The British Mortgage & Protection Senate is an exclusive gathering of the most important and influential firms in the UK intermediated mortgage and protection market. The main objective of the event is for all parties of the distribution chain to discuss, learn, collaborate, and effectively manage the changing dynamics of the market. The Senate is an event for the entire intermediary channel to facilitate a consensus and drive possibilities for the future health of the mortgage and protection market.
Attendees are deliberately from those organisations that are the cornerstone of the industry, namely the institutions that are responsible for the largest volumes of mortgage & protection transactions in the country and therefore the holders of the greatest share of voice in the shaping of the current and future market.
This event is held under the Chatham House Rule. When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
The British Mortgage & Protection Senate is strictly by invitation.
Ben Allen is an experienced mortgage and insurance professional with a career in financial services spanning more than 25 years.
Since beginning his career in the late 1990s, he has held a variety of roles across four leading financial services networks, including advice, sales, business development and compliance. For the past decade, Ben has served as a director within the rapidly growing Right Mortgage network, providing strategic leadership and regulatory expertise to both the business and the wider financial services sector. He is currently managing director at The Right Mortgage Limited, where he is responsible for driving the firm’s growth, strengthening governance and ensuring the delivery of exceptional client outcomes.
Before her current role, Cloë established, developed and launched a FinTech start-up (Mortgage Engine) to market in the UK mortgage industry, which created an API platform connecting major retail lenders’ mortgage application systems to distributors.
She has a customer-focused and agile product development ethos. She thrives on shaping the company’s IT strategic direction and building relationships with lenders and intermediaries across the mortgage industry.
Mark Bailey is an accomplished technology leader with nearly two decades of experience building scalable platforms and high-performing engineering teams.
Currently serving as chief technology officer at Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions, Mark has held senior roles across FinTech, SaaS, VR, and one of the UK’s top websites.
Mark has led major transformation initiatives at organisations like Barclays, Sainsbury’s, and Board Intelligence, driving innovation in fraud detection, supply chain modernisation, and platform strategy.
He is passionate about aligning technology with business goals, simplifying complexity, and nurturing talent.
Clare Beardmore has held various positions during her five-year tenure at L&G, including head of broker and propositions and head of mortgage transformation. She is currently the director of the L&G Mortgage Club, a key business area within the company’s mortgage services team.
L&G Mortgage Club is the largest and longest-running mortgage club in the UK and is involved in nearly one in five of all mortgages in the UK and nearly one in three of all intermediated mortgages. It is a part of L&G Retail, which covers the savings, protection, mortgage, and retirement needs of 12 million retail policyholders and workplace members.
Clare is committed to driving the digitalisation of the mortgage market and is also a prominent advocate for gender parity in the industry. She regularly uses her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting brokers, particularly those at smaller firms.
Zara is the distribution director for the mortgage network at Quilter Financial Planning.
She has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and a real passion to deliver high-quality advice to customers.
Zara leads the strategy and team at Quilter, focusing on the growth of their mortgage and protection business.
Paul was born in Manchester and started his career with the then Halifax Building Society.
He joined the BSA and set up its mortgage team in November 2008.
Paul regularly works with government, politicians and regulators. He is also a frequent media commentator and conference speaker on matters relating to mortgages and housing in the UK. He is a member of the government’s Commonhold Council and the Consumer Policy Working Group of the European Association of Co-operative Banks.
Paul lives in Crick, Northamptonshire and enjoys spending his weekends watching his sons play sport and following Northampton Town up and down the country.
Peter has been the CEO of MAB since 2001, and has led the business to become one of the sector’s leading and most forward-thinking mortgage networks, as well as the UK’s most recognised intermediary consumer brand. In November 2014 Peter listed MAB on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and the business has since grown to over 2000 advisers completing on over £23bn of lending PA.
Peter is responsible for company strategy, including an increasing number of investments and acquisitions, and is a big advocate of the intermediary sector, championing the importance of embracing technology to evolve the intermediary proposition to meet customers’ rapidly changing needs and expectations.
Michelle is the managing director and the founder of Brook Financial Services, operating under MAB, and has worked in the industry since 1985.
After many years as an adviser, she became sales director for a large estate agency, then sales director for the Mortgage Talk network, before becoming regional sales director for MAB. This invaluable experience made Michelle keen to start a business of her own, and in 2010, Brook Financial Services was born.
Michelle developed and grew the business over seven years before the business was acquired by Belvoir. The acquisition led to massive opportunities and, under Michelle’s management, Brook has now grown to over 300 advisers throughout the UK. This then led to the merger of Belvoir and The Property Franchise Group, and Michelle holds an executive director position on the TPFG board.
Her ethos is to run a tight ship with a family feel, providing excellent customer service.
Matt has spent the last two decades working in financial services, joining the intermediated market in 2017. Working firstly in distribution at Personal Touch Financial Services, he subsequently joined the provider space as a national account manager for eConveyancer.
