THE MORTGAGE MUM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager
- Operations Manager Chalkwell, Essex
Mum to three, Alison Lewis joined The Mortgage Mum in October 2019 as the Operations Manager to the team. Very keen to venture back into the world of work having taken 6 years off to care for her family, Alison was looking for a work / life stability that would mean maintaining a happy balance at home but whilst satisfying her own personal needs and desires to embark on a new career path.
Prior to taking the time out to raise her three children, Alison worked for 18 years in the City, mainly in the private banking and asset management sector starting in the back office as a teenager progressing to Client Relationship Management in later years.
Having watched her husband successfully build his own Mortgage business for many years, Alison managed to learn a lot along the way as a keen observer, carving out a role for herself that could become flexible and adapted to her needs.
"I have known Sarah for many years and watching her dream and passion evolve at such a remarkable rate, I knew this was my time to get back in the saddle and be part of such a fantastic movement"
Being a mortgage broker draws together Annie's passions of property and finance. She has always loved property and grew up watching all the early 90s property shows becoming an Estate Agent after university. Annie's interest in personal finance grew leading to a new role in Pensions for a worldwide shipping company before moving to the Civil Service where she has worked in a variety of roles for the last 12 years, most recently within the estates team.
Annie is married with three children who really keep her on her toes! It was on maternity leave her with her third child that Annie studied for and passed her qualifications to be a mortgage broker.
Job Titles:
- Brand and Marketing Manager
Camilla's marketing career spans 18 years and her credentials include Head of Marketing and Brand and Partnership roles at HELLO! magazine, Heart and News UK. Her experience is in both digital and traditional marketing where she has organised and project managed countless brand partnerships, PR campaigns, events, celebrity collaborations, photoshoots, competitions, red carpet events and more. In 2014 Camilla jumped ahead of the digital marketing game, qualifying with the highest grade of the IDM Digital Marketing diploma.
Using her combined knowledge and experience, Camilla began her freelance career after the birth of her son in 2016 and has never looked back. Like The Mortgage Mum, Camilla promotes flexible working and a healthy work / life balance whilst providing businesses with a variety of marketing and coaching support.
Camilla has worked with Sarah Tucker from when The Mortgage Mum was just a social media handle, an idea and a vision. Since early 2019, Camilla has brought The Mortgage Mum brand to life through a lifestyle inspired social media and overall content and brand strategy, as well as the launch and management of The Mortgage Mum newsletter, blog, PR, collaborations and more recently providing marketing support to The Mortgage Mum podcast as well as acting as a general brand guardian and a direct aide to Sarah.
Camilla is a freelance marketing professional and coach with a passion for the small businesses community, budding entrepreneurs and for those who simply have an idea or a vision. She turns those visions and ideas into reality and supports businesses with a grounded, mindful and authentic approach to marketing.
Camilla lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex with her husband, her two young children and her cat Dolly. She loves to travel, shop independent brands, spend time with loved ones and during the pandemic has found a new love for mindful walks and gardening. Her children are her world and she is carving out a lifestyle to ensure a life of balance, friendship and happiness for her and her ‘squad'.
Job Titles:
- Senior Protection Advisor
- Senior Protection Advisor Ashley, Staffordshire
Carolyne joined The Mortgage Mum in 2020 and has 30 years of experience working as a protection adviser in various roles. She is passionate in her role in which she helps clients with their personal, family and mortgage protection needs as well as helping businesses protect their employees and shareholders.
Following a long career in banking and financial services, Carolyne loves now working from her home office in the Shropshire/Staffordshire borders.
With her two grown up children now living in their own homes, Carolyne and her husband fulfilled their ambition to ‘escape to the country' in 2016. They purchased an old cottage which they have (with the help of a wonderful builder, neighbour and friend) guttered and renovated and now enjoy a ‘good country life' with their springer spaniel, Barney, and cats, Milly, Monty and Percy. To complete the picture, Carolyne's mum lives in her annex in the garden with her dog, Alfie. The garden has been tamed, flowers are blooming, vegetable beds planted, girl shed and greenhouse in place. If only she had room for chickens!!
