The Intermediary – July 2025 - Flipbook - Page 69
M E E T T H E B RO K E R
a positive thing, and something I
actively encourage.
But the challenge is nuance. A lot
of advice is being pulled from social
media, headlines, or generic content.
While well-intentioned, it can lead
to confusion, hesitation, or even
missed opportunities.
In what ways could
lenders better
support brokerages?
One of the biggest things lenders
can do is protect the role of the
business development manager
(BDM). That relationship isn’t just a
nice-to-have; it’s essential, and when
BDMs become harder to reach or
that personal connection is removed
entirely, it has a real knock-on
effect on service, trust, and even
turnaround times.
A strong BDM relationship means
having someone who understands
how you work, what your client
needs, and how to navigate the grey
areas. They can translate internal
processes, provide crucial context,
and help find solutions that systems
alone can’t offer. That context is so
important, especially when you’re
trying to manage client expectations
and keep the journey as smooth and
transparent as possible!
How important is
diversity in the industry,
given your personal
experience?
It’s incredibly important.
Representation matters, not just
for people entering the industry,
but for the clients we work with
every day. And not just when it
comes to ethnicity. We need better
representation across the board:
neurodiversity, disability and health.
All of it.
I’m part of groups like the Diversity
and Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF)
and Intermediary Mortgage Lenders
Association (IMLA) because I believe
education moves things forward, and
visibility makes space for others, but
that kind of work only really matters
if it filters through to the everyday.
Allyship doesn’t need to be loud.
It’s in the small things; listening
properly, asking better questions,
making space without needing credit
for it. That’s how change lasts.
Do you have a final
message or thoughts?
We’ve got a few things quietly in the
works! New ways to support clients
earlier in their journey, and some
plans to grow in a really considered
way. But true to how we’ve always
done things, we’re taking our time
and doing it properly.
If there’s one message I’d leave
people with, it’s this: you don’t have
to have it all figured out to start
asking questions.
Whether you’re a buyer, a
broker, or somewhere in between,
there’s power in simply starting
the conversation. ●
July 2025 | The Intermediary
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