcasts to help you scale and grow your business. For more hints and tips on how to grow your business, you can sign up to the Growth Series here. 

In this episode of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages talks with Ben Thompson, Deputy CEO at Mortgage Advice Bureau, about his career journey, leadership philosophy and insights into the evolving mortgage industry. From overcoming early setbacks to becoming a leader in financial services, Ben shares how persistence and key mentors shaped his success. 

The discussion explores current challenges for brokers, including regulatory pressures, customer demands and technology’s growing influence. Ben provides a forward-looking perspective on the role of AI and the importance of strategic partnerships in shaping a stronger, more professional mortgage sector.

With a focus on mentorship, Ben reflects on the value of helping the next generation, emphasising the importance of consistency, curiosity and integrity in building a lasting impact.

In this episode of the Growth Series podcast, Chantelle Wilson chats with Matthew Williams, Mortgage Consultant at London Money, about how brokers can build a strong local brand.

Matt shares how hosting weekly mortgage clinics at a local coffee shop and partnering with businesses like estate agents and solicitors has helped him become a trusted figure in Chelmsford. He highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions, social media engagement, and positive client reviews in building credibility and trust.

Despite challenges like competition and stepping out of his comfort zone for video content, Matt explains how creative marketing, such as leaflets and community events, has helped his business thrive. His advice to brokers: focus on consistency, collaboration, and authentic connections to succeed in your local market.

In episode #112 of the Growth Series podcast, host Gurpreet Chahal sits down with Bob Singh, Director of Chess Mortgages, to discuss how TikTok has transformed his business. Known as the "Mortgage Maharaja," Bob shares how he overcame initial scepticism and leveraged TikTok to create a powerful personal brand that attracts diverse clients. From mastering the platform’s live feature to balancing personality with professionalism, Bob provides actionable insights that any broker can adopt to grow their audience and enhance lead generation.

Highlights include: 

-Bob’s reflections on the challenges of consistency -The innovative use of live Q&A sessions to demonstrate expertise  -The power of authenticity in building trust with potential clients. 

With stories of how TikTok has opened doors to high-value inquiries and fostered lasting client relationships, this episode is a must-listen for brokers ready to explore the platform’s potential.

In episode #111 of the Growth Series podcast, Natalie Pater, Regional Account Manager at PMS is joined by Darren Polson, Head of Mortgage Operations at Aberdein Considine to discuss the secrets to crafting training plans that not only boost business growth but also nurture personal development in your team.

Darren breaks down the essential elements of an effective training plan, from a personalised induction process to an interim development period with targeted support and the vital role of ongoing mentorship. 

Discover how these components work together to build confident, capable mortgage brokers ready to excel in their roles. With innovative methods like online learning and bi-weekly development slots, Darren illustrates how to maintain high levels of engagement while accommodating flexible work structures. 

Whether you aim to enhance customer outcomes, improve staff retention or foster career progression, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your mortgage firm thrive.

In episode #110 of the Growth Series podcast, Charlotte Bates and Natalie Wilcox, Directors of BatesWilcox, join our host Adam Parker, Accord BDM, to discuss how they’ve built a thriving mortgage broker firm by leveraging the power of apprenticeships and integrating fresh talent into their business by collaborating with companies that specialise in financial services apprenticeships.

Charlotte and Natalie share their innovative approach, emphasising the value of personality and communication skills over formal qualifications and revealing how this strategy has opened doors to various roles including marketing and HR.

They discuss the importance of investing in staff development and recognising potential, even from outside the industry, to create a loyal and well-rounded team. Don’t miss their invaluable advice on nurturing talent and promoting from within to build a cohesive and dedicated workforce.

In episode 109 of the Growth Series podcast, Charlotte Bates and Natalie Wilcox, Directors of BatesWilcox, join our host Adam Parker, Accord BDM, to discuss effective recruitment strategies for brokers. The discussion covers how to navigate the competitive job market, defining recruitment USPs and leveraging technology to streamline the hiring process. Both brokers lean on their extensive experience to offer insights into retention strategies and the importance of creating a positive work environment to keep top talent engaged.

In episode 108 of the Growth Series podcast, Gurpreet Chahal, Corporate Account Manager at Accord speaks with Paul Sherman, Mortgage Proposition Director at the Openwork Partnership, who shares insights on supporting vulnerable customers in the mortgage sector. The conversation explores how brokers can identify and address client needs, recognise various types of vulnerabilities, and build trust with clients. Plus, Paul discusses the comprehensive training and support initiatives by the Openwork Partnership, including establishing power of attorney and simplifying vulnerability reporting, to better serve vulnerable clients and enhance business processes.

In this episode of the Growth Series podcast, Corporate Account Manager Gurpreet Chahal is joined by Giles Smith, Technical Director at SDL Surveying and Simon Jackson, CEO at SDL Surveying, to discuss the critical role brokers play in supporting clients to retrofit homes, aiding the UK's journey towards net zero carbon emissions. 

They explore the complexities of housing contributions to carbon emissions, the need for large-scale retrofitting, the challenges presented by the UK’s old housing stock and the importance of education and skilled tradespeople. The conversation also covers the role of green finance, grants and the necessity for a clear governmental directive to support the retrofit industry, providing brokers with practical advice on how to navigate these challenges and support clients effectively.