As well as being a keen gardener, Carolyne enjoys two fairly new hobbies. She is learning to play golf and although early days is ‘hooked' and loves to relax at her weekly pottery course in the local village. Life is good!
Job Titles:
- Senior Mortgage and Protection Advisor
Gemma Bennett decided to join the team at The Mortgage Mum in 2021 after completing her industry qualifications in the lockdown of 2020 whilst pregnant with her daughter. With Gemma's son starting school and a brand-new baby due in the September, Gemma was inspired by the ethos of The Mortgage Mum and keen to take advantage of the flexible and empowering working environment whilst relishing the opportunity to challenging her mind and skillset in a whole new way!
Gemma has worked for over 10 years as a CBT counsellor and holistic therapist. Specialising in stress management and helping people work through difficult emotions and find their personal authenticity and joy within their everyday. Gemma has enjoyed this work for some time and feels the move into property finance is just another way of supporting and helping people in their journey of life.
‘You may think mortgage broking is a far cry from my counselling and holistic work. It turns out it is not. Not the way I do it anyway. When I am on a case, I work holistically for my client's needs. Supporting them emotionally through the stresses and triumphs of home purchasing or re financing and of course my all-time favourite thing, problem solving!! Facilitating someone's hopes and dreams is hugely rewarding all round but enabling them to feel in control and powerful in the process is so important to me!'
Gemma felt the property buying process was often missing a sense of inclusion and transparency. A feeling that only those ‘in the know', or that fitted a certain criteria were in favour. ‘Having been self-employed and a business owner for many years I understand the struggles many face or that they feel they'll face when looking for a suitable mortgage. It shouldn't be that way'. Gemma is keen to make home financing a less intimidating and more accessible process.
Job Titles:
- Protection Advisor
- Protection Advisor Guildford, GU1
Job Titles:
- Senior Mortgage and Protection Advisor
After a career start in the fashion industry Jade wanted a new challenge, and with a constant interest in the property market she dived right in. She has been in the industry since 2016 and has loved every second. Just like us all, the pandemic gave Jade a new outlook on her career and after having her 18 month daughter she wanted to become more flexible and be able to enjoy her daughter growing up. It became incredibly important for her to have the perfect work life balance which she immediately knew would be possible after speaking to Sarah. The Mortgage Mum have such a passion and drive for bringing women into the industry and ensuring flexible working is at the forefront. As well as the positive and supportive team environment, Jade knew this was one she needed to be a part of.
Jamie Lewis has been in the financial services industry since 2003 and in property since 1996, having successfully run two brokerages himself in this time. It was during the running of one of his businesses that he and Sarah met and the blueprint for The Mortgage Mum was drawn up - in 2019 The Mortgage Mum was formed and Jamie has been able to shape the way that this business has been designed and is very much hands on when it comes to supporting Sarah and the team at a structural level.
Jamie's career started as a mere 16 year old working as an Estate agent originally before a stint of travelling the world. Upon his return he made the choice to head into the financial services sector. Having worked for a corporate style brokerage he found a job with an extremely well respected brokerage. As that business grew he eventually took the role of manager of a team of brokers in the estate agency division within the firm and in 2007 felt the time was right to head out into the world of self-employment. Having then gone on to navigate this business through the global financial crisis in 2008 in 2012 he opened a new brokerage with a partner.
Jamie has been instrumental in the development and support of The Mortgage Mum and took the leap of faith to support a different way of doing things, and supporting the brand as well as being a huge advocate of the brands values.
Jamie is a father of three children and two dogs and although played a lot of football in his younger years can be found on the golf course or watching some form of rugby with either his son or one of the other teams at his local rugby club.
After stumbling across The Mortgage Mum Facebook group when she was 8 months pregnant, Jess knew even then that the concept of being able to maintain a meaningful career whilst getting to spend as much time as possible with her daughter during those early years was a chance she could just not pass on!
