Charlotte Tullett, director of Liberty Money – Mortgage Strategy

Describe your firm in a few sentences

HMC Funding Limited, trading as Liberty Money, is a directly authorised whole-of-market mortgage brokerage.

Currently, we are the dream team of three advisers offering residential and commercial mortgages, finance and protection, serving clients locally and nationally.

Every client is different and I feel more and more clients require a bespoke solution

We pride ourselves on our tailored, individual, personal and friendly service.

We have offices in the Southwest of England in beautiful Somerset, just south of Bristol Airport, and also have an office in Mayfair, London.

However, we let our staff take advantage of hybrid working conditions; we are accessible to our clients outside normal working hours and it does not take long to get to work on those days. The dress code tends to be a bit more relaxed.

What led you to become a broker?

With a financial family background, it was inevitable I would end up in the finance industry somewhere.

One member of our team, I’m proud to say, is ‘homegrown’

I had worked for my previous company for 16 years and decided to take the leap and set up on my own. My background is in consumer finance; both first and second mortgages and the insurance sector.

I’ve always enjoyed helping people and I wanted to bring something different to clients. We try to focus on education also as there is such a lack of education on finance products for young people. When you become an adult, you are expected to just know this stuff, but in reality that’s not how it works.

I enjoy meeting the needs of individuals. The mortgage market is an exciting place and I have always enjoyed working in the industry.

Your knowledge will grow. One thing we constantly say in the office is, ‘Every day’s a school day.’

I set up the company during the first lockdown of the pandemic. I thought it was a good time to start; I’ve always liked a challenge. It certainly hasn’t been boring!

What plans do you have for the future of your firm?

Taking over the world! Seriously, my plans are to make sure my business keeps building from strength to strength.

As a relatively young company, growth is important, so we will work to maintain and raise awareness of our brand while keeping our core values. We intend to provide the best mortgage experience from beginning to end because finding a solution and guiding customers through the homeownership journey is a great feeling.

What single thing could lenders do to improve brokers’ lives the most?

I feel we have a really good relationship with all the banks and lenders with which we work closely. Good communication is always key.

Keep up to date with your business development managers and your continuing professional development as much as possible

But some lenders need to be more open-minded. We live in such a computer-generated world so the ability to have more human touchpoints is important. There are many people whose lives are not ‘the norm’ and a one-size box doesn’t really fit, which is why we love working with our specialist lenders.

Every client is different and I feel more and more clients require a bespoke solution.

What advice do you have for a broker just starting out?

Look after your clients; without them there is no business. Most of our business is accumulated through word of mouth, which is something we are extremely proud of.

There is such a lack of education on finance products for young people. When you become an adult, you are expected to just know this stuff

Also, don’t feel overwhelmed. Your knowledge will grow. One thing we constantly say in the office is, ‘Every day’s a school day.’

Keep up to date with your business development managers and your continuing professional development as much as possible.

Most importantly: if in doubt, ask for help. There is no such thing as a stupid question and people are always keen to help.

How can the industry encourage a new intake of brokers?

Education, career days at school or college, and work experience. I don’t think the younger generations know enough about this career path.

We pride ourselves on our tailored, individual, personal and friendly service

I’d love to see more companies like us help grow potential brokers, supporting them through their CeMap qualifications and mentoring them.

One member of our team, I’m proud to say, is ‘homegrown’, and there is no better feeling than watching them grow and gain confidence.

If you would like your firm to be featured in Broker Focus, please email Mortgage Strategy reporter Becky Bellamy at: becky.bellamy@emap.com