Financial Reporter Awards

Nominations for the Financial Reporter Awards 2025 are well underway, with so many incredible candidates from across the industry sending in their applications to be reviewed once the judging period opens on 24th March.

But what do the judges want to see in this year’s applicants? Check out their thoughts below:

Paul Adams, Sales Director, Pepper Money

I love it when people know and can articulate what makes them great and how this gives them the edge in their market.

Paul Hunt, Managing Director, Square 1 Media

I'd like to see how people and businesses are putting a bit back into their community and the world at large.

Robert Barnard, Intermediary Relationship Director, Pepper Money

Successful nominees will obviously shine in many areas including innovation, commitment to service levels, and exceptional people management but most of all I'll be looking for people that can bring to life, using real examples, their successes by being themselves after all that's what makes them the greatly successful people they already are …

Andrew Calder, Corporate Account Manager, Accord Mortgages

Examples of commitment to providing service that produces great outcomes, especially anything that supports making the mortgage process easier for clients to understand.

Buster Tolfree, Director of Mortgages, United Trust Bank

I will be looking for those who exhibit strong leadership skills, a commitment to their chosen field and/or area of expertise and promote it to the benefit of all!

Alex Upton, Managing Director, Specialist Mortgages & Bridging Hampshire Trust Bank

When I’m judging, I’m looking for both individuals and lenders/providers who stand out for doing things the right way. Innovation is key, but it’s not just about being new – it’s about being practical and making a real difference for brokers and their clients. Whether it’s a new product, process, or service, I want to see that it’s solving problems and adding value where it matters most.

At the same time, commitment to service levels is vital. Brokers and clients need to know they can rely on us – and we need to consistently deliver. I’m also looking for strong leadership, whether that’s from individuals or teams. It’s not just about achieving success – it’s about how you bring others along with you, how you empower your team, and how you inspire those around you to excel. Ultimately, I’m looking for the lenders/providers and individuals who are not only meeting expectations but who are pushing the boundaries, striving for excellence, and making a lasting impact on the industry.

James Briffitt, Head of Intermediary Sales and New Build, Nationwide

Innovation, commitment to service levels, exceptional people management, and people going that extra mile.

Jonathan Stinton, Head of Intermediary Relationships, Coventry Building Society

Innovation, customer centric and energetic.

Dale Jannels, CEO, One Mortgage System (OMS)

I want to know what makes the individual different from everyone else in the industry and what positive impact they've had on their sector in the last 12 months.

Helen Harrison, Head of Intermediary Distribution, Santander

Something that makes the individual stand out as delivering above and beyond for their customers.

Darrell Walker, Director of Sales & Distribution, Chetwood Bank

As someone who’s just put a new sales team together at ModaMortgages, I’m always looking out for individuals who are honest, sincere, hardworking, tenacious and prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Matt Martin, Head of National Accounts, Virgin Money

For me, it's all about relationships and people. I'm looking for nominees who show a strong commitment to their clients, maintaining ongoing relationships, and working closely with lenders and providers. Additionally, I’m keen to see individuals who demonstrate innovation in their approach, consistently deliver high service levels, and excel in people management. It's important to recognise those who are open to continually learning from their peers in the industry and who contribute positively to the overall growth and development of our sector.

Richard Waters, Head of Protection Distribution, HSBC Life

I love to see passion coming through in all aspects, this can be evidenced in how things are done and the feedback received from customers, which then delivers positive outcomes that need to be measurable.

Steve Cox, Chief Commercial Officer, Fleet Mortgages

There are so many excellent candidates that I’ll be looking for those that simply stand out just that little bit more. At what point did they go the extra mile for a client? Have they reshaped their product offering? What new service did they bring to market over the last year?

Plus, when it comes to the bread and butter, are they simply operating at another level when compared to others in the same category? I’m hoping that the shortlist will be an obvious choice, but I suspect it will be incredibly difficult to put forward the shortlisted nominees, as we’ll have a wide range of excellent candidates to choose from.

Joanne Hollins, Head of Intermediary Mortgage Distribution, Metro Bank

I would like to see the difference people make to their business, their colleagues, the market and their customers, through product and tech innovation, overall delivery, service and how they truly demonstrate care and support in what can be a challenging and testing environment.

Nominations for the Financial Reporter Awards 2025 close on 14th March 2025, after which you'll have until 21st March to complete your supporting application. Good luck!