Therefore, whilst on maternity leave, she decided to leave behind a successful career in Logistics Management and began studying for her CeMAP qualification whilst juggling a new born.
"I was terrified starting a new career with such a young baby, but the balance that working for The Mortgage Mum offers is completely worth it, and now I work to fulfil my own goals and dreams rather than working to fill somebody else's and I'm so pleased I was brave enough to do it! The support from the other ‘Mums' during the training period and now working as a fully-fledged broker is the most wonderful challenge- I've never met any of the women face to face, but they have been the most amazing support system even though we are spread all over the country!"
Having spent the last 16 years working on the railway, Joanne decided it was time for a new challenge and a change of career. She was looking to broaden her knowledge base and venture into a new industry. Well, from trains to mortgages really is a big change ! Joanne began studying for her CeMAp qualification at the end of 2020, she was totally delighted to have completed the exams in early 2021.
Joanne has a real passion for people, having worked in commuincation roles throughout her career, the chance to help families make the biggest purchase of their lives was the the driving force behind joining The Mortgage Mum. Attending one of the day long courses in London and spending time with Sarah (MD) only re-affirmed that the Mortgage Mum was the right home for her and her clients.
"Going from a ‘safe' employed role to becoming a self employed business woman was a scary decision but the upsides of flexible working added to The Mortgage Mums ethos and brand was far too big of an opportunity to miss. I have a feeling this might just be the best leap of faith I have ever taken."
When not working, you will find Joanne either at Roots Hall, the home of Southend United Football club with her Dad, spending time outside with her husband and their Cockapoo ‘Lola' or, failing that, expect her to be out playing with one of her four nephews who are the absolutely apple of their aunties eye.
Job Titles:
- Broker
- Development Consultant
- Broker Development Consultant Hullbridge, Essex & Winterton - on - Sea, Norfolk
Mum to one son, Karen Allen has been a self-employed mortgage broker working from home since her son was young. Now with her son a teenager, Karen has decided to share her wealth of knowledge gained from her own career to train and guide our newly recruited Mortgage Mums into successful brokers.
Karen's career background is in finance with 12 years working for a major building society, which included being a mortgage underwriter and then managing an intermediary mortgage unit team assisting a fleet of mortgage brokers across Essex. After helping mortgage brokers for many years and subsequently working with a financial consultancy firm, Karen decided to take the plunge and become a broker herself and has never looked back since.
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Administrator
- Mortgage Broker
Kelly Finch is a proud mum to two amazing children. Having left the mortgage industry for 11 years whilst raising her children and working for the family business the time came to get back to the work she loved.
Going back to what Kelly knew best, the appeal of The Mortgage Mum work ethos was perfect for restarting her mortgage administration career.
Job Titles:
- Senior Mortgage and Protection Advisor
In her early working life, Krystle spent her time employed in restaurants to fund her education and desire to be successful. Equipped with a thirst for knowledge, she studied for, and gained - a Diploma in Business and a Degree in Business Management.
On finishing her degree, she found herself somewhat at a bit of loss for what to do. She loved looking after customers and wanted to pursue something along those lines but was unsure of exactly what. Feeling stuck in a rut, she decided to turn her life upside down and spent a few years travelling Australia. Upon her return, she knew it was time to get serious and find her true calling.
The chance arose to become a Customer Service Assistant and then a Banking Manager at a Building Society. Whilst there, she found herself looking up to the Mortgage Advisers, believing that their role made a real difference to people's lives. Krystle knew then that a career in Mortgage Advice was what she wanted for herself.
Once qualified, Krystle landed a role at a large estate agency as a Mortgage and Protection Consultant. She was there for three and a half years and absolutely loved her job. Helping people to buy their homes was her passion but she yearned for more flexibility and the freedom to be available for her clients when they needed her. Then one day she stumbled upon Sarah and The Mortgage Mum and just knew it would be the right company for her to work with.
Job Titles:
- Protection Administrator
- Protection Administrator Leigh - on - Sea
Lauren Hatton is a proud mother to three daughