What is your role and how long have you worked in financial services?
My name is El Deane. I am an inclusive mortgage adviser specialising in providing advice to the LGBTQ+ community in the UK. I have access to a comprehensive panel of lenders, and I do not charge a broker fee. I have worked in financial services for one year.
Tell us about your firm and why it was set up.
Andrew Johnson (known as Andy to some people) launched Yes Mortgage Services Limited in April 2014, having previously spent 25 years in the British Army as a professional musician.
Andy has, at the heart of Yes Mortgage Services, cultivated a culture of inclusion and respect for all clients regardless of identity and background, and that is reflected in the ethos and industry-recognised work delivered by the small team of self-employed mortgage advisers that proudly work under the Yes Mortgage Services umbrella.
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Tell us about the people behind the firm.
We have a team of kind, patient, professional mortgage advisers who know that respect comes first, and business follows. We have been recognised for a number of industry awards, and recently as a safe space for mortgage advice for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in the UK. Our diligent work is recognised in over 343 verified Google reviews.
It is my goal to serve the community and ensure a safe, friendly and accessible space, as I understand life as an LGBTQ+ individual and family comes in all different shapes and sizes.
It is my hope that no couple has to experience discomfort when navigating the unique challenges that the LGBTQ+ community may potentially face when accessing mortgage advice, because discrimination – whether overt or subtle – still exists in many sectors of society, including within the estate agency and financial services industries.
What challenges does the LGBTQ+ community face when accessing mortgage finance?
The LGBTQ+ community may potentially face higher hurdles in securing mortgages compared to the wider non-LGBTQ+ community: discrimination and a failure of information systems to capture titles and genders beyond binary terms. We aim to recognise that every family is unique, and we are committed to creating a welcoming environment where all household structures are understood and respected, taking the time to listen and ensure that your individual circumstances are fully appreciated, and trying to ensure you feel supported throughout your financial journey.
Why is it important to have a brand that exists and makes its support for the community front and centre?
Visibility is key because safety is key: in my experience, if there isn’t a sign that a business is inclusive or LGBTQ+ friendly, I am unsure if it is for me and whether I am safe from discrimination if I utilise those services.
Figuratively flying the flag with high-reaching SEO, social media visibility, and visibility within the community at Pride events and networking events means we can reach as many members of the community as possible to ensure that professional mortgage advice is accessible.
What gaps are in the wider mortgage advice sector that your firm is filling?
A safe space free from discrimination: that is the gap in the market that myself and the team at Yes Mortgage Services Limited are filling.
How do you advocate for the LGBTQ+ community outside of advice?
I champion LGBTQ+ owned and run businesses across the UK in a monthly regional business networking event, and a UK-wide online networking event for an LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, for which I am a regional facilitator.
I am an active member of LGBTQ+ focused social groups for outdoor pursuits, music and socialising. Personally, I proudly connect and fly the flag for friends, makers, creatives and business owners within the community who are doing great things.
What more can the mortgage sector do to support the LGBTQ+ community?
At the bare minimum, meet basic legal obligations to ensure a workplace free of discrimination for staff and clients.
In what ways has the mortgage sector been successful at being inclusive of those from the LGBTQ+ community?
We are passionate about making inclusive mortgage advice accessible to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s fantastic to see other financial professionals working towards the same goal. Every firm that offers a welcoming space makes a real difference, and we’re proud to be part of that movement.