Matt rejoined distribution in 2021, spending three years at PRIMIS mortgage network as head of proposition and in 2024 he moved to HL Partnership as propositions director.
Matt takes responsibility for the proposition in its entirety and has recently expanded his role to lead on all lender and provider relationship management for the network.
Before his time in the intermediated market, Matt spent 14 years at NatWest, working through the ranks in branch banking and the mortgage channel of the bank. He held a number of leadership roles at area, regional and national level.
Matt is well known for devoting his energy in the market to build strong relationships that drive good customer outcomes, help brokers to help their clients and grow their income.
Stephanie joined the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) as chief executive in February 2025, having held previous roles within key distributors spanning 27 years.
Most recently, she was group partnerships & propositions director at Sesame Bankhall Group and previously director of mortgages at specialist distributor Positive Lending, and head of mortgages & insurance at Mortgage Intelligence.
Throughout her career working across the intermediary sector, Stephanie has been a passionate promoter of the need for, and value of, advice.
Claire recently joined Sesame Bankhall Group as distribution director for PMS and Bankhall, a role that now also sees her leading propositions for lenders and providers, as well as driving strategic partnerships across the business.
Previously, Claire spent over two decades at Lloyds Banking Group, rising through the ranks from a fresh-faced accountant to a tech-savvy innovator. Whether running the current account business or shaping strategic technology collaborations, Claire has always been someone who rolls up her sleeves and gets things done.
Her passion? Making a difference through technology, whether it’s transforming the housing market or supporting breakthroughs in medical research. Claire is also a mentor many aspire to have, championing diversity and openly sharing her experiences as a female aeronautical engineer.
Graham is group mortgage development director for Connells Group, the largest UK estate agency networks in the UK.
Connells Group has a branch network of over 1,200 offices trading under a number of brand names, as well as The New Homes Group, which offers specialist mortgage services to the new homes market.
Connells Group acquired Countrywide in March 2021 (including NEXT Intelligence and Dynamo) which means the Group now sell 10% of all properties within the UK and submit over £40 billion in mortgage applications a year.
After graduating from Birmingham University, Graham spent 23 years with Abbey National/Santander, holding various senior roles within marketing and retail banking before joining Connells Group in November 2016.
Tom’s career in financial services began in 2005 at Alexander Hall, where he progressed from trainee adviser to managing director during his tenure.
In early 2024, he moved to LRG, one of the UKs fastest-growing property services groups, to lead its financial services arm, Mortgage Scout.
Passionate about developing and empowering others to fulfil their potential, Tom works with various mentorship schemes both in and out of LRG.
John Doughty began his career in the world of television, where he developed a passion for communication and presenting skills that continue to shine through in his professional life today.
He later transitioned into estate agency, where his drive and dedication quickly became evident. In 2010, John joined Just Mortgages as a Mortgage Broker covering the Weston-super-Mare and Taunton areas. Over the years, his commitment to excellence and consistent performance saw him rise through the ranks.
Now operating as a chapter managing director, John oversees the new build and shared ownership divisions of Just Mortgages, alongside leading half of the company’s estate agency-based mortgage business.
Known for his energetic approach and strong leadership, John has also become a recognisable face through his much-loved video series In Talks with JD, where he explores key industry topics and insights. His deep industry knowledge, coupled with a love for presenting, makes him a respected and influential figure within the business.
Makayla has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years and has experience in many areas. She has enjoyed various roles including senior management, head of development, area sales and development manager, intermediary mortgage and protection consultant, and roles specialising in insurance and general insurance including commercial.
These roles have challenged her to be creative in providing business solutions in all areas to ensure business growth, profit, and success for all concerned.
As head of Simplybiz Mortgages, Makayla is passionate about ensuring all members have access to leading support in key areas. She focuses on knowledge, saving time and maximising efficiencies, creating new opportunities and diversification, while working closely with them to keep their businesses safe.
Adrian has worked as a mortgage adviser at Alexander Hall since 2011, most recently being appointed the sales director. He is responsible for the day to day operations and oversight of it’s adviser base, including recruitment, training, performance and quality management. His key responsibility is to ensure the advisers have all they need to be successful, whilst driving Alexander Hall Associates to be an industry leader in areas such as diversity and inclusion, technology, customer service and advice.
Martyn is a seasoned finance professional with over 10 years of experience at Stonebridge, where he has served most of that time as group finance director.
In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping the financial strategy of the business, overseeing financial planning, reporting, and supporting sector leading growth.
Before joining Stonebridge, Martyn held a range of senior roles across multiple industries, giving him a broad and insightful perspective on financial operations and business performance.
He brings a distinctive mix of analytical rigour and commercial awareness to every challenge, along with a strong belief in the value of teamwork and developing talent. With a natural enthusiasm for the financial services sector, Martyn thrives in fast-moving, high-growth environments and enjoys driving meaningful business improvements.
His leadership style is grounded, energetic, and results-focused, making him a trusted voice both within his team and in the boardroom.
With 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, including roles at Santander and Countrywide, Rachel joined Mortgage Advice Bureau 13 years ago and has managed her own brokerage for the last 10 years. She has extensive expertise in helping customers who require more specialist support and providing in-depth training to brokers in niche areas of lending.
As strategic lender relationships director, Rachel works closely alongside MAB’s lender partners to identify additional opportunities for innovation. A champion for customer support and education, Rachel works closely with AR firms and brokers, providing the resources and training they need to boost lead generation, expand their expertise, and ensure the best possible customer outcomes.
L&C was established in 1999, and over the last 25 years has grown to become the UK’s number one online and leading fee-free mortgage broker. It currently employs over 450 advisers offering mortgage and protection advice to customers from over 90 lenders and 11 insurers.
Mark was appointed chief executive officer of L&C in April 2024 and has over 20 years’ experience in the business, having started his career as a mortgage and protection adviser in 2003.
He has a detailed knowledge of all aspects of L&C’s market-leading proposition, working across a wide range of roles including estate agency and new build in addition to the core mortgage and protection offering.
Mark became mortgage & protection advice director in 2019 before more recently taking up the position of chief operating officer, playing a key role in shaping the direction and strategy of L&C, overseeing the move to a hybrid working model.
Mark is determined to develop L&C’s customer journey to provide the very best customer experience whilst maintaining top quality advice with no broker fee charged to customers.
He’s also passionate about developing an inclusive and equitable culture for L&C colleagues.
Currently CRO at the largest broker, L&C mortgages, which employs circa 900 people working with strategic partners in the mortgage and protection sectors.
Before L&C, Simon worked for 10 years at Mortgage Advice Bureau, working as a key account sales director and the final three years as national sales director. Before that, he spent nine years as sales director for Linear Financial Services. Other roles in what has been a 25 year career in financial services have included regional sales director for Mortgages Direct/Spicerhaart and regional sales manager and mortgage adviser for Halifax Property Services.
Hoare is sales director for Primis Network and TMA. He has spent over 40 years in financial services across banking, insurance and general insurance, in retail and intermediary channels, and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Daniel is dedicated to empowering new advisers to successfully launch their careers in financial services and guiding mortgage advisers to achieve full IFA status at New Leaf Distribution.
He oversees the network’s ARs and members, cultivates key stakeholder relations and drives overall company growth by focusing on the success of individual advisers. This includes initiatives like ‘The New Leaf Podcast,’ designed to share real-world success stories and actionable insights for building thriving independent practices. He also leads the free CeMAP training community on Facebook, alongside quick tips on TikTok as ‘The CeMAP Coach.’
Daniel’s mission is to ensure every adviser has the tools and confidence to build a business and be with a network that truly knows their name.
Richard has worked in the intermediary market for over 30 years, holding sales management roles with Scottish Mutual and Scottish Provident and national key account roles with James Hay, Cater Allen and Santander for Intermediaries.
As director of mortgages at Paradigm, Richard helps to develop their Lender proposition by managing the relationships with Paradigms Lender panel – including Specialist Lenders and Equity Release providers. He is also responsible for areas such as product innovation, criteria, and technology, as well as working closely with Paradigms third-party providers and key firms.
Rupi has over 30 years’ experience in financial services. Back in 2008 he founded Censeo Financial, a company that has grown into an award-winning, retail financial services company based in London. From its inception, Censeo has been a wholly customer-centric business and Rupi has continually looked at ways both to simplify and improve the customer journey.
He has also worked tirelessly to champion shared ownership in the UK. As well as developing long-term relationships with key housing associations, he has lobbied the leading banks and building societies to offer the products to first-time buyers.
Rory and Seb founded JLM back in 2002. Two decades on, JLM is one of the fastest-growing networks in the UK, on target to originate £4bn lending and having added over £100m AUM in 2025.
Focused on the complex prime marketplace, with over 110 advisers within 25 AR firms and bespoke AI-powered offerings encompassing the wealth management, accountancy, specialist lending, later life and will and estate planning spheres, JLM is a multi-award-winning business and part of the Charlie Puffin Group.
Rory sits on a number of groups within both the regulatory and lender sphere, as well as promoting financial education via media appearances and podcasts.
David is the operations & technology director of Lifetime Connect, a financial services provider that supports mortgage, protection and financial planning businesses across the UK.
He has worked within the financial services sector for over 25 years, including roles with intermediaries and lenders, successfully leading and implementing major FCA regulatory change and digital/IT transformation projects, including implementing CRMs, website building and cyber security upgrades.
Jamie’s career started as a mere 16 year old working as an estate agent originally before a stint of travelling the world. Upon his return he made the choice to head into the financial services sector. Having worked for a corporate style brokerage he found a job with an extremely well-respected brokerage. As that business grew, he eventually took the role of manager of a team of brokers in the estate agency division within the firm and in 2007, felt the time was right to head out into the world of self-employment. Having then gone on to navigate this business through the global financial crisis in 2008, in 2012 he opened a new brokerage. Jamie now sits as the managing director of the award-winning Affinity Group and co-founder of the Mortgage Mum.
SPF Private Clients is one of the UK’s leading independent mortgage brokers, specialising in the high-value mortgage market.
Gareth has been with SPF since 2001. He is a director with responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with its lender partners.
Dan is managing director at The Finance Planning Group, where he oversees adviser recruitment, business development and the strategic management of introducer relationships.
As a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and a board director at the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), he actively supports professional development in the industry and promotes the vital role of mortgage intermediaries.
Dan takes pride in being a coach and mentor to advisers and colleagues alike, with a leadership style focused on culture, innovation, profitability and sustainable growth.
Siobhan founded The Mortgage Shop in 1992 and as a result of her leadership and strategic direction, it has now grown to 23 branches and 60 mortgage advisers.
Siobhan also enjoys her role as non-executive director of The Revolution Board. She is passionate about the role technology plays in the advice process, both in protecting her advisers and providing consistently high levels of service to her customers.
Nick Mendes is a mortgage expert and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in residential mortgages, specialist lending and financial planning.
Since joining John Charcol in 2019, he has progressed through a range of roles – from senior specialist adviser to mortgage technical manager – and now serves as head of marketing.
In his current position, Nick leads the company’s marketing strategy, overseeing brand development, campaign execution, and media engagement.
Drawing on his background in both mortgage broking and PR, he focuses on delivering clear and impactful content and resources that give clients the tools to make informed decisions and feel confident throughout their property journey.
Nick is a respected industry commentator and serves as the resident mortgage expert for The i Paper, where he provides weekly advice through the “Ask the Mortgage Expert” column and other mortgage-related topics.
His insights are regularly featured in leading publications such as The Times, Financial Times, Daily Mail, and others – reinforcing his reputation as a trusted voice in the mortgage and property market.
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.
Andrew started in the mortgage industry in 1994 at John Charcol before joining Cobalt Capital in 2001.
In 2009 he was a founder of Coreco, responsible for growing the brand, marketing and communications, as well as lender liaison. He was made managing director in 2019.
As Coreco’s media spokesperson Andrew can often be seen or heard on TV and radio as well as regularly commenting in the national, local and trade press.
Winner of several industry awards; Andrew is also chairman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries and continues to advise clients.
Conor Murphy is a leading entrepreneur in technology, finance, and property. He is the founder and CEO of Capricorn Financial Consultancy, London’s largest independently-owned mortgage brokerage, which arranged £2.5bn in lending in 2023 and operates internationally from offices in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
In 2017, he founded Smartr365, the UK’s largest B2B SaaS platform and marketplace for mortgage intermediaries, now capturing around 25% of the market and integrating 65% of UK lenders by volume. With major FTSE 100 shareholders including L&G and Experian, Conor continues to drive innovation and growth across both businesses.
An industry professional with 35 years’ experience, John started mortgage broking in 1985. He joined the Spicerhaart Group in June 2015 to grow Just Mortgages from its core estate agency business of 105 brokers, into the client servicing and network arena.
The group now has over 650 brokers across its employed, self-employed, client servicing and new homes business. John launched a wealth arm in January 2021, which currently has 15 advisers.
John also has responsibility for valuation surveyors and the corporate sales business, looking at part exchange, repossessions and quick sale.
Will Rhind is an accomplished financial services leader with extensive experience in the mortgage industry. Currently serving as VP of advice and growth at Habito, Will is dedicated to using technology to make the homeownership journey easier, seamless, and less stressful for customers.
He runs the brokerage at Habito – a team of mortgage experts and protection experts – driving growth and enhancing customer experience through innovative tech solutions.
With a strong background in team leadership, coaching and development, Will focuses on building high-performing teams and creating solutions to complex problems. His expertise includes maximising operational efficiencies, operational risk, compliance and relationship management, alongside managing cross-functional projects and key strategic initiatives.
Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences, Will continues to drive innovation in the mortgage space.
As managing director, L&G Mortgage Services, Kevin heads up the Mortgage Club, Mortgage Tech and Surveying Services teams. His 35 years of financial services experience are helping him support and transform how mortgages help consumers buy their dream homes.
He’s the first ever Mortgage Services managing director, as he led the business’s creation when he took up the role in July 2022. As its director, he had full end-to-end responsibility for the development and transformation of the largest distributor of mortgages in the UK. He’s also a strong voice within the broader industry, regularly quoted in both trade media and the national press.
He joined L&G in December 2012 as head of broker partnerships in the general insurance business. In 2016, his responsibilities grew to include accountability for protection insurance with its affinity partners. Before that, he worked at RSA for 23 years, where he built broad, deep industry experience through a wide range of sales, strategy and leadership roles.
