Office address: 2 Napier Court, Gander Lane, Derbyshire S43 4PZ
Website: www.mortgage1st.co.uk
Year established: 2008
Company type: financial services
Employees: 40+
Expertise: first-time buyer mortgages, moving home mortgages, remortgages, buy to let mortgages, help to buy, right to buy, home improvement loans, debt consolidation, mortgage protection life insurance, general insurance
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Jon Stones (managing director), Lisa Stones (operations director), John Wileman (head of adviser development), Paul Lewis (head of partnerships), Dave Corbett (head of protection), Hollie Kilraine (head of processing), Faye Dawson (adviser development manager)
Financing status: N/A
Mortgage 1st is a mortgage brokerage firm based in Derbyshire, offering mortgage solutions and advice to a diverse clientele. Registered to operate in England and Wales, the company collaborates with 80 different lenders. The firm employs over 40 dedicated staff members.
Mortgage 1st was founded by Jon Stones in 2008, consistently expanding its operations in the mortgage industry. In 2014, they moved into a larger office in Chesterfield to accommodate their growing team. By 2019, the team had doubled, prompting another office relocation to Renishaw.
In 2020, Mortgage 1st launched their own training academy to develop new talent. In 2022, they partnered with Estate Agent British Home Sellers as a mortgage referral partner, further broadening their reach. In 2023, Mortgage 1st acquired Peak Mortgages & Protection, enhancing their service offerings and market presence.
Mortgage 1st provides a comprehensive range of mortgage products and services. Key offerings include:
first-time buyer mortgages: tailored solutions to help first-time buyers navigate the complexities of securing their first home
moving home mortgages: options designed to make the process of moving home as smooth and cost-effective as possible
remortgages: services to help clients find better mortgage rates or release equity from their property
buy to let mortgages: specialised mortgages for those looking to invest in rental properties
help to buy: guidance and mortgage products aligned with government Help to Buy schemes
right to buy: mortgage options for tenants looking to purchase their rented council home
home improvement loans: financing options for homeowners planning renovations or improvements
debt consolidation: solutions to help clients manage their debts by consolidating them into a single mortgage payment
mortgage protection: products designed to protect clients' mortgage payments in case of unforeseen circumstances
Mortgage 1st promotes and supports its team members in undertaking various challenges throughout the year to raise funds for both local and national charities. The team, whether working individually or collectively, is committed to contributing to charitable initiatives. Community and charity involvement activities include:
participating in abseiling events
running 10k races
competing in muddy obstacle courses
engaging in a cage fight for charity
hosting an annual office bake-off
celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice through a football tournament
Mortgage 1st is dedicated to the ongoing growth and development of their team. They promote a supportive work environment, upheld by employee benefits that aim to improve the staff’s wellbeing and productivity. Adviser opportunities at the firm offer several benefits, including:
attractive commission splits
complete case administration managed for you
flexibility and autonomy in your role
positive company culture
absence of micromanagement
extensive support in compliance, sales processes, lead generation, and social media
work options: WFH, Derbyshire office, or both
Mortgage 1st is committed to promoting gender equality and supporting women in finance. They strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace, empowering women as their mission. Initiatives and accomplishments include:
calls for action to accelerate women's equality
strives for an equal and diverse team
57% of the team is women
participation in Legal & General Mortgage Club's Women’s Key Partner Forum
encourages young women to choose careers in financial services
Mortgage 1st values dedication, professionalism, fun, and respect as part of their core principles as a company. Their mission is to become one of the largest broker firms in the UK, renowned for their expertise, customer care, and team satisfaction. Their purpose is to deliver high-quality service to customers while fostering career development opportunities in a supportive setting.
Jon Stones has served as the managing director of Mortgage 1st since 2008. He is also a mortgage and protection adviser and the company owner. Stones earned a financial planning certificate 1, 2, 3, and CeMAP, bringing expertise in account management, insurance, financial services, and business development, among others.
Key people assisting Stones in operating the company is a team of professionals. These include:
Lisa Stones, as an operations director, oversees the daily operations and ensures the company runs smoothly
John Wileman, head of adviser development, manages the training and growth of mortgage advisers
Paul Lewis, as head of partnerships, cultivates and maintains relationships with key partners
Dave Corbett, head of protection, leads the team in providing mortgage protection solutions
Hollie Kilraine, serving as head of processing, ensures efficient processing of mortgage applications
Faye Dawson, an adviser development manager, supports the professional growth and development of advisers
Mortgage 1st continues to innovate and introduce new strategies as part of their plan to grow their financial and operational capacities. They have been approved as a broker for the Own New scheme, allowing them to assist more clients in purchasing new build homes.
Recently, they launched a sister brand, Protection1st, focusing on protection advice and products, which signifies a strategic expansion into the protection market. These initiatives demonstrate Mortgage 1st’s commitment to broadening its services and maintaining a competitive advantage in the industry.
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