Office address: 1 Finkle Street, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1DA
Website: www.1stmortgageservices.co.uk
Year established: 2008
Company type: financial services
Employees: 8
Expertise: remortgages, first time buyer mortgages, buy to let mortgages, divorce finance, adverse credit mortgages, insurance, income protection, critical illness
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Julie Gilbert (founder and owner), Pamela Atkinson (senior adviser), Will Shackleton (senior business executive), Lindsay Stones (adviser), Kim Story (head paraplanner and compliance manager), Karen Phillips (administrator), Callum Chappell (marketing executive)
Financing status: N/A
1st Mortgage Services is a brokerage firm based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire with over 16 years of service. They offer bespoke tailored mortgage, insurance, and moving home advice to a variety of customers. With eight employees and access to 70 lenders, their operations cover Yorkshire and other surrounding areas.
1st Mortgage Services was launched by Julie Gilbert in 2008 during the financial crash, starting in her bedroom and growing since then. Gilbert hired her first employee in 2015, relocating the office to ‘The Shed’ in her garden. Between 2017 and 2019, the team expanded with new advisers and administrators, extending their services to clients in Thirsk, York, Ripon, Harrogate, and beyond.
The continued growth culminated in a move to a head office in the centre of Thirsk in 2021. 1st Mortgage Services continues to leverage its strong customer base and local community involvement to develop its operations. In 2023, the company visited schools to teach young people about professionalism and sponsored a local football club for a whole season.
1st Mortgage Services offers a diverse range of mortgage products and services. These are designed to meet the varying needs of their clients, which include:
first-time buyer mortgages: tailored solutions for first-time buyers to help them navigate the property market with ease
remortgages: options to help clients find better rates or release equity from their homes
buy-to-let mortgages: specialised mortgages for property investors looking to expand their rental portfolios
help to buy mortgages: assistance for clients looking to take advantage of government schemes to purchase new homes
self-employed mortgages: unique mortgage solutions designed for self-employed individuals with diverse income streams
insurance services: comprehensive insurance options to protect clients' investments and personal well-being
mortgage protection: policies to safeguard clients against unforeseen financial difficulties affecting their mortgage payments
Customer satisfaction is central to the operations at 1st Mortgage Services. By maintaining this focus, the firm has developed a loyal client base and a strong team of advisers. This commitment is reflected in their work culture, which also highlights support and training through their academy program.
1st Mortgage Services is committed to community engagement and charitable activities. The company actively supports local initiatives and participates in various fundraising events, emphasising their dedication to making a positive impact in the communities they serve. These include:
climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks to benefit children with brain tumours and their families
participating in the Welcome Way Ultra-marathon for charity
hosting a charity race night at a local pub
sponsoring Northallerton Town FC for a season
collaborating with a local baker to provide Christmas presents for struggling families
Julie Gilbert serves as the owner and founder of 1st Mortgage Services. Since starting her career as a mortgage and insurance adviser in 1998, she has grown the business from the ground up. Known for her dynamic approach and ability to juggle numerous responsibilities, Gilbert has established a business focused on providing straightforward, efficient, and friendly financial advice.
Those who help operate the company are a team of key people, including:
Pamela Atkinson, as a senior mortgage and insurance adviser, ensures clients receive expert advice tailored to their needs
Will Shackleton, a senior business executive, oversees business operations and strategic growth initiatives
Lindsay Stones, serving as mortgage and insurance adviser, provides clients with personalised mortgage solutions
Kim Story, as a head paraplanner to Julie and compliance manager to Pamela, ensures compliance and effective planning
Karen Phillips, an administrator to Julie, Pamela, and Will, supports the team with administrative duties
Callum Chappell, as a marketing executive, manages the company’s marketing strategies and client engagement efforts
1st Mortgage Services remains focused on expanding its presence in the mortgage industry. They introduced their first-ever podcast episode to discuss mortgage-related topics and educate listeners. This strategy seeks to improve their outreach and client engagement while also informing prospective clients.
The promotion of Will Shackleton to become the company’s senior business executive underscores their commitment to internal growth and leadership development. The company states that his dedication has been instrumental in the company's journey from its early days to its current stature. With these initiatives and milestones, the firm is well-positioned for sustained growth and community impact in the future.
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