Brokers and lenders celebrate as the list is unveiled
In a market that continues to be challenging – even with the welcome tumbling of interest rates over recent months – it is truly uplifting to be able to celebrate the huge talent that makes up the mortgage industry. And so, with a huge fanfare, the excellence awardees at this year’s Mortgage Introducer Awards are today finally revealed.
The roll-call of industry names who are named as finalists, ahead of a glittering gala on Tuesday, November 26, highlights the very best in the profession and have been carefully selected from the many, many businesses and individuals who were put forward for the 2024 awards.
In just eight weeks’ time, they will find out if they have scooped the ultimate honour of taking the title in each category, when the winners are announced before a packed audience at the prestigious venue, 8 Northumberland Avenue in London.
With the addition of two brand new categories this year - Mortgage Industry Employer of Choice and Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I ) – there are 29 hotly contested awards to be announced at one of the biggest nights in the mortgage calendar. The wide-ranging honours include Rising Star (Lenders and Service Providers), Bridging Lender of the Year, Innovator Champion of the Year, GI / Protection Provider of the Year, and Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service - and not forgetting our highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Who are the Mortgage Introducer Awards excellence awardees?
Ajay Nayyar, mortgage & protection adviser and managing director of Hearthstone Mortgages, feels honoured to be an excellence awardee in the category for Broker of the Year (Individual Award), against the backdrop of what has been a challenging period for the profession.
“This market has been incredibly tough, with constant lender criteria changes, goalposts shifting, valuers seemingly making things up as they go, and solicitors dragging their feet without even acknowledging it,” Nayyar (pictured left) told Mortgage Introducer.
“Writing over 30 mortgages a month in this environment hasn’t been easy, so to finally receive recognition for my dedication to my clients, feels amazing.”
Similarly, Sarah Tucker, founder & CEO of The Mortgage Mum, is “absolutely thrilled” to be a finalist for Broker Firm of the Year (11 to 50 Advisers).
“It’s been a huge time of change for The Mortgage Mum, and a pivotal time in the mortgage industry,” said Tucker (pictured second from left). “As a team we have had to be resilient in the face of a turbulent market. We’ve continued to educate and be a positive voice for our clients, and so it’s amazing to be recognised and feel ‘seen’.
“It’s also a wonderful way to finish my first year back from maternity leave - a role I have navigated as MD, and now CEO, of the business – and hopefully it proves to other women in the industry that having a baby doesn’t have to stop any progress you’re making in your business.”
Family Building Society is among those recognised in the Later Life Lender of the Year, Mortgage Lender of the Year and Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) categories.
“With the mortgage market having faced tough challenges from rising interest rates and economic pressures over the past year, being recognised for our commitment to providing flexible, affordable solutions for the over-50s really means a lot,” said its head of intermediary sales, Darren Deacon (pictured second from right). “We’ve worked hard to support our brokers with the right tools and guidance to navigate this climate. On top of that, sponsoring the Woman of Distinction category is a real honour, as we celebrate the incredible women making waves in our industry and continue to push for a more inclusive future.”
Read more: AI is dangerous for the mortgage industry – Robert Sinclair
Who chooses the winners of the Mortgage Introducer Awards?
With so much talent in the mortgage industry, carefully analysing the entries and shortlisting only the very best is no easy task. But, it is a rewarding one for the judges - a team of high level industry professionals, which includes Robert Sinclair, chief executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, and Adam Tyler, executive director of FIBA, the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association, as well as Sally Wright, national account manager of Paragon Bank. They are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the most deserving nominations are acknowledged with honours.
One of the judges, Jeff Knight, director of Grey Matter Marketing Solutions, commented: “The mortgage market continues to present challenges and this will not relent as we face up to an uncertain economic backdrop. Therefore, giving people recognition for their hard and important work they do is so timely, as recognition is an important motivator. There is an abundance of talent in the industry who deserve to win something at the Mortgage Introducer Awards, which will be held at a timely moment I feel.
The awards are affirming too for the awards’ sponsors, who are highly engaged with the event.
“We believe in recognising the contribution that lenders, distributors, brokers and individuals make in helping customers achieve their property ambitions,” said Tanya Elmaz (pictured right), directory of intermediary sales at sponsor Together. “The event is a great way to reflect on the achievements of the year, connect with peers and celebrate the outstanding talent within our industry.”
Steve Goodall, managing director of e.surv, which sponsors the Broker Firm of the Year (51+ Advisers), observed: “Recognising excellence in the mortgage industry is vital, and this event highlights the outstanding achievements of those driving the sector forward.”
Congratulations to all our finalists – and the very best of luck on the big night itself, on November 26! The full list of excellence awardees can be seen here.
