On the Road with Lyndsey Charnock, Canada Life

FR: What area do you cover?

I cover the north, so anywhere from Birmingham upwards, and along with my team based in Glasgow, provide a holistic service to advisers, helping them understand more about our lifetime mortgage and later life buy-to-let mortgage product range.

FR: If you had one ‘top tip’ for life as a BDM, what would it be?

To build a good relationship with the advisers and ensure you stick to any promises made. It doesn’t matter whether they are asking for posters, case studies or presentation slides; they rely on us to provide them with a wide array of resources. Growing and maintaining that relationship can make an enormous difference.

FR: How do you pass the time on the road - books, podcasts, audiobooks?

I tend to find that for the most part I’m speaking to advisers, explaining our lending criteria or answering product queries. If I do have any time, it’s Smooth FM all the way!

FR: What’s one thing you wish all brokers knew?

What equity release is and how the various products have evolved. It would be nice to see a broader approach to retirement planning and for people to consider property wealth alongside pensions, ISAs and other assets, especially given its increasing relevance today.

FR: A quick email on Monday or a phone call in the afternoons - how can brokers contact you?

Both e-mail and phone are fine. If I don’t pick up the call or message straight away it will be because I’m with advisers, so I’ll aim to get back to you by the end of the day. In case I’m not around, our London and Glasgow offices are open between 9am – 5pm so one of my friendly colleagues should be able to help out.

FR: And lastly - what’s your favourite place to stop for a coffee when you’re between meetings?

I prefer a local place in Yorkshire called Betty’s Tearooms. I think it’s a chain but unique to that part of the country. You can’t beat a latte and caramel slice!