The Success Stories Behind #WRA24 – Our Finalists’ Proudest Career Moments

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The Women’s Recognition Awards 2024 aim to celebrate women whose efforts have made the industry a better, fairer place.  

To make it to the shortlist, each of our finalists have achieved incredible things that have impacted the industry for the better. From growing their businesses and teams to mentoring colleagues and spearheading campaigns  - these are our #WRA24 finalists’ proudest career moments.

 

Rachel Allison, Create Finance - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist 

Protection adviser - I have done this for over 8 years now and have climbed and climbed further to become the best I can be.

 

Amanda Archer, The Equity Release Experts - Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

Having always worked in financial services, I decided to take the self-employed route after having my daughter. I am proud of my success as a self-employed adviser which enables me the flexibility to also be mummy!

 

Lauren Barry, Hodge Bank - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

Reaching the final of the Women in Credit Awards 2024 in the Team Player of the Year category.

 

Noreen Baqir, Circle Finance - Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

Pulling in all the skills and knowledge I have picked up over the years within the property and finance market and then making my own company successful. But on a personal level doing all this whilst giving my kids the time and energy they deserve.

 

Charlotte Bates, Bateswilcox Mortgage Solutions Limited - EDI: Best Customer Support finalist

This is a really hard one! However, I must say probably setting up the business in 2019, going into a global pandemic 9 months later, retaining all staff, growing and then getting through another huge hurdle of dramatic market changes with interest rates and still surviving having made no redundancies to date.

We have just reached our 5-year anniversary which we are so proud of as we have hit just about every bump in the road which has been out of our control!

 

Lana Bates, A2B Financial Services Ltd - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

Opening our business premises six weeks before the COVID lockdown hit and being able to keep the premises going until the lockdown eased. For a new business, surviving such an event makes me sure of the strength of my business.

 

Hazel Bowen, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management – Financial Adviser of the Year finalist

My greatest career achievement is being in the role I'm in now, despite many barriers and challenges during my journey. It would have been easy to give up, but I love the work I do too much for that!

 

Jen Carhart, HSBC Life - Woman in Protection finalist

Becoming both the Chief Underwriter and Head of Claims as a woman in our field.

 

Claire Chambers, Stonebridge EDI: Best Leadership finalist

The career achievement I am most proud of is being given the opportunity and privilege to lead such a fantastic group of colleagues. Leading my department has been an incredibly rewarding experience, as it has allowed me to witness firsthand the power of collaboration and the benefits of diverse perspectives.

Together we’ve achieved remarkable business milestones, and I’m delighted to be able to foster a supportive, innovative work culture that I can be proud of. Our +83 NPS score shouts from the rooftops that there is so much we’re doing right, and I will continue to champion for more.

 

Dianne Corner, Pepper Money - Woman in Management finalist

I think what I'm most proud of is the impact I have on the people I work with. I believe that being in a leadership role is much more than managing people to achieve targets. I think I hold a great responsibility to the people I work with to ensure that they feel empowered. I give them the right coaching and development and I inspire them to be the best they can be.

I feel the proudest when I see someone achieve great results, whether that's a skill they've developed, a goal they have achieved, or a promotion they've been working hard for.

 

Katie Dennehy, UnderwriteMe - Woman in Fintech finalist

Presenting at COVER and Women in Protection has to be my highlight. I remember being scared taking my job at UnderwriteMe as I had never presented before, so to speak at these events were a huge achievement.

 

Amber Dunning, Purplebricks Mortgages - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

I am so proud of many things I have done career wise, but the one which sticks out the most was managing to spearhead a campaign for maternity pay in my previous company.

It was heart-breaking for me to hear some females within the business were unable to financially afford to have a baby, which meant they had to hold off having children and I knew that was something which needed to change...and it did!

 

Emily Eason, Purplebricks Mortgages – Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

The achievement I am most proud of so far is becoming a Senior Case Manager for Purplebricks Mortgages, after only being in the mortgage administration role for a year. I work alongside an amazing talented team of Case Managers, so to be promoted to a Senior within a short period of time meant the hard work and dedication had been recognised by the company.

 

Rachel Eason-Whale, L&C Mortgages - EDI: Best Employee Support, EDI: Best Customer Support, EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

Remaining a fee free mortgage and protection broker since 1999 - regardless of the market or what type of mortgage we provide, no matter how big or small the loan.

 

Natalie Ellis, Steel City Mortgages - EDI: Best Customer Support finalist

Being recognised as a Change Maker, brilliant individuals who are delivering either diversity and inclusion or sustainability initiatives to make our industry fairer, more balanced, or more environmentally conscious.

Also being named a finalist in this year’s WRAs!!

 

Michelle Gardner, HSBC - BDM of the Year finalist

Mentoring two colleagues to go on to their dream jobs.

 

Roxanne Garside, Fix My Legals – Entrepreneur of the Year finalist

I love growing my team and creating a place for them to work that gives them freedom, flexibility and purpose. It was also great to win the Financial Reporter Award for Best Legal Services Provider before we even turned 2!

 

Katrina Gould, Mortgage Advice Bureau - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

I am proud of being the best of the best, every day is a challenge, and I go above and beyond in everything I do - if a job is to be done its to be done right the first time!

 

Carmen Green, Xpress Mortgages - Rising Star finalist

My track record of receiving positive customer feedback (5* google reviews) and a continuous stream of repeat &L referral business, we really do have the power to change lives in this job!

 

Tara Hanratty, Crystal Specialist Finance - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

The thing that makes me so proud is seeing the difference my role makes to my colleagues at Crystal, I really enjoy being able to help them when I can. We all have things going on outside of work and being able to support them when they need it most is really rewarding.

 

Maria Harris, Open Property Data Association - Woman in Fintech finalist

Creating the UK's first open data standard for digital property packs. This level of collaboration and commitment across the whole property industry to digitise the homebuying process has never been achieved before and seeing our member firms now live with real customers is amazing.

 

Jennifer Harrison, MPowered Mortgages - Marketer of the Year finalist

I was particularly proud of the live webinar I organised for International Women's Day this year. The panel was made up of some phenomenal women from the financial sector and I was proud that I was able to gather them together to talk about the issues we, as women, are still facing despite the progress the industry has inarguably made.

Emma Hayes, Premier Property Solutions - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

Being the top sales protection adviser in my network, whilst ensuring my focus is on providing quality advice, putting my client’s needs first, and explaining protection in consumer-friendly language resulting in low cancellations.

 

Joanne Hollins, Metro Bank – Woman in Specialist Lending finalist

Helping to build and lead a mortgage business that has developed from an embryonic, London-centric business into a formidable national top 20 firm with a strong infrastructure, that is supported by a talented team that I’m proud to have nurtured and grown into one of the most effective in the market.

 

Holly Irvine, Yorkshire Financial Services Ltd - Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

Where do I start! I am so very proud in the progress of my career, since starting as Trainee Mortgage Administrator in 2006, to passing my CeMAP and for the organic growth in my business, all via word of mouth and providing excellent client service.

I look after my clients and they have certainly looked after me, by referring me to all their friends, family and colleagues.

 

Jane King, Ash Ridge - Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

Building a successful practice through hard work, dogged determination and being respected in a (still) very male-dominated industry.

 

Vicki Kingston, Coventry Building Society – Woman in Management finalist

There are many looking back over my long 40-year career - not sure I could pick one over another, it’s been a rollercoaster but some great times.

 

Ellis Marriott, Moneybox – Mortgage Adviser of the Year finalist

I have worked hard this year alongside journalists to advocate for women’s needs. I feel proud of what I have accomplished and been able to get involved in throughout my career at Moneybox Mortgages.

I loved getting on board with the conversations around the budget and also the impact on families when factoring in the earning cap to claim child benefit as a working woman. I think the outcome of this conversation was an incredibly positive one and helped so many families across the UK. I love that I was able to be involved in this conversation and to share my own experiences.

 

Natalie McNamara, Loans Warehouse - Rising Star finalist

Entering a new industry as a 40+ wife and mother of three took a lot of confidence. Receiving positive feedback from colleagues, peers and industry leaders, alongside the recognition of being a finalist, is such a huge achievement and I am so genuinely proud of this.

It confirms that it's never too late to make the changes you need to ensure a happy and balanced work life.

 

Kirsty Mills, Hodge Bank - Underwriter of the Year

Putting myself through mortgage qualifications whilst bringing up a young family – it was a long time now, but I remember being on family holidays and revising. I have got to where I am on my own, not having had family support in my younger years, I constantly strive to be my very best every day.

 

Donna Morgan, LV= - BDM of the Year finalist

Being seen as the Top Performing BDM in my team in the largest income earning market.

 

Riona Mulherin, Paradigm - EDI: Mental Health Champion finalist

Sounds a bit silly but just returning to work after my second maternity leave when my own mental health was not in a great place. Alongside that I would say the team I have built and the environment I feel I have created for all of them to thrive - very proud of them all!

 

Kerry O'Brien, Mortgage Advice Bureau - Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

One of the achievements I am most proud of in my career is how I began with no experience or knowledge of the mortgage industry. I joined my organisation as a data inputter, and through hard work, a desire to progress, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, I have been promoted to lead the mortgage administration team.

In this role, I have not only managed the team but also developed and expanded it to better support our business operations. I take great pride in being a manager who genuinely cares about my team and their success. I want them to do well and reach their professional goals. Their success is my success, and one of the things I am most proud of is the positive impact I have on my team.

