Podcast #53 - New year 2021 insights

In episode 53 of the Growth Series podcast, Iain Cunningham, Corporate Account Manager at Accord Mortgages, speaks with a select group of industry experts to discuss what they learned through 2020, a year more eventful than most, and look forward to how they plan to approach 2021. Iain is joined by Seb Murphy, Head of Finance & Brand Partnerships at JLM Mortgages, Martin Reynolds, CEO of SimplyBiz, Jane Benjamin, Director, Mortgages at Sesame Bankhall Group and Danny Belton, Head of Lender Relationships at L&G Mortgage Club. 

Iain discusses the nature of the role of each of the guest speakers and they each reveal insightful examples of what they have learnt about themselves over the last 12 months. They then cover the year’s highlights and their stand-out achievements before talking about what there is to look forward to in 2021. The evolution of the working environment, interpersonal relationships and collaboration in a remote workplace were important aspects of 2020. The guests discuss their experiences, and their views of how they see the nature of work developing over the next 12 months.

Jane Benjamin discusses the importance of face-to-face communication and interaction, and how the opportunities to experience that were lacking in 2020. This is just one example of the changes the mortgage market has seen, and Jane goes on to review the ways in which she and her team have adapted to the changing market.

Danny Belton considers his changing attitude towards work-life balance, and how working from home has helped to bring priorities into focus. He talks about how the strength and comradery of the broker community has been a highlight in 2020, and looks ahead to finding better ways of working with the return of face-to-face interaction.

Martin Reynolds talks about developing patience through the various challenges that the pandemic has brought. He covers the impressive achievements that businesses can reach when faced with challenges, and looking forward to getting back on the road while also utilising the possibilities that developments in remote working have brought. 

Seb Murphy covers the importance of a strong team of people, and how we provide support for our colleagues. He talks about achieving growth in difficult times, and finding success and positivity through unlikely circumstances. Seb foresees great opportunities for the industry as a whole and how adopting new technology will benefit intermediaries and lenders to develop holistic offerings.

The Growth Series is a dedicated resource that aims to help mortgage brokers grow their business using digital and communications marketing techniques. For more hints and tips on how to grow your business, you can sign up to the Growth Series for free, here.

1.42 - 37.20 discuss:

• An introduction to Jane’s role

• The impact of fewer face-to-face interactions

• Adapting to the changes that hit the mortgage market in 2020

• The importance of mental health in a challenging environment

• Jane’s 2020 highlights

• The opportunities that 2021 holds

• An introduction to Danny’s role

• The importance of work-life balance

• Danny’s 2020 highlights

• Persevering through a changing environment

• Embracing flexibility in 2021

• Introduction to Martin’s role

• Developing patience through the pandemic

• Martin’s 2020 highlights

• Collaboration across the market

• Why advice is key for 2021

• Introduction to Seb’s role

• The importance of a good team

• Seb’s 2020 highlights

• Positive opportunities for the broader industry

• The importance of embracing technology

• Outro