Charles has over 30 years’ financial services experience and joined UK Finance in August 2020. As director of mortgages, he has overall responsibility for delivering the mortgage policy work of UK Finance.
Prior to joining UK Finance, Charles was chief risk officer at The Nottingham Building Society, a director in the Regulatory Financial Services Practice at Grant Thornton. He also spent 11 years at the FCA, where he was head of department for the mortgage sector.
In addition to his role at UK Finance, Charles is a non-executive director at Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions and Loughborough Building Society.
Dom Scott is the managing director of Lifetime Connect, a financial services provider which supports mortgage, protection and financial planning businesses across the UK. He has worked in the property and financial services sectors for over 20 years.
As an avid believer in supporting the next generation, he is a trustee of Making the Leap, a London-based social mobility charity, where he enjoys working with young people through a variety of initiatives.
Toni Smith is the network distribution and marketing director at Sesame Bankhall Group, with over 35 years’ experience in the intermediary sector.
She previously held senior leadership roles at Primis Mortgage Network, including five years as chief operating officer and, latterly, chief distribution officer, where she oversaw the delivery of mortgage and insurance advice. Earlier in her career, Toni spent a decade at First Complete as business operations director.
In her current role, Toni is responsible for driving growth across Sesame Network, leading its distribution strategy and developing the mortgage and protection proposition for members. Her remit also includes oversight of marketing communications, events and marketing technology, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience for advisers and firms across the network.
Jodi started in the industry in 2005 and has worked up from admin support to senior adviser, having worked in all sides of the business. She likes to see how new technology and processes have developed over her years in this industry. Now she focuses on building and maintaining relationships between advisers and lenders, which is key to ensure the business is giving the clients the best journey.
Jon Stones is the Managing Director and founder of Mortgage 1st, a Mortgage & Protection brokerage. Seventeen years ago, Jon launched the business from his dining table, and today he leads it alongside his wife and fellow director, Lisa. Together, they have grown Mortgage 1st into an award-winning firm with a team of 78, blending the personal touch of a family-run business with the efficiency and scale of a larger corporate organisation.
Jon’s vision and ambition have driven consistent year-on-year growth, underpinned by a strong reputation across the industry. Mortgage 1st is known not only for the high standard of advice it provides to clients but also for the supportive, values-led culture it fosters for its employees.
In 2023, under Jon’s leadership, the business made a significant move by acquiring Peak Mortgages, a 14-adviser brokerage – marking a new chapter of strategic expansion. With recent investment secured, Mortgage 1st has announced further plans for growth through future mergers and acquisitions.
Jon continues to drive the business forward with a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability – cementing Mortgage 1st’s position as one of the most respected firms in the UK mortgage sector.
Matt Tristram is the co-founder and director of the leading second-charge and bridging brokerage, Loans Warehouse. With 25 years in second charge lending he is considered a champion of the sector.
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.
Kelly oversees the day-to-day operation of the financial services business, including all aspects of sales, operations and regulatory risk management.
She has worked for KFH for almost 22 years, is an active D&I champion and the senior sponsor within KFH driving their perimenopause and menopause initiatives. Kelly credits her career success on her honesty and integrity.
Graham joined Countrywide in July 1995, initially within mortgage processing. His group roles have since included the setting up and management of the specialist panel lending activity.
In December 2007, Graham was promoted to mortgage product and development manager, reporting to the Countrywide Principal Services (CPS) MD with responsibility for all mortgage product and service-related activity.
In 2008 he joined the CPS executive committee and in 2011 was appointed to the CPS board as head of mortgages and then went on to become head of mortgage partnerships.
In October 2021 he joined Mortgage Intelligence reporting to the managing director as head of products and partnerships with responsibility for all day to day relationships with mortgage and insurance partners.
Neil Wyatt is responsible for the overall sales teams at Mortgage Brain and marketing proposition, including a development and growth strategy for the business.
Neil has over 20 years’ experience in the mortgage industry and most recently held the position of head of distribution at Platform (The Co-operative Bank) for six years. His previous experience includes sales director at Connect Mortgage Group and head of corporate accounts at Mortgages Plc, where he was responsible for creating strategic relationships.
09:50 – 10:30
The evolution of the consumer – changes in expectations, enablement, and innovation
Barry Connolly, managing director – home buying and ownership, NatWest
Bradley Fordham, head of mortgage distribution and customer servicing, NatWest
10:30 – 11:10
The UK property market – an economic overview
Max Shepherd, group economist, Yorkshire Building Society
11:40 – 12:20
Two outcomes, one common need – framing mortgages and protection together
Julie Godley, director – intermediary, L&G Retail
Rhys Schofield, founder, Peak Mortgages and Protection
Andy Walton, protection proposition director, Mortgage Advice Bureau
Moderated by: Mike Allison, director of protection, Paradigm Mortgage Services
12.20 – 12.35
FCA Update on affordability and supporting home ownership
Sarah McKenzie, head of retail banking market analysis and policy, Financial Conduct Authority
12.35 – 13.00
Post-FCA presentation Q&A
This post-presentation Q&A will give delegates a chance to engage with the FCA on the shifting regulatory landscape and anticipated policy developments. It will also include the AMI’s chief executive Stephanie Charman, who will augment the session by talking about the work they will be doing to help advisers through current and future changes and how they are collaborating with the FCA.
Stephanie Charman, chief executive, The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI)
Sarah McKenzie, head of retail banking market analysis and policy, Financial Conduct Authority
Moderated by: Sarah Batham, general counsel and chief risk officer, Sesame Bankhall Group
14:00 – 14:40 Sponsor boutique
14:00 – 14:30 Boardroom discussion one
14:35 – 15:05 Boardroom discussion two
15:35 – 16:05 Boardroom discussion three
16:10 – 16:40 Boardroom discussion four
18:45 Coaches depart Brooklands for the Gala Dinner
09:05 – 09:25
AI, technology and the future of the residential market
Karl Griffin, founder and CEO, JammJar
09:25 – 10:05
Finding and retaining talent – effective recruitment of a younger generation
Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax Intermediaries and Scottish Widows Bank, Lloyds Banking Group
Andrew Glasgow, sales director – specialist mortgages and bridging finance, Hampshire Trust Bank
Peter Gwilliam, owner, Virtus Search
Moderated by: Graham Closier, group mortgage development director, Connells Group
10:10 -10:40 Boardroom discussion five
11:00 – 11:30 Boardroom discussion six
11:35 – 12:05
Modernising tradition – a journey of cultural and technological change
Dame Inga Beale DBE, former CEO, Lloyd’s of London
Accord Mortgages
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Accord Mortgages is a dedicated intermediary-only lender and part of Yorkshire Building Society. It exists to help brokers look after what matters most – your clients, with both residential and buy-to-let mortgage solutions.
You can expect a common-sense approach in everything Accord does, with every case for every broker. Its common-sense flexible underwriting is there to help with complex cases. It also provides direct access to underwriters with a dedicated underwriter managing your case from start to finish.
Accord is always looking for innovative ways to support intermediaries and reviewing its products and offerings to ensure it is providing the best possible service.
Accord’s knowledgeable and experienced sales team is available by phone and webchat to support you and it has a host of online tools to help you find the information you need quickly and easily.
Find out more Welcome to Accord Mortgages | The intermediary only lender
Aviva
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Aviva is one of the UK’s largest protection providers and has around 19.2 million customers across its core markets of the UK, Ireland and Canada. It has been helping customers for over 325 years and has over four million protection customers.
Aviva’s heritage, flexible product range and claims record all combine to help it live and breathe its purpose and be there for protection customers when they need it most.
Claims are the heart of Aviva’s business and in 2024 it was proud to pay out 97.9% of all individual protection claims registered. That’s £1.33bn, equating to an average of just over £3.6m every day.
But it’s more than just a financial payout; it’s about being there for customers when they need it most. From access to health and wellbeing support, specialist partners such as Macmillan Cancer Support or Grief Encounter, to legal services via Red Apple Law.
Flexible protection to meet your clients’ needs. It takes Aviva to Make it Click!
Bank of Ireland for Intermediaries
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Bank of Ireland for Intermediaries takes every journey together with its partners. Whether your client is a first-time buyer, mover, landlord or looking to remortgage the Bank will take a common-sense approach and provide support at every stage. Its focus remains on delivering excellent service through the right people, products, and systems designed to support the intermediary community effectively.
Barclays
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Barclays is a top five mortgage lender with an unwavering commitment to the intermediary market. It provides competitive, flexible, innovative products and actively participates in government housing schemes to offer its intermediary partners a comprehensive range of solutions to meet their clients’ evolving needs.
In addition to an established remortgage proposition, Barclays offers extensive purchase options including Green Home mortgages, new build, joint borrower sole proprietor and Family Springboard products. Through its highly competitive Reward range and easy-to-use product transfer tool, it is also a major player in the retention space, as well as incorporating an extensive buy-to-let proposition.
As a lender that is constantly striving for simplicity, Barclays’ policy changes, processes and service enhancements aim to streamline the mortgage journey. All with the ultimate goal of making it even easier for intermediary partners to conduct more business with the lender now, and in the future.
Coventry for Intermediaries
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Coventry’s expert, knowledgeable people are here to give you the clarity, confidence and reassurance you need to deliver for your customers.
Its commitments to you:
Its wide range of mortgage products includes:
Its aim is for every part of your professional world to work all together, better.
Family Building Society
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Family Building Society doesn’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to lending and will work with you to find mortgage solutions for your clients regardless of their circumstances.
It’s focused on delivering innovative and flexible products to meet the needs of the modern family across all generations and individuals not well served by the mass market.
Why choose Family Building Society?
It provides solutions for a wide range of customers
Lending into retirement
Halifax Intermediaries
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Halifax Intermediaries offers a broad range of products designed to meet your clients’ needs, supported by award‑winning service and an extensive BDM network to help make doing business easier.
Its innovative product range includes options for first‑time buyers, homemovers and clients looking to remortgage, with straightforward product transfers available. These allow existing Halifax clients to secure a new rate up to three months in advance, either before or after their current deal ends, while still earning a procuration fee.
Its dedicated Premier team specialises in large loan mortgages from £500,000 to £5,000,000, providing trusted expertise for complex cases. With guaranteed specialism, direct access to a relationship manager and a comprehensive product range, Halifax ensures tailored support throughout.
It also offers specialist new build support, with experienced teams guiding cases from application to completion and products designed specifically for new build clients, including extended completion deadlines.
HTB
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Hampshire Trust Bank is a specialist lender that backs ambition with practical, well-structured funding. It works exclusively with brokers and property professionals, focusing on property deals that need more than a standard approach. Its teams bring deep expertise and direct access to decision-makers, so every conversation moves towards a clear and deliverable solution.
In specialist mortgages, the lender supports professional landlords and portfolio investors with funding for complex portfolios, HMOs, MUFBs, semi-commercial assets and large-scale transactions. In bridging, it helps brokers and their clients secure, refinance or enhance properties, from short-term acquisitions to heavy refurbishment and development exit, with funding designed to transition seamlessly to the next stage. In development finance, HTB works with SME developers across the UK, funding projects from ground-up builds to commercial-to-residential conversions, with terms shaped to fit each scheme’s challenges and opportunities.
What connects all three divisions is a belief in building long-term relationships, thriving on complexity and making decisions that give brokers and their clients certainty and clarity. The lender supports clients throughout their investment and development journey, helping them move from one stage to the next with confidence. Its funding model is built for reliability, so brokers can be sure that when HTB says yes, it means it.
HSBC UK
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HSBC is one of the world’s largest and most successful banking and financial services organisations, with a proud history of serving customers and communities for more than 160 years.
Its purpose is a simple yet powerful reminder of why it’s here and where it’s going. Whether individuals are saving for a better home, companies growing their business, or institutions investing for future generations, HSBC is here to understand and serve them all and open up a world of opportunity.
HSBC UK’s dedicated intermediary mortgage channel continues to transform the broker journey through digital integration, offering flexibility and functionality to provide a high-quality service to its intermediary partners.
Experienced field and remote business development managers and UK-based telephony Broker Helpdesk continue to provide a superior level of support that HSBC’s intermediary partners have become accustomed to.
L&G
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Established in 1836, L&G is one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.1tn in total assets under management (as at FY24) of which c. 44% (c. £0.5tn) is international.
It has a highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns.
It is a leading player in institutional retirement, retail savings and protection, and in asset management through both public and private markets. Across the Group, L&G is committed to responsible investing and dedicated to serving the long-term savings and investment needs of customers and society.
As of 12 March 2025, L&G had a market capitalisation of £14.1bn.
L&G’s retail business is a leading provider of retirement and protection solutions. It aims to support its c.12.8 million policyholders and workplace members throughout their financial lifetimes.
It focuses on helping the customers of today and tomorrow achieve better long-term outcomes. It uses the latest technology to connect with them quickly, efficiently and in highly personalised ways.
In 2024, L&G’s workplace pension platform served 5.5 million members, with net flows of £6bn. It achieved record total individual annuity sales of £2,118m and £270m of lifetime mortgage advances (including retirement interest-only mortgages). Its UK protection businesses gave peace of mind to about 6.6 million people, with its retail gross premium income rising to £1,525m and group equivalent going up to £528m.
LV= GI
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LV= GI provides a range of general insurance products for intermediaries to sell to their clients, because they know you’ll always have your clients back, so they’ll always have yours.
At LV= GI they believe outstanding people deliver outstanding service and that powers performance for you and your business. But it’s their combination of people and technical capability that delivers better results for everyone. One community, working effortlessly together to bring the best to you and your clients.
NatWest
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NatWest can help you turn possibilities into progress for your customers, whether they’re first-time buyers, movers, landlords or those looking to product transfer or remortgage.
NatWest Intermediaries provides you with the tools and support you need on its intermediary website, broker portal and NatWest Intermediaries LinkedIn page.
Our business development managers (BDM’s) are on hand to provide you with dedicated support on the phone, via live chat and WhatsApp to help you deliver the best service for your customers.
Nottingham Building Society
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Nottingham Building Society is redefining what it means to be a modern mutual, ensuring that homeownership and financial security are accessible to more people — regardless of how they earn, save, or build their future.
For 175 years, they’ve helped millions save for their goals and supported aspiring homeowners. Today, their purpose is stronger than ever: to break down outdated barriers in the lending market and provide fair, flexible solutions for a changing world. They know life doesn’t always follow a straight path, and that’s why they’re focused on real financial solutions that support the self-employed, those with multiple income streams, and savers who don’t fit the traditional mould.
Their rebrand marks a bold step forward, driven by deep research into customer needs and the evolving landscape of work and finance. Whether that is helping a first-time buyer in their forties, the self-employed parents moving up the ladder, or the grandparents saving for their grandchildren, Nottingham Building Society is built for real life reflects the evolution of the Society’s heritage roots while staying true to its founder’s vision.
As part of this, they’re modernising their mortgage and savings propositions to ensure we remain relevant for the next 175 years — staying true to their heritage while building a more inclusive, forward-looking future.
Nottingham Building Society is a different kind of society; built to serve the real lives of the people they support.
OSB Group
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OSB Group’s proposition is delivered by our three specialist lending brands – Precise, Rely and InterBay.
Precise is dedicated to helping customers with less-than-perfect credit histories or who are underserved by mainstream lenders.
Rely is our Buy to Let lending powerhouse to fuel the success of property investor and their brokers though speed, clarity and insight.
InterBay is an expert in delivering bespoke solutions to help brokers meet their clients’ borrowing needs.
The Group’s offering is backed up by a secure and solid retail savings model, provided by Charter Savings Bank and Kent Reliance
Pepper Money
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Pepper Money is a broad specialist lender. It exists to help people succeed. Championing individuality and looking for opportunities to say yes, rather than
reasons to say no.
It understands that brokers have a range of different needs, because their customers do, too. These clients may want to take the next step in their homeowning journey. Brokers want to help them, in the most efficient and profitable ways.
Pepper Money is here to help both parties fulfil their ambitions. By offering simple, inclusive products. By having a human approach to decision-making. By being easy to work with. And by providing specialist expertise that can be relied on. After all, when you keep an open mind and listen to people, everyone succeeds.
PEXA
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PEXA is a secure digital platform that seamlessly handles financial settlements and title lodgement simultaneously. It is at the centre of the property transaction, where money is exchanged for homeownership, delivering that moment with certainty, security, and confidence.
PEXA’s trusted technology is used for over 90% of property transactions in Australia, helping over 20,000 families a week safely settle their homes. Now, it has developed a platform tailored to the UK’s unique challenges – helping to reduce the administrative and risk burden on conveyancers.
Skipton Building Society for Intermediaries
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Skipton Building Society is known for its innovation, great service, and a common-sense approach to lending. Whether that’s using the latest technology to help straightforward cases fly through its system, giving you direct access to underwriters for more complex scenarios, or having a dedicated network of local BDMs and TBDMs to support you with questions and ideas.
With a clear purpose to help more people buy homes and supporting first-time buyers, Skipton listens to brokers and strives to drive meaningful change, influencing the market with solutions that truly make a difference.
Visit its website to explore products, criteria, and services designed with you and your clients in mind.
Target Group
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Target Group is a leading provider of software and servicing solutions for the lending and payments industry. With over 45 years of financial services experience, it combines cutting-edge technology, FCA regulatory expertise, and data-driven insights to deliver scalable, compliant platforms that enhance customer outcomes.
Trusted by major financial institutions and household brands, it manages over £17bn in assets, services 19 million customer accounts, and processes 14 million direct debits annually. Its end-to-end solutions span loan and mortgage servicing, collections, and automated payments — all designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Target Group offers unmatched regulatory assurance. Its commitment to innovation has earned it industry recognition, including accolades for technology, inclusion and client partnerships.
Backed by Tech Mahindra and a $6bn balance sheet, Target Group is built for scale, resilience, and growth. But its greatest asset is its people — a team of dedicated professionals who turn service into partnership and transactions into long-term value.
Zurich
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About Zurich
Zurich Assurance Ltd is part of the Zurich Group. The Zurich Group is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets.
With about 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories.
Zurich’s customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations.
Mike Allison, director of protection, Paradigm Mortgage Services
Sarah Batham, general counsel and chief risk officer, Sesame Bankhall Group
Dame Inga Beale DBE, former CEO, Lloyd’s of London
Amanda Bryden, head of Halifax Intermediaries and Scottish Widows Bank, Lloyds Banking Group
Stephanie Charman, chief executive, The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI)
Graham Closier, group mortgage development director, Connells Group
Barry Connolly, managing director – home buying and ownership, NatWest
Bradley Fordham, head of mortgage distribution and customer servicing, NatWest
Andrea Glasgow, sales director – specialist mortgages and bridging finance, Hampshire Trust Bank
Julie Godley, director – intermediary, L&G Retail
Karl Griffin, founder and CEO, JammJar
Peter Gwilliam, owner, Virtus Search
Sarah McKenzie, head of retail banking market analysis and policy, Financial Conduct Authority
Rhys Schofield, founder, Peak Mortgages and Protection
Max Shepherd, group economist, Yorkshire Building Society
Jon Stones, managing director, Mortgage 1st
Andy Walton, protection proposition director, Mortgage Advice Bureau
