We spoke to some of our first winners to reflect on their career, achievements and industry changes since then.
Here, we speak to Karen Babington, co-founder of Collaborative Conveyancing and recipient of the Conveyancer Award.
What do you remember about the 2006 British Mortgage Awards? What stands out most when you think back to the night?
We were in the middle of a heatwave – so both inside and outside the Royal Albert Hall, it was very hot! Those wearing dinner jackets were melting and there was an air of unbridled excitement to be attending.
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What did it mean to win at the inaugural British Mortgage Awards?
Business Leader Conveyancer was one of the last awards for the winner to be announced. Whether it was due to awards being so very new to our sector or Jack Dee’s hosting skills, the 1,000-strong audience were pretty captivated even towards the end. I didn’t see it coming – if I had, I certainly would have bought a new dress! I was overjoyed to be recognised and invited up to the stage as the winner. My generous table hosts had Champagne ordered and on the table by the time I walked back.
Looking back, what was the intermediary mortgage market like in 2006 compared to today?
Referencing back to the awards, the fact that only three or four of the winners were women – it was a male-dominated environment. That said, I always received a huge amount of support and encouragement, and it really helped having a lender background, so that wasn’t a deterrent.
What impact, if any, did winning a British Mortgage Award have on your career or business?
As the co-founder of a small yet growing business, it added credibility both to myself and the business (Easier2move) itself. I will be forever thankful.
How important is it for the industry to continue recognising excellence and innovation?
Awards contribute to driving progress, innovation and recognition. The British Mortgage Awards inspired me to build and launch two brand-new and still thriving award ceremonies in the legal sector: The British Wills and Probate Awards (BWAP), followed by The British Conveyancing Awards (BCA), for the same reason.
What are you most proud of professionally when you look back over the past two decades?
Employing great people and seeing them develop in their careers. Easier2move got together for a reunion recently and there was a sense of pride that we are still all friends and in touch, even if sporadically. We even had an Easier2move marriage resulting in three children and I was invited to their wedding. From my Birmingham Midshires Building Society days, there are so many examples of people who worked together at what was a small regional building society who ended up being key industry figures. I was lucky to be part of that revolution.
If you could give one message to this year’s winners, what would it be?
When someone comes up to congratulate you, take the compliment, thank them and smile. Enjoy every minute.
