What are the Change Makers?
Launched in 2022, Change Makers recognises brilliant individuals who are delivering either diversity & inclusion or sustainability initiatives to make our industry fairer, more balanced, or more environmentally conscious. An initiative will be beyond the regular day-to-day role and will provide positive change for their business, customers, or the wider industry.
There is no list of finalists or one eventual winner. We are seeking to showcase individuals who can demonstrate that they have developed an initiative within their business or the wider industry in the last 12 months, they will be recognised at The British Mortgage Awards on 2nd July 2026.
The impact of an initiative may be relatively small, or it could have a far-reaching impact across a significant part of the market. The impact of the initiative will be reviewed comparably to the size of the business to ensure that individuals from all size of business can demonstrate the good work being done.
Our Change Makers will have shown evidence of how they contribute to limiting climate change or have promoted the green agenda, or they may have programmes or policies to encourage inclusivity and the representation of diverse groups across gender, race and ethnicity, ability and disability, religion, culture, age and sexual orientation, both within their own business and also within the advice process and client engagement.
Nominations for Change Makers are now open and will close on Friday 12th June 2026.
We have to contribute towards creating an environment in all companies where people can be their true selves and to showcase trailblazers so they can become role models and inspire the next generation of diversity.
We need to attract more people of all gender, race, ethnicity and minority groups to the market and improve their mobility within the market. Of equal importance is our contribution to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and keeping global warming below +1.5 °C. There is a reality that over 20% of all carbon emissions in the UK are generated from UK housing and we have a significant part to play in improving sustainability.
There will be no single outright winner for the Change Makers, we want to give recognition to all individuals who can demonstrate that they have developed an initiative within their business or the wider industry in the last 12 months.
Nominations
You can nominate yourself or an individual, all we need is 3 reasons why they deserve to win, the nomination must relate to a sustainability or a diversity & inclusion initiative they have undertaken in the last year.
Please provide details of the sustainability or diversity & inclusion initiative(s) the nominee has delivered in the last 12 months which has made a positive contribution to your business, your customers, or the wider market by way of improving policy and standards, customer care, environmental awareness, or diversity & inclusion.
Some examples may include:
-Reducing the carbon footprint of your business
-Offsetting carbon emissions with tree planting
-Offering bespoke services to ensure accessibility for all customers from any minority group (e.g. physically disabled, neurodiverse, vulnerable)
-Policies to encourage and support greater diversity in the workforce
-Flexible working patterns to promote fair support for all (e.g. Returning to work after maternity leave, mobility or disability, menopause)
Shortlisting
If you have self-nominated, we will be in touch once your application has been approved to request a headshot from you.
Please email neve.mcmahon@ae3media.co.uk if you need any support or have any questions.
All Change Makers will be recognised at The British Mortgage Awards on 2nd July 2026.
Nominations for Change Makers are now open and will close on Friday 12th June 2026.
With over 30 years in financial services, Jason has played a major role in Crystal’s award-winning growth since joining in 2020. He is also a passionate advocate for wellbeing across the mortgage sector through his work with MIMHC.
Jason began his career as a financial adviser in 1991 before moving into senior leadership roles. At Platform Home Loans, he led the sales division through the 2008 financial crisis, strengthening credit risk management and helping return the business to profitability. He later joined Uinsure as director of sales, where he helped the fintech insurer become an award-winning market leader and grow its general insurance market share to 35%.
Today, Jason is recognised as a respected industry voice, combining commercial expertise with a strong commitment to mental health and positive cultural change.
Donna Brenchley is chief transformation officer at MAB, where she has spent more than 20 years helping drive business and cultural change across the organisation. Known for her collaborative leadership style, humour and passion for developing others, Donna is a strong advocate for women in financial services. She believes the best leaders empower people to find their voice, back themselves and grow with confidence.
With more than 24 years’ experience in the intermediary mortgage sector, Tracie Burton is a senior corporate account manager at HSBC UK, leading the high value mortgage team and working closely with key industry partners across the UK.
