Just Mortgages' John Phillips takes home BMA gold

Spicerhaart are proud to announce that John Philips of Just Mortgages has been recognised for his great achievements at the British Mortgage Awards 2021. In the Business Leader category, John won the Broker (over 51 advisers) award as a result of his incredible work to not only drive the business on to record heights, but also support the individuals who make Just Mortgages so great.

John was awarded the honour as despite the pandemic, he oversaw the best year in Just Mortgages’ history in 2020. Every division of the business grew including: employed brokers, its self-employed division and its specialist new build division. It also entered the equity release market and launched a wealth advisory arm this January.

Just Wealth enables Just Mortgages to build on the expert mortgage advice it offers by providing holistic wealth advice, including financial and investment advice and retirement planning. Just Wealth already has 16 specialist wealth advisers onboard with a target of 28 by year end.

What makes John such a great leader?

For John, staff wellbeing is a top priority. Regional managers were trained to identify potential warning signs that brokers or staff were struggling. Whether spotting a lack of ability to concentrate or moods that seem out of character, the managers were trained to spot potential clues and ask the right questions. Where there are concerns about a person’s mental wellbeing, managers would direct the broker to professionals who can provide the support they need.

Just Mortgages partnered with Help Assured to provide employee wellbeing support. The Help Assured team provide a confidential service for brokers to talk whenever they need to and are available 24/7 to offer specialist support on any subject.

John also ensured everyone had access to training with practical advice to navigate common problems like juggling looking after children while working. John also provided free virtual weekly classes hosted by a personal trainer to help look after brokers’ physical health.

John allowed brokers the flexibility to deliver for clients. This extended beyond the basics of allowing them to work from home, a decision that will continue post-pandemic, and includes an increase in the services Just Mortgages offers.

This reputation for looking after brokers resulted in record numbers of applications by brokers wanting to join the firm. John then not only recruited qualified brokers, but also brought new brokers into the sector through the Just Mortgages industry-leading Training Academy. With more than 1,000 applicants applying for each academy, they have proved so popular John committed to providing at least two additional courses this year.

Both new and existing brokers have been supported through comprehensive training programmes as well as ongoing mentoring, helping them to develop the skills that have resulted in the immense collective success.

Those close to John commented:

“John is always incredibly supportive, he is always very encouraging, letting his managers run their business without micro-managing yet contributes with thoughtful insights and suggestions when needed.

“Incredibly knowledgeable in the Mortgage Market and a great leader, nothing fazes John!”

Carl Parker, Head of Just Mortgages self-employed division

“John is a supportive leader, you know you can always talk to for advice and support. He truly cares about his people. He lets you run your business and spread your wings, but he is there when you need him.

“Through John’s industry articles he constantly adds opinions on the market and adds to the wealth of knowledge. He is a clear voice of the industry.”

John Doughty, Head of Just Mortgages New Build division

“I believe John has acted with great integrity across the Covid restrictions and has been an advocate towards ensuring staff welfare is taken into account. Most recently via our HR and training teams’ focus on understanding stress and anxiety both within work and personal life.

“Through the launch of Just Wealth, John has created the ability to grow the business across multi-channels of both employed and self-employed advisers whilst treating the business, the customer and the adviser fairly.”

David Magee, Head of Just Wealth