The Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards will highlight the sector
The Scottish mortgage industry needs to have more input into housing policy, to reflect the country’s unique markets, which set it apart from Britain overall, according to broker Helen MacKenzie.
A speaker at the forthcoming Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards, MacKenzie (pictured) is keen to highlight the country’s distinct qualities and challenges.
“Even within Scotland itself there are differences between areas,” MacKenzie said. “We need to be involved in influencing policy and legislation much more from a Scottish perspective - the industry wants to do its best for customers and for those of us working in it.
“It’s good to recognise that Scotland has its own unique housing and financial markets, because it is different from other parts of the UK.”
The Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards, to be held on Thursday May 30 at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, will recognise the vital service that Scotland’s mortgage industry provides. The event is sponsored by Mortgage Introducer and parent company KM Business Information.
The awards are an opportunity for the industry to gather with colleagues and celebrate those for whom exceptional dedication and service are integral to their day-to-day roles. It provides, too, a chance to strengthen professional ties still further, through a dedicated, daytime summit, to debate the pressing issues facing the industry today – registration for the summit is free.
Among the speakers will be Robert Sinclair, chief executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, Jonathan Evans, who is senior national accounts & new build lead at Skipton Building Society, and James Rice, who is managing director of The Mortgage Finance Store.
There will also be contributions from Alistair Ewing, managing director of The Lending Channel, and Kieran Mullen, key account manager at Canada Life UK, plus Hannah Walker, national sales manager at LV=GI for Intermediaries, and Jeff Knight, director of Grey Matter Marketing Solutions.
Topics to be discussed include the vibrancy of the Scottish mortgage industry, navigating the later life landscape, strategies for future success, and how to get ahead with marketing.
More than 20 categories at this year’s awards will highlight the brightest and the best of the profession, including coveted titles such as Best Overall Broker in Scotland, Broker of the Year (Regional), BDM of the Year, Protection Provider of the Year, Later Life Lender of the Year, New Brokerage of the Year and the renowned Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mackenzie, who has been working in the industry for nearly 20 years and launched her own business, MacKenzie Mortgages, in 2008, won Best Broker - Highlands & Islands, in 2019 & 2021.
She is looking forward to meeting up with others in the industry at the awards, and hopes, too, to build connections and see those being rewarded for their hard work.
MacKenzie believes it is ‘extremely important’ to shine a light on the Scottish mortgage industry, recognising its efforts to support purchasers of property. “The Scottish mortgage sector assists in that greatly,” she said.
After 10 years working within the public housing sector, MacKenzie entered the mortgage industry when it became regulated in 2004, as a self-employed mortgage adviser within a local firm. She became an appointed representative of the Financial Network system, setting up her own business in 2008, and becoming directly authorised in 2021. Her business, today, is based in in Muir of Ord, in the Scottish Highlands.
Why become a mortgage broker?
“The reason I joined the industry was because I wanted a new challenge,” she explained. “It was after the time when the endowment issues came to light, and I wanted to ensure that customers were given the best advice for their mortgage and protection requirements.
“The most enjoyable part is helping our customers achieve their aspirations of owning their own home. There is never a dull moment and mortgages are usually a conversation starter.”
She continued: “Having worked through the recession, regulatory changes, the pandemic, and government policy changes since 2004, the industry does not stand still, and despite the challenges, it makes it more interesting to be a part of, knowing that you can provide the best advice and expertise to help customers navigate through the mortgage process which has changed so much.
How, then, does MacKenzie view the current market and its challenges?
“A rollercoaster!” she said. “It’s not easy for everyone - customers and professionals in the industry. Hopefully, in 12 months’ time, there will be more stability and less frequent interest rate changes. I am keeping positive!”
Read more: Spring Finance expands bridging lending to Scotland
What skills must a good broker have?
MacKenzie believes a good broker is one that takes the time to communicate and to listen to their customers, explaining information and processes in a way that is easy to understand, while being reassuring in uncertain times.
“I think as long as we can ensure customers are well informed and know the reasons for the current mortgage market, it will help them to understand and be confident about buying,” she observed. “Be there for your customer and be resilient - a small business is just as important as a larger organisation.”
Though clearly dedicated to her business and her customers, MacKenzie does enjoy time away from her day-to-day business.
“I do love spending time with family, friends, dogs and gardening,” she shared. “I have previously volunteered in our local community to develop an old building into a community hub & cinema. I now have carer responsibilities, so there is not much relaxation time. I enjoy what I do, so it never feels like a job to me.”
To find out more about the Scottish Mortgage Summit & Awards go to: Mortgage Introducer | Scottish Mortgage Summit
