Accord Mortgages

Office address: Yorkshire House, Yorkshire Drive, Bradford BD5 8LJ 
Website: www.accordmortgages.com  
Year established: 2003 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 100+ 
Expertise: intermediary mortgage lending, residential mortgages, buy to let mortgages, offset mortgages, underwriting, new build lending 
Parent company: Yorkshire Building Society 
Managing Director and key people: Jill Evans (managing director), Cate Hillis (operations director), Christopher Hill (sr. mgr. - intermediary distribution), Rhiannon Adams (business development manager), Nadeem Iqbal (BDM), Claire Chick (regional sales mgr.), Andrew Calder (corporate account mgr.) 
Financing status: N/A   

Accord Mortgages is a mortgage lender based in Bradford, specialising in providing mortgage services exclusively through intermediaries. A subsidiary of Yorkshire Building Society, they focus on enhancing the broker-client relationship through support and simplicity in mortgage processes. With over two decades of service, the company has grown to have over 100 employees, with an operating profit of £179.3 million in 2022.   

History of Accord Mortgages 

Accord Mortgages was founded in 2003 as a lender from the Yorkshire Building Society. Their journey began with a commitment to support brokers and has seen substantial growth, adapting through financial crises and market changes. They prioritise direct access to underwriters and technology-driven solutions to streamline operations.   

Accord Mortgages has consistently prioritised broker relationships and employed a common-sense approach to lending. This approach has enabled it to successfully navigate through various industry challenges and changes, including the credit crunch and recent market fluctuations. In 2022, the company returned to the market with new mortgage products up to 85% LTV, aimed at offering diverse options to brokers and clients. 

Products and Services of Accord Mortgages 

Accord Mortgages have a suite of broker-centric products and services that are designed to meet the needs of its clients. Key offerings include: 

• offset mortgages: allows borrowers to link their savings account balance against their mortgage balance, potentially reducing interest payments 

• buy-to-let mortgages: tailored products for property investment, catering to both new landlords and seasoned investors 

• first time buyers: special products designed to help new buyers step onto the property ladder 

• large loans: offers mortgages for higher borrowing requirements, catering to more substantial property investments   

Culture at Accord Mortgages 

Accord Mortgages is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace, striving to create an environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. This commitment extends to their interactions within the industry, ensuring that all colleagues, brokers, and clients experience dignity and respect. Accord actively participates in various programs and partnerships to enhance diversity and inclusion across the mortgage sector, including: 

• Diversity and Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF) 

• Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) 

• Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI)    

Accord Mortgages demonstrates support to ESG practices, particularly focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Some initiatives and partnerships that Accord Mortgages has engaged in to support their ESG approach include: 

• encouraging green practices among brokers 

• guidance on B-corporation certification 

• participation in the Mortgage Climate Action Group 

• promoting sustainable office practices 

• educational content on sustainability in the mortgage industry through their Growth Series podcast   

About Accord Mortgages Managing Director Jeremy Duncombe and Key People 

Jeremy Duncombe has served as the Managing Director for Accord Mortgages since 2018, bringing extensive experience from previous leadership roles in mortgage distribution. Prior to Accord, Duncombe was the director of mortgages at Legal & General, head of sales at Santander UK, and more. He attended Royds School Rothwell Leeds.  

The people that support Duncombe in operating the company are a team of key individuals, including:   

• Cate Hillis, serves as operations director, overseeing operational strategies and enhancements 

• Christopher Hill, as senior manager - intermediary distribution, manages broker relations and distribution channels 

• Rhiannon Adams is a business development manager who drives business growth through strategic broker engagements  

• Nadeem Iqbal also serves as a business development manager, focusing on strategic broker engagements to expand the company’s operations 

• Claire Chick, as the regional sales manager, is primarily engaged in devising and implementing regional sales strategies 

• Andrew Calder, serving as the corporate account manager, is tasked with overseeing and nurturing relationships with corporate clients 

The Future at Accord Mortgages 

Accord Mortgages is actively investing in technology and developing its product offerings to adapt to changing market demands and enhance broker-client interactions. Recent initiatives include the launch of their Client Hub and the expansion of their mortgage product lines to cater to underserved borrowers. These developments are part of their broader strategy to remain competitive and responsive to the needs of both brokers and clients. 

Accord Mortgages has decided to relax its affordability calculations specifically for energy-efficient, or "green," homes. This change reflects an effort to support environmental sustainability, potentially making it easier for borrowers to buy energy-efficient properties and secure financing. This move aligns with wider trends in the mortgage industry towards encouraging eco-friendly home ownership, placing the company in a more favourable market position.