Alongside her corporate role, Tracie is passionate about driving positive change across the mortgage industry, particularly in diversity and inclusion and supporting those entering the industry for the first time. She is actively involved in initiatives that encourage greater representation, collaboration and engagement across financial services, helping people feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive within the sector.
Tracie also supports HSBC UK’s Intermediary Sustainability Action Group and is committed to helping create a more inclusive, balanced and future-focused industry for both colleagues and customers alike.
Gurpreet Chahal is regional sales manager for Accord Mortgages, where he leads a team of 11 business development managers.
He is also the co‑founder of South Asian Mortgage Professionals & Allies Network (SAMPAN), an initiative established to address under representation, create role models and drive meaningful change across the mortgage industry through inclusion, allyship and collaboration.
Alongside this, Gurpreet is a member of the Working in Mortgages (WIM) Steering Committee and the Diversity in Finance Forum (DIFF) Steering Committee, reflecting a strong personal commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the industry.
Jana is a mortgage broker and director at BTJ Mortgages with over 13 years of experience helping people navigate the UK property market with confidence. Originally from Latvia, she understands firsthand the challenges that international clients can face when building a life in a new country and navigating an unfamiliar financial system. This has inspired her passion for supporting foreign and international customers, making the mortgage process feel more approachable, transparent and less overwhelming.
Jana is committed to building trust, breaking barriers and creating a supportive, people-first experience where every client feels understood and empowered.
With over two decades of experience in financial services, Hazvi has developed a strong reputation for guiding individuals, families, and businesses through the complexities of property acquisition with clarity, integrity, and confidence. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the belief that opportunity can be created through knowledge and persistence.
Hazvi is the author of Building Property Wealth Without Privilege, a practical and empowering book that challenges the notion that property investment is only accessible to a select few. Drawing from real-life experience, she provides readers with actionable insights, strategies, and the mindset needed to build wealth through property, regardless of their starting point.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hazvi is deeply committed to community work. She is actively involved in charity work through Kura for Young People CIC and is passionate about mentoring young people, particularly migrant children and young people from marginalised backgrounds by helping them build confidence, ambition, and a sense of direction. Her work as a community leader reflects her dedication to giving back and creating pathways for others to succeed.
Gemma is responsible for driving propositional change for Nationwide and The Mortgage Works. This involves working with the intermediary community to obtain feedback, as well as attending meetings, boards and working groups, influencing change that benefits the financial community by improving service and proposition.
She joined Nationwide in December 2014 as an Area Manager in Direct Distribution and has also been a Business Development Manager. Before joining Nationwide, she was an Area Manager for both Connells and Countrywide, following completion of a Financial Services Degree.
Gemma Cuff is the founder of Gemstone Mortgages, a Colchester-based brokerage established in 2016. With a strong background in property and financial services, she set out to create a more personal and supportive mortgage experience, placing clients at the heart of every decision. Under her leadership, the business has grown into a successful, all-female team dedicated to guiding clients through every stage of their mortgage journey, with a strong belief that her team sits at the very centre of the company’s success and values.
Phil has worked in financial services for over 20 years having started with a lender, working through all departments and teams, including branch management, mortgage advising, underwriting, mortgage processing, finally settling on business development, and propositional development.
SimplyBiz Mortgages was one of his first key accounts and he has supported and been a supporter of the club ever since.
After time understanding how a lender works, Phil moved to work with Mortgage Brain, focusing on its corporate relationships, with the aim of ensuring advisers are getting the best out of technology.
When Phil first joined Simplybiz mortgages, it was to support and develop the team into a post-covid new intermediary landscape. Phil works very closely with lenders and providers to deliver plans and aspirations to Simplybiz Mortgage Club, for the benefit of members and clients alike.
Rachel is a Senior Policy Adviser at the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), bringing over eight years of experience in financial services, primarily within the mortgage lending sector. She joined AMI in 2023.
Rachel previously led Working in Mortgages, a joint careers, diversity, and inclusion initiative between AMI and IMLA.
Currently, she heads the Green Mortgage Advice Initiative, a key project designed to support intermediaries in navigating green finance and sustainability issues.
