"A fantastic recognition of hard work": why our finalists want to win FRA26

The big day is almost here!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 9th June, the Financial Reporter Awards 2026 will reveal which of its remarkable finalists have become winners.

Here are some words from this year’s finalists on what it would mean to them to take home the award, as well as a playlist containing their dream walk-on songs, which you can listen to while getting ready to celebrate the industry’s very best.

Hannie Mason, Mortgages with Hannie & Co, Mortgage Broker of the Year (up to 10 employees) finalist:

"It would mean a huge amount, not just personally but for the business as a whole. I’ve built this from the ground up with a big focus on making mortgages and protection feel less intimidating and more accessible. Winning would be a real validation of that approach. It would show that you don’t have to follow the traditional mould to be successful in this industry and that there’s real value in doing things in a more human, client first way."

Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services, Mortgage Broker of the Year (up to 10 employees) finalist:

"Winning a Financial Reporter Award would mean the world to me and to Stagg Mortgage Services. It would be a moment that recognises not just my work, but the dedication, heart, and resilience of the entire team who stand beside me every day.

"We’re a small brokerage with big values, and to have that acknowledged on a national stage would be incredibly special. For the business, it would be a powerful affirmation that the way we choose to operate with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to our clients truly matters. It would strengthen our reputation, give our clients even more confidence in the service we provide, and inspire the team to keep pushing forward, even in challenging market conditions.

"On a personal level, it would be deeply emotional. After the highs and lows of the past year, it would feel like a moment of pride, gratitude, and validation. A reminder that staying true to your values, looking after your people, and doing the right thing consistently really does make a difference."

Lisa Parker, L&C Mortgages, Mortgage Broker of the Year (50+ employees) & Buy-to-Let Broker of the Year finalist:

"We’re really proud to have such a talented and dedicated team at L&C, all focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our customers. Winning this award would be a fantastic recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by everyone across the business."

Saam Lowni, Merryoaks Property Finance, Specialist Broker of the Year finalist: 

"It would mean a lot, both personally and for the Merryoaks team. Developers and investors are putting a lot of money on the table or their livelihoods in many cases, and they need to know the broker they're working with knows what they're doing and cares as much as we do to secure a result. An award like this helps communicate that commitment, before we've even had a conversation."

James Rainbird, Truffle Specialist Finance, Short-Term Lending Broker of the Year & Second Charge Broker of the Year finalist:

"It would mean that after nearly 20 years in business, we are seen. We aren't a call centre, or a big outfit, we are hand-picked individuals that all bring something to the table. This reward would be celebrated throughout our entire team. That's twelve people feeling immensely proud, not just one."

Loans Warehouse, Second Charge Broker of the Year finalist:

"Winning a Financial Reporter Award would be a significant achievement for Loans Warehouse and the wider team behind the business. The awards are highly respected across the financial services industry, so receiving that recognition would reinforce the work we have put into continually improving our service, technology, partnerships, and overall proposition.

"As a business celebrating 20 years in the industry, winning would demonstrate that Loans Warehouse is not only maintaining high standards, but continuing to set the standards and lead within a competitive market. It would validate the effort and commitment shown by every member of the team and provide further confidence to our broker partners, lenders, and customers that they are working with an award-winning organisation they can trust.

"Beyond the recognition itself, winning would also motivate us to continue pushing standards higher and building on the reputation we have developed over the past two decades."

Simon Ward, Boxed Mortgages Ltd, Protection Broker of the Year finalist:

"Winning would mean everything to us, particularly at this stage in our journey. A year into trading, it would be an incredible recognition of the hard work, passion, and care we’ve invested into building the business.

"More than anything, it would reinforce our belief that doing things the right way, prioritising people, relationships, and long-term client care over quick wins really matters. It would also be a huge moment of pride for everyone who has supported us, referred clients to us, and believed in us from day one."

Scottish Widows, Protection Provider of the Year finalist:

"It would be a strong signal that brokers see Scottish Widows as a provider they can rely on, especially when it comes to claims and support. That is the moment that matters most in protection. It would also help us keep building confidence in the work we’ve been doing across the protection journey."

Stephen Harrison, Paragon Bank, Rising Star finalist:

"Winning would mean more than validation, it's recognition, to myself more than others, that I'm progressing within the industry and becoming a subject matter expert. Winning and being someone who others can trust and turn to when needed would further cement relationships within the financial services industry, which can only be a good thing for clients and supporting their goals being achieved!"

Francesca Starkey, Project&co, Rising Star finalist:

"Having a big personality is not always seen as a good thing, I sometimes feel like I have to mask myself, but this encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing and putting myself out there constantly."

Ruksana Niaz, Manchester Money Ltd, Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist:

"Winning a Financial Reporter Award would honestly mean a huge amount to me, both personally and for the business. Having won before, I already know how special it feels and how much credibility it brings, so to be recognised again would feel like a real 'pinch me' moment.

"It would be a proper acknowledgement of the day-to-day effort that goes into looking after clients and making sure they get the best possible outcomes. For the business, it’s something that really does make a difference. It helps build trust straight away and gives people confidence in what we do.

"In such a competitive industry, having that independent recognition matters, and it’s something Manchester Money has been proud to use in conversations with both new and existing clients. It’s nice knowing something like that can help open doors and reassure people they’re in safe hands. On a personal level, it would just be really rewarding. It’s one thing doing the work, but to have it recognised by industry peers feels incredibly motivating. It gives you that extra drive to keep improving and not settle.

"More than anything, it would be a proud moment shared with the team and everyone who’s been part of the journey."

Hayley Roberts, Foundation, Underwriter of the Year finalist:

"On a personal level, it would be a significant milestone and something I’d take real pride in. More importantly, from a business perspective, it’d reinforce the strength of our underwriting approach and the value we place on consistency, risk awareness, and service.

"Awards like this matter because they’re judged externally, so they give brokers and partners confidence that they’re working with a lender that combines strong decision-making with a practical, solutions-led mindset. It’d also be a positive signal internally, recognising the standards we aim to uphold across the team."

Laura Smith, Saffron for Intermediaries, BDM of the Year finalist:

"For me, it would represent the success of years of hard work and progression throughout my career. For Saffron Building Society, it would also highlight how important relationship-led business development is to the business.

"Saffron gives us the autonomy to work with brokers in the way that works best for them, which allows us to build genuine relationships and add real value rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I think that’s something that really stands out about the business."

Nadine Edwards, NatWest, Mortgage Lender of the Year finalist:

"Winning a Financial Reporter Award would be a fantastic recognition of the focus and commitment our teams put into supporting brokers every day. It would validate the progress we’ve made in improving service, simplifying processes and listening closely to intermediary feedback. Most importantly, it would reinforce that we are delivering real value where it matters: helping brokers support their customers with confidence."

Natalie Schofield, Roma Finance, Short-Term Lender of the Year finalist:

"Winning would be fantastic recognition for the whole team and everything we have built since the beginning. It would reflect not just the results we’ve achieved but how we deliver them, with a strong focus on relationship building, collaboration and supporting our broker partners and their customers throughout the lifecycle of their loan."

Iain Smith, Market Harborough Building Society, Short-Term Lender of the Year finalist:

"Having won this award in 2024, we know how valuable that recognition is. To take the top spot again would reinforce the strength and consistency of our bridging proposition and further highlight the service-led approach we pride ourselves on. Most importantly, it would reflect the trust brokers continue to place in us to deliver on a wide range of cases."

Check out the #FRA26 finalists' winning playlist here: