Which locations and how many advisers and broker firms do you cover in your role at Ecology Building Society?
Ecology has been very active in signing up with broker panels since our BDM roles were created last year, so we tend to each look after specific clubs and networks, and then share any other inquiries that come in.
What personal skill is most valuable in doing your job?
Listening carefully is really valuable – it’s the foundation for communicating honestly and being able to deliver on promises. From there, you gain confidence from intermediary partners and build trust-based relationships.
What personal talent/skill would you most like to improve on?
I’m working on being better at strategic questioning, to open up conversations. It helps you uncover hidden pain points, and decision-making criteria, ultimately adding value to brokers and their clients.
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What’s the hardest part of your job?
When we’re unable to accommodate a client’s circumstances. At Ecology, we dare to be different and welcome the unusual, especially with our conversion product. However, unfortunately, there will be some occasions when there won’t be a way forward. Being unable to support these cases is tough.
What do you love most about your job?
Knowing you’re helping people into homeownership, and the fact that our lending supports more sustainable living. We’re known for self-build, so seeing clients build their dream home – seeing that come to fruition off the back of initial plans and ideas – is really rewarding.
Are there any (popular) misconceptions about your job/role?
That it’s just sales. Many people think a BDM only ‘sells’ products or services, but the role is more about building relationships, spotting opportunities, and adding long-term value. Sales is a part of it, but strategy and relationship-building are equally important.
What’s the best bit of career-related advice you’ve ever been given? Who gave it to you?
“You don’t know what you don’t know” is a piece of advice I will always remember, given to me by my regional manager, John Scrivens, when I was a BDM at Skipton. It’s a reminder of the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and seeking guidance to learn more and strengthen relationships as a BDM.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Whatever jobs I’ve had, they’ve always been about people. I couldn’t do a job that didn’t involve that human interaction and the satisfaction of making a difference to people.
How do you keep up to date with developments in the market?
I find conversations with brokers offer the most insight into the market. They are the ones dealing directly with clients, so they provide valuable feedback on trends and challenges. I use other resources such as news articles and LinkedIn, which is a great growing platform.
What is the most quirky/unique property deal you’ve been involved in?
Since joining Ecology, there have been several weird and wonderful cases we’ve offered on with our conversion mortgage. An old World War II bunker was one of my favourites.
What was your motivation for choosing this career?
I love helping people. Helping people purchase or build their dream home – it doesn’t get much better than that.
If you could do any other job in the property sector, what would it be and why?
A mortgage broker. I think I would enjoy working closely with clients, understanding their circumstances and finding the most appropriate lender and product that meets their needs.
What did you want to be growing up?
A vet. I’m a big animal lover.
Where do you see yourself in five years or How do you think your job will change in five years?
I think the BDM role is likely to evolve through more data-driven decision-making. Although I prefer the role to be more personal, I think the increase of artificial intelligence (AI) tools will be used more widely in the role to identify opportunities, etc. At the same time, client service expectations may continue to change, which will affect brokers and lenders.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time manipulation – I’d love to be able to press pause for a while and for life to slow down.
What do you do to unwind?
I love being outdoors with four-legged friends. Or spending time with family. I have two young nephews and a niece (and another niece on the way) who keep me on my toes.
What is your greatest skill(s), either work- or non-work-related?
Listening. I love to listen – it’s so important because it shows you genuinely care and value someone’s thoughts and feelings. It gives people space to express themselves, feel understood, and work through problems without judgement.
Outside work, I’m pretty good at baking.
And finally, what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
Probably some of the questions above – thought-provoking.
