Manager of the month - February
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John Hassall, Mortgage Talk, Chief executive
Top Of The League is an industry recognition scheme in association with Woolwich mortgages from Barclays. The aim is to recognise two outstanding individuals each month who will be named Player of the Month or Manager of the Month. Topof the League nominees have all delivered excellent service in their company or community, for colleagues or clients. Each month during the football season Woolwich talent scouts will be hunting out star players and managers in all major networks, clubs and brokerages. They will then be whittled down to a short list of five names, before the winners are chosen by our panel of judges. Winners will be presented with the same Barclays Premier League Player or Manager of the Month trophies that the football greats receive and other exclusive prizes.
Name: John Hassall
Company: Mortgage Talk
Job Title: Chief executive
WHAT DOES BEING DUBBED TOP OF THE LEAGUE MEAN TO YOU?
It is an indication of support for the direction Mortgage Talk is taking. It means we are doing and saying the right things.
IN YOUR NOMINATION THE JUDGES PRAISED THE FACT THAT WHILE OTHER FIRMS WERE CUTTING BACK DURING THE DOWNTURN, MORTGAGE TALK DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF ADVISERS IT EMPLOYS. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO DO THIS?
It is mainly because we have reduced our reliance on transaction volumes and sharpened our focus on existing clients. We have brought customer-relationship management back into focus.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY PHILOSOPHY TO PROVIDING MORTGAGES?
Quantity is important, in terms of size and scale, for having influence with lenders, but that has to be balanced with quality. Quantity alone is no longer the currency in this market.
HOW HAS 2010 BEEN FOR YOU?
We bucked the trend in 2010. Business was significantly better than in 2009, for example, we increased protection sales by over 30%.
YOU’RE BASED IN WICKERSLEY, NEAR ROTHERHAM. HOW IS THE MARKET IN YOUR LOCAL AREA AT THE MOMENT?
The market is difficult as it is one of the most economically deprived in the UK, but we recognise that in our strategy. While the local community is important, we are a nationwide firm and our business comes from all over.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT RUNNING YOUR FIRM?
Without a doubt, the people. We are lucky to have a great team of talented individuals.
IF YOU COULD BE THE HEAD OF THE FSA FOR A DAY, HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE MARKET?
I would find a way of working better with lenders to bring first-time buyers back into the market. Lenders need to be prepared to offer products at higher LTVs, but that must be done carefully and diligently.
FINALLY, IF YOU COULD BE ANY FOOTBALLER FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
Trevor Francis – he is the best player I have ever seen and also scored the winning goal for my team in a cup final.
FEBRUARY’S SHORT LIST
Manager of the Month:
- John Hassall, Mortgage Talk
- David Hollingworth, London & Country
- John Perkin, Slater Hogg
- Conor Murphy, Capricorn Finance
- Nigel Wood, Peace of Mind Financial Solutions
WHY JUDGES PICKED
- Has driven Mortgage Talk forward in the recession and doubled its number of advisers from 60 to 120.
- On average, advisers have boosted protection sales by over 25% between 2009 and 2010.
- Mortgage applications grew 40% in January year-on-year.
- Motivates staff to abide by certain core values such as respecting colleagues and customers.
- Recognises staff achievements through awards.
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