Rachel also contributes to AMI’s work on broader industry issues, including AI, technology innovation, and cybersecurity in financial services.
Rachel Eason-Whale is a transformational leader in the financial services industry, recognised for her unwavering commitment to driving positive change and achieving exceptional outcomes.
She has over 15 years of experience at L&C and holds an executive role on the Women in Protection Network.
Rachel’s remarkable journey includes establishing the customer care function at L&C in 2017, leading the retention and claims team, and becoming L&C’s vulnerability strategic lead.
Her current role as head of impact and inclusion showcases her dedication to shaping a more equitable and inclusive industry. She leads key initiatives in diversity, equity, inclusion, customer vulnerability, sustainability, wellbeing and community impact.
Her outstanding contributions were celebrated in 2025 where she was recognised as a Mortgage Solutions Change Maker and Trailblazer of the year by Barclays. This year, she won Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion of the Year 2026 at the Cover Women in Protection and Health Awards.
As a trusted voice for customers, colleagues, and industry peers, Rachel’s work bridges the gaps between business priorities and human impact. She inspires others to champion positive outcomes and collaborates for a better future where everyone can truly thrive.
Lucy is the senior compliance coach at New Leaf Distribution and alongside this, is an ambassador for Women in New Leaf.
Lucy is very passionate about both these roles and organises and leads the women’s events, creating spaces for connection, development and collaboration.
Natalie Ellis is the founder and director of Steel City Mortgages, a firm which is rapidly building a reputation for its relentless commitment to clients and communities alike.
Known for leading with tenacity, Natalie and the team are passionate about helping people create stronger futures through honest support, guidance, and action.
Beyond mortgages, she is focused on driving meaningful social impact by supporting campaigns, community initiatives, and projects that rebuild communities rather than divide them. Natalie believes the financial industry has the power and responsibility to create lasting change within the wider economy and society.
Atlyn Forde is an inclusion consultant, speaker and co-founder of the Black Mortgage Professionals and Allies Network (BMPAN). Alongside her contracted role as inclusion strategist at Pepper Money, Atlyn works with other financial services organisations to build more inclusive workplace cultures, improve representation and create equitable career pathways.
Through industry partnerships, events and strategic inclusion initiatives, Atlyn is helping drive meaningful change across the mortgage sector.
Kate is an award-winning mortgage adviser renowned for her friendly and approachable style, delivering clear and impactful advice. With a deep commitment to empowering others, she not only supports her clients through every step of the mortgage process but also passionately mentors fellow advisers, helping them to flourish in their careers.
As the founder of the Mortgages for Women community, Kate has created a powerful platform dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering women in the mortgage industry. Her mission is to instil confidence and inspire success among women, making a significant impact as a leader in the field.
As Group Head of Sustainability, Karina leads the development and implementation of the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, ensuring alignment with both business objectives and core values. She brings years of experience in change and project management, with a proven track record of leveraging digital transformation to improve operational performance.
Aleka Gutzmore is a financial empowerment advocate, community builder, mortgage intermediary broker and co-founder of The Black Mortgage Professionals and Allies Network (BMPAN) — an initiative dedicated to driving inclusive, equal, and equitable change across the mortgage industry.
Passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered, Aleka brings together conversations about money, equality, faith and community in a way that is warm, accessible and actionable.
Known for her ability to connect people and inspire meaningful dialogue, Aleka is committed to increasing representation, visibility and opportunities for underrepresented groups within financial services. Through BMPAN and her wider work, she continues to champion authentic leadership, celebrate trailblazers and encourage the next generation of diverse professionals to thrive confidently within the industry.
Ricki Hale is an award-winning senior leader in the mortgage industry, recognised for driving positive cultural change and championing inclusive leadership.
Named a Mortgage Solutions Change Maker 2025, a Top 10 Future Leader at the British LGBT Awards 2025, and included in the Pride in Finance Rising Star List 2026, Ricki is passionate about creating environments where people feel empowered to succeed.
Ricki brings a strong track record in leading hybrid mortgage advice and contact centre operations: successfully driving digital transformation, building high-performing teams, elevating customer experience, and delivering results through people-first leadership.
Peter has a background in marketing, and has responsibility for Zurich’s engagement in life industry issues. He is involved in consumer and regulatory developments in the protection and broader financial services market, chairs The Investment and Life Assurance Group Limited (ILAG) board, and is a member of the ABI Health and Protection, and BIBA’s Access to Insurance committee.
From 2021 to 2025, he was the disability and access ambassador for the insurance industry, a post that reports through to the Disability Unit in the Cabinet Office.
Richard joined Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) as chief executive officer in January 2024.
Bringing more than 20 years’ financial services leadership experience, Richard has established a strong track record for helping businesses evolve and grow, by delivering clear strategies and creating successful partnerships.
Richard joined SBG from Wesleyan Assurance Society, where he held the position of chief distribution officer, prior to which he had led different businesses in HSBC, NatWest and Skipton Building Society.
Vikki leads the growth of L&G’s presence and influence in retail markets, shaping strategy for its distribution proposition development. She heads up market development, regional performance, business development, learning and development, optimisation, and CRM teams, spanning the entire L&G product range.
Before joining L&G, Vikki spent six years at LSL, serving as proposition director across its network brands in both the intermediated protection and mortgage markets. She led proposition development from both commercial and regulatory perspectives, while also overseeing the product governance and product desk teams.
Her wider remit included leading internal colleague engagement at LSL’s network, PRIMIS, and contributing to cross-industry forums and committees focused on diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and climate action.
Vikki’s role at LSL followed its 2018 acquisition of Personal Touch Financial Services, which she had joined in 2013. Prior to that, she spent 14 years at Endsleigh Insurance, where she built deep industry expertise through roles in sales management, business development, and product design.
Will is responsible for the operational management of the entire Brightstar Group, including Sirius Finance and Solstar Insurance. He leads on all matters financial, human resources, technology and operational. He works relentlessly to champion a proactive environment ensuring that the group operations remain resilient in an ever-changing market and driving efficiencies in its working practices.
Will’s background is steeped in politics, with more than 13 years spanning leadership and campaign roles with Brentwood Borough Council and the Conservative Party, including a year as deputy leader of the Council and chair of environment.
Outside of work he serves as a volunteer treasurer for the Old Brentwood’s Rugby Football Club (OBRFC) and a trustee for The Niall Stringer Foundation. In 2024 he launched the Pride in Finance Alliance, PIFA, aimed at increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ people in the financial services sector and creating a new allyship community.
Will is a multi-award winner with two wins at the British Mortgage Awards, two wins at the British Specialist Lending Awards and named a Mortgage Solutions Changemaker for 3 consecutive years.
Sonya Matharu-Coxill is an award-winning mortgage broker and founder of The Mortgage Atelier. She is dedicated to promoting financial well-being by simplifying complex concepts and empowering her clients in their homeownership journey by making information accessible.
Her voice resonates with her audience and in industry publications, with her influence extending to being a trusted authority in UK news and radio. Her invaluable contributions to the mortgage industry are instrumental in educating and empowering the future of homeownership for the next generation.
With over 20 years of financial services experience, Setul’s expertise focuses on strategy, distribution, sales, marketing, operations, governance and development all aimed at reducing the advice gap in the UK by supporting the advice community.
He has had a very fortunate career spanning across The Openwork Partnership, AIG and now Royal London, alongside self-employed roles as an adviser and founder of a social media company.
Setul also supports the industry as a director of The Investment and Life Assurance Group Limited (ILAG) and a Women in Protection ambassador.
Outside of financial services, he supports the education sector as a board trustee within GLF Schools & The Pegasus Partnership Trust and Director of Park High School.
Richard Merrett is managing director of Alexander Hall, one of the UK’s leading mortgage brokers and part of the Foxtons Group. He speaks regularly on industry issues and is a passionate advocate of the consumer, championing their mortgage requirements through access to good advice.
He has also held director positions with largemortgageloans.com and in distribution with SimplyBiz Mortgages. He currently sits on the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) board and is chair of the Green Mortgage Advice Initiative.
Caroline Mirakian is the mortgages, buy-to-let & bridging proposition & marketing director at United Trust Bank, where she also champions cultural progress across the industry.
A respected specialist finance leader, she has held senior roles at Metro Bank, Shawbrook Bank and Pepper Money.
Caroline is known for driving inclusive leadership, supporting initiatives such as lunch‑and‑learn programmes, International Women’s Day activity and the rollout of the AMI Viewpoint survey.
She is committed to creating a more supportive and accessible financial services environment where diverse talent can thrive. Her industry impact has been recognised through multiple British Specialist Lending Awards nominations and her win as ‘Woman in Specialist Finance’.
Siobhan is a corporate account manager with HSBC UK and has been working in financial services for 19 years. Siobhan was awarded the Leader: Business Development Manager of the Year at the 2021 British Mortgage Awards and recently featured on the 2025 Best Women Mortgage Leaders in the UK Elite Women List. She was recognised as a Changemaker at the 2025 and 2024 British Mortgage Awards and by Mortgage Introducer as a Woman of Distinction Excellence Awardee in 2024.
She is the head of development, leading Women in Banking & Finance’s UK Personal Excellence Programme since 2022 and is the co-chair of Women in Banking & Finance (WIBF) in Northern Ireland.
Charles has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, predominantly within the UK mortgage market, where he has held a range of senior sales and distribution roles.
As director of mortgage distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank, he leads the end‑to‑end mortgage function, bringing together the full customer journey under one unified structure.
He has overall responsibility for both intermediary and direct channels, alongside training and competence oversight and broker communications, and has been instrumental in positioning Metro Bank as a specialist lender through a strong broker‑first approach. Charles is also a respected industry speaker and multi-award‑winning business leader.
Prab Singh is an award-winning and highly experienced equity release specialist, who has been focusing on equity release solutions since 2003.
He has also served as both chair and vice chair on the Adviser Forum at the Equity Release Council, contributing to positive developments and best practices in the industry.
Lisa Stones is the owner and operations director at Mortgage 1st, an award-winning mortgage brokerage she runs alongside her husband, Jon.
Lisa plays a key role in the company’s continued year-on-year growth, leading with strong family values and a people-first culture that sits at the heart of the business.
Sarah Tucker is an established public figure within the UK mortgage industry, often appearing in and contributing to industry news and appearing as an industry expert on panels, articles and podcasts.
As founder of The Mortgage Mum, the brand has gone from strength to strength, now hosting a nationwide team of over 20 mortgage and protection brokers under Sarah’s management and guidance.
The Mortgage Mum is a business model aimed at encouraging women across the UK to become mortgage advisers by allowing them to work remotely and flexibly around family life. It provides a much-needed shift in a previously male-dominated industry.
Sarah is passionate about empowering women, supporting women in business and promoting a mindful and holistic approach to create a positive work and life balance.
Sidney Wager is the managing director of L&C Mortgages where he oversees the execution of the company’s strategic roadmap, spanning advice, operations, marketing, partnerships and technology.
Before L&C, Sidney held several senior leadership roles at Barclays, including head of retail distribution and director of mortgage intermediary partnerships where he led the bank’s intermediary market development business, driving strategic transformation and spearheading initiatives to modernise the intermediary lending journey.
Sidney is widely recognised across the UK mortgage industry for his strategic acumen, transformational leadership, and a proven track record in delivering meaningful change and customer-centric innovation.
He is also a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, for which he has received industry-wide recognition for his work, including BMA Changemaker and L&G Diversity and Inclusion Champion award. He also mentors school children in underrepresented areas to give them knowledge of opportunities for their personal growth and advancement.
He is also a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion for which he has received industry-wide recognition for his work, including, BMA Changemaker and L&G Diversity and Inclusion Champion award. He also mentors school children in underrepresented areas to give them knowledge of opportunities for their personal growth and advancement.
All Change Makers will be recognised at The British Mortgage Awards 2026
