Previous winner applauds the awards for recognising smaller broker firms
The search is on for Scotland’s broker of the year at The Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards, with a previous winner praising the event for recognising the industry’s smaller businesses.
The Broker of the Year is just one of the categories at the awards, which are presented by Mortgage Introducer and its parent company KM Business Information. It is open to all broker firms, of any size.
The winner will join a roll call of highly deserving previous winners, including MacKenzie Mortgages, owned by Helen MacKenzie (pictured).
She has been working in the industry for nearly 20 years and launched her own business in 2008, before winning Best Broker - Highlands & Islands, in 2019 & 2021.
“We had never won an award before and often thought an award was out of our reach as we are a small broker business,” MacKenzie reflected. “But we were excited to discover we were nominated and overwhelmed when we won, especially as the awards were voted for by our wonderful customers - that meant so much more to us.
“On both occasions we didn’t know we had been nominated until Mortgage Introducer got in touch and that’s how we became involved with the Scottish Mortgage Awards. We are very grateful to Mortgage Introducer for bringing the awards to Scotland and recognising the value and contribution of smaller local businesses in the industry.”
What makes a winning broker?
This year’s winning broker firm needs to specialise in the region and have a deep understanding of the unique opportunities it provides. Nominees should be able to explain how possessing exceptional industry experience and knowledge, while providing a seamless and personable customer service experience, has contributed to business growth over the past 12 months.
MacKenzie Mortgages certainly met this criteria.
“I am a sole trader and sole mortgage adviser,” MacKenzie explained. “We are based in our wonderful local community of Muir of Ord, in the Scottish Highlands, and offer our clients an independent advice service relating to mortgages and protection products.
“We prefer to offer a bespoke personalised service, tailored to our customers’ individual needs and circumstances. We also help guide them through the house buying process and help customers that wish to remortgage, change their interest rate, buy or build their dream home, buy rental property, second/holiday homes, raise additional funds and all related insurances.”
MacKenzie added: “The most fulfilling aspect is helping our customers achieve their aspiration of owning their own home and knowing we have helped to make their lives a bit better. It’s always humbling when our lovely customers take time to contact us to express their thanks.”
When is the Scottish Mortgage Summit and Awards?
Returning on Thursday, May 30, at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, The Scottish Mortgage Summit and Awards will recognise the vital service that Scotland’s mortgage industry provides.
The awards are a superb opportunity to gather with colleagues in a fabulous setting, and celebrate those for whom exceptional dedication and service are integral to their day-to-day roles. It provides, too, a chance to strengthen professional ties still further, through a dedicated summit to consider the pressing issues facing the industry today. The full agenda for the summit will be revealed in March.
“We have attended more than one event, and thoroughly recommend attending,” shared MacKenzie. “It’s very enjoyable and very well organised – a fantastic opportunity to come together, build connections, not just with other brokers, but also business managers from the lenders.”
The awards have helped raise the profile of her business.
“Our customers even got in touch to send their congratulations, which makes it all worthwhile,” said MacKenzie. “Our local and business press were very interested and keen to write our story when we won, providing us with free publicity.
“As we were nominated and voted for by our customers, many of our recommendations come from their referrals also, so it has helped to provide reassurance to new customers they are dealing with a company they can trust to provide them with the best advice.”
Why should brokers enter The Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards?
MacKenzie is clear that her industry colleagues should apply.
“We would highly recommend entering the awards,” she enthused. “It’s a fantastic way to not only help promote your valuable services, especially in the challenging times we have all faced in this industry, but provide the recognition that all good brokers and hard-working people in our industry deserve, while ensuring your customers know they are being looked after well by people who go the extra mile to help them.
“Mortgage Introducer has given our industry in Scotland this unique opportunity, which helps to focus on not just larger organisations in the industry, but smaller local businesses who provide valuable services in local communities and beyond.”
More than 20 categories at this year’s awards will highlight the brightest and the best of the profession, including coveted titles such as Best Overall Broker in Scotland, Broker of the Year (Regional), BDM of the Year, Protection Provider of the Year, Later Life Lender of the Year, New Brokerage of the Year and the renowned Lifetime Achievement Award. You can nominate yourself, your colleagues, or your organisation, in as many categories as you wish.
Nominations are underway, so to find out more, go to the Scottish Mortgage Awards website for the opportunity to get involved on a night to remember.
