We spoke to some of our first winners to reflect on their career, achievements and industry changes since then.
Here we speak to Jeff Knight, strategic growth partner at Momenti Group and recipient of the Marketeer Award.
What do you remember about the 2006 British Mortgage Awards? What stands out most when you think back to the night?
I can remember the night distinctly – great setting at the Royal Albert Hall. However, it was so hot. It was black tie. We were all rather sweaty! But it was a fabulous evening.
I do remember being really nervous during the awards, as I was shortlisted. I could not drink much to calm the nerves as I had an early morning flight to Barcelona the next day for a business trip.
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What did it mean to win at the inaugural British Mortgage Awards?
It felt the world to me. I was so pleased. It sounds so cliché, but I just wanted to share it with the marketing department. I just happened to be the person at the top of the tree, the face of the team. I won the award because I had such a great team around me – including the agencies with whom I worked such as PR, brand, and websites.
Looking back, what was the intermediary mortgage market like in 2006 compared to today?
A lot has naturally changed since then. But it is still a human-to-human sector, despite technology advances. I also think today’s volatile market is like 2006. I was responsible for product development, and it seemed swaps were changing every minute then.
In your view, what has been the single biggest change in the mortgage industry over the past 20 years?
Regulation. Yes, we have seen technological advances, but it is regulatory changes that have made the biggest change, in my view.
How has the role of the mortgage adviser evolved since 2006?
It has become harder. While brokers now command a bigger market share, their time is more scarce. Clients now have Google and artificial intelligence (AI) to lean into before reaching out to brokers. They listen to those influences, which makes the broker’s job harder.
What impact, if any, did winning a British Mortgage Award have on your career or business?
Maybe deep down, it gave me greater confidence to ultimately lead me to do what I do now – which is help others get to grips with marketing and the mortgage market.
Why do you think the British Mortgage Awards have remained relevant and respected over the past 20 years?
Because they reflect the work of individuals. I used to collect a lot of awards on behalf of lenders I worked for, which was great, don’t get me wrong, but seeing your peers and colleagues rewarded individually is something magical.
How important is it for the industry to continue recognising excellence and innovation?
It is essential. I know there is sometimes cynicism around winners (or envy), but this industry does some great things – so let’s remind ourselves of that.
What are you most proud of professionally when you look back over the past two decades?
The thing that makes me proud is when clients – either companies or individuals – win awards.
What advice would you give to someone entering the intermediary mortgage market today?
Join a community of some sort. Learn the market. Be customer-centric. And don’t listen to people who say, “we have always done it this way”. Don’t be afraid to challenge the norm.
What excites you most about the future of the mortgage industry?
There are so many opportunities and possibilities. The market is a little behind others in some regards and there is so much scope for innovation. Not big leaps, but small incremental gains. Innovation opportunities excite me.
