The Mortgage Introducer Awards are more than simply one, glittering night of celebration - winning can raise the profile of a business or an individual, as the boss of a firm that's previously triumphed explains
With nominations open for The Mortgage Introducer Awards, Gregor McMeechan and his team have felt for themselves the difference that winning can make.
Named as Broker Firm of the Year (Up to 10 Advisers) at last year’s awards, Malleny Mortgage Solutions, based in Edinburgh has enjoyed greater recognition thanks to the accolade.
“This award certainly helped boost our profile, particularly locally and especially amongst property and finance professionals in Scotland,” reflected McMeechan (pictured), who is mortgage and protection consultant / managing director at the firm.
“It was lovely for the team to get this recognition from our peers,” he enthused. “We also didn’t expect to win given the very high quality of the other finalists, so we were an absolutely delighted to find out that we had won.”
McMeechan must have felt particular pride at receiving the award, having owned Malleny Mortgage Solutions until 2015.
“I started through buying buy-tolets and wanting to do my own mortgages,” he shared. “Friends kept asking me to help so I thought if I can do mine and for friends then that would be helpful. That grew quickly into a business alongside the letting agency I already had.”
With his extensive experience, McMeechan is well placed to give his view on the market currently.
“They are worrying times for borrowers who have never seen higher rates,” he noted, adding sagely: “Using a broker will help them to get the best deal. My view is that the rates will drop back again a bit over the next couple of years as inflation is brought under control and other macro-economic factors settle down, eg Brixton, Ukraine, Covid.”
So, as the managing director of an award-winning mortgage business, what was his advice for other brokers, trying to succeed in an uncertain market?
“Plan ahead,” McMeechan suggested. “Communicate with clients in between deals with newsletters, annual reviews, social media so that when they need help, they think of you. Build relationships with referral partners and get your renewals lined up.”
“Providing a complete service by looking after the family and referral opportunities will help clients stick on the books.”
He added: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
There is a fresh chance to be named among the most talented people within the mortgage industry, with the nominations currently open for The Mortgage Introducer Awards 2023.
The annual awards showcase excellence in the UK mortgage industry, recognising the achievements of mortgage lenders, distributors, brokers, and individuals. With 28 categories to shie a light on the brightest and the best of the mortgage world, sponsored by big name brands, the awards are a career-defining opportunity to promote yourself or your colleagues – and to be noticed.
You can nominate anyone within your team or your organisation – you can put yourself forward too.
The 2023 awards feature a broad range of categories, including Best Buy-to-Let Lender, Best Specialist Lender, Private Bank of the Year, and Mortgage Network of the Year. The awards also recognise individual achievements, with categories such as Innovator Champion of the Year and Rising Star of the Year.
Hundreds of professionals will attend the biggest evening of the mortgage industry calendar, this year at Royal Lancaster in London, on Tuesday November 28. All will be eager to find out who has scooped the top honours. The event truly is a unique opportunity for professionals in the mortgage industry to come together, network, and celebrate their successes.
McMeechan confided that he and his colleagues at Malleny Mortgage Solutions enjoyed a “cheeky wee celebration” to mark their success. He was clear in his advice for others considering putting themselves forward for this year’s awards - or considering nominating someone else. “Do it!” he urged.
To get involved and to make your mark on the awards go to:
https://www.mortgageintroducerawards.com/nominate/
But you need to hurry - nominations close on August 11!
