Financial Reporter Awards

The Financial Reporter Awards is an opportunity to celebrate those who are shaping mortgages, protection and specialist lending for the better, raising the bar for industry standards across 27 categories – so how can you make it clear to the judges that this could be you?

We asked this year’s judges for their advice. Rachael Hunnisett, director of mortgage distribution at April Mortgages, says that what stands out the most to her in applications is seeing someone’s "overall contribution to the industry, no matter how small.

How are you holding the door open to others and supporting the growth of the sector in your own corner of the industry?" she asks.

Meanwhile, Paul Adams, sales director at Pepper Money, says that "clearly articulating what YOU have done over the past year which has achieved excellent results," is what makes an applicant shine through.

"This could be related to impact on the industry, better outcomes for customers, innovation through technology and more," he explains, adding that it’s also about "being bold in stating what it was and the impact it had."

Claire Askham, head of mortgage sales at Buckinghamshire Building Society, says that "a nomination stands out when it makes the judges’ job easy and the nominee’s impact impossible to ignore.

"A clear, compelling narrative. Direct alignment with the award criteria. Strong, specific evidence to support what is being said - enthusiasm, motivation and passion for what they enjoy doing is a must for me to see coming through," she continues.

For Jonathan Stinton, head of intermediary relationships at Coventry Building Society, the key thing that makes an application stand out is a "clear drive to make a difference in their chosen market.

"Don’t be shy, shout about all your successes and journey so far," he says.

The need to be loud about your achievements is something that all his fellow judges agree with: "Go for it!" Rachael says, "don't be humble, this is your opportunity to highlight your fantastic work and showcase it to those that look up to you.

"It can feel very uncomfortable to promote your own work, however we are all very used to reading submissions and I promise we will be delighted to hear of your accomplishments!"

Similarly, Claire stresses the importance of writing an application "with passion and energy.

"Focus on a challenge that you have overcome, make the outcome real to the judges, highlight what makes you different as to why you should win the award, provide the judges with what we don’t know," she continues.

Finally, Paul also highlights the need to avoid being too humble, and instead to "be proud of what you have done."

"Prepare to be like a peacock!" he says.