 

Caroline Payne, AIG Life Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

I have enjoyed so many moments in my career, but the last 18 months have been the most rewarding. I have been surrounded by a great team of people and this has enabled me to leave a legacy. My team will always think back to our days in AIG Life with fond memories and joy, because of the culture I created and harnessed.

The Women's Mentoring Circle enabled me to reach beyond my immediate sphere of influence and inspire many more individuals across the wider business. I am really proud to have driven this initiative and the impact it has had on others.

 

Salga Peter, Owl Financial - Protection Adviser of the Year finalist

As a protection adviser, the career achievement I am most proud of is successfully implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy for a major client, which significantly enhanced their overall security and peace of mind. This project involved conducting thorough risk assessments, customizing protection plans, and providing ongoing support and training to their team.

The positive impact this had on the client's operations and the sense of security it brought to their employees and stakeholders has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my expertise contributed to safeguarding their business and enabling them to focus on their core activities with confidence is a source of immense pride.

 

Louisa Sedgwick, Paragon Bank - Woman in Specialist Lending finalist

Becoming the first Female Chair of IMLA [The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association].

 

Megha Srivastava, Twenty7tec - Woman in Fintech finalist

I have made some incredible connections in my working life which is an amazing achievement. I feel proud of making a difference in my clients' businesses and supporting them in the best way possible. I am also immensely proud to support D&I where I can, being recognised as elite women earlier in the year, and to now be a finalist of WRA.

 

Katherine Stagg, Stagg Mortgage Services LTD - EDI: Mental Health Champion Finalist

Starting my own business in January this year, it’s a rollercoaster ride and done some incredible things so far.

 

Laura Travers, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd - Rising Star finalist

Winning an internal achievement programme.

 

Britney Trussler, Dynamo - Rising Star finalist

I was invited to speak as part of the panel at the Protection Review - ProtectZ event. This is something I am incredibly proud of and a massive milestone in my career, being the first panel I have been invited to speak on. It helped to build my confidence hugely and encouraged me to put myself forward and out there for further public discussions to broaden my reach and help educate and advocate for the importance of protection for all audiences.

Protecting the younger generation is something I feel very passionate about and it was a privilege to be able to voice my opinions, concerns and thoughts on what we can do to better protect younger and future generations. This has since also led to further opportunities and invitations to speak on panel debates, allowing me to continue to advocate for my passion.

 

Sarah Tucker, The Mortgage Mum Limited - Spokesperson of the Year finalist, EDI: Best Customer Support finalist 

Being a mortgage expert on ITV's This Morning and building a team of phenomenal women across the UK who are being empowered to work flexibly.

 

Alex Upton, Hampshire Trust Bank - Woman in Specialist Lending finalist 

One of my proudest career achievements is building a diverse and high-performing team in specialist lending. Leading the transformation of HTB’s Specialist Mortgages division has been an incredibly rewarding journey.

We've achieved record results while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive. Seeing my team members grow, develop, and receive industry recognition for their hard work has been a highlight of my career. It's a testament to the power of nurturing talent and creating an inclusive culture.

 

Emma Vaughan, SimplyBiz Services Ltd - Woman in Protection finalist

My most significant career accomplishment to date is the transformative effect I have had at SimplyBiz. I've revolutionised the perception of quality within the directly authorised space and established protection as a key consideration for holistic advisers who might not have previously discussed it with their clients.

Through education, training, and development, I've successfully boosted our protection sales, even in a stagnant market.

 

Emma Ward, Key Group - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

I achieved CMI level 7 in leadership at the start of this year - whilst working I studied and completed assignments. Of course, being a finalist is a real highlight.

 

Lucy Waters, Aria Finance – Woman in the Mortgage Industry finalist

I started my own brokerage 20 years ago when I was just 18 years old and worked extremely hard to build my business, surviving the 2008 global financial crisis, to now being the founder and managing director of a multi-million-pound business, which in the last 12 months facilitated £500m of loan originations.

 

Katie White, Attivo Group - Later Life Adviser of the Year finalist

Winning the Women’s Recognition Award for Later Life Adviser of the Year in 2022 of course!

 

Emma Williamson, Stream Bank - EDI: Best Leadership finalist

Being a manager. The responsibility of leading people can be a challenge, however the support each other can achieve when you all work together to aim for success is by far my proudest moments.

 

Romany Youell, needingadvice.co.uk ltd - Rising Star finalist

Although qualifying as the youngest Financial Adviser in the UK is up there... I have to say being shortlisted at the Women's Recognition Awards takes the cake!

 

Sadna Zaman, Canada Life - Woman in Later Life Lending finalist

My current role has given me the most freedom to make real changes to our products and proposition alongside the consumer duty work, I feel like I'm making real impactful differences to customer outcomes.

 

 

The Women’s Recognition Awards will take place on 22nd October 2024 at Roundhouse, London. If you want to join us in celebrating the impact that all our incredible finalists are having on the industry, you can book your table or sponsor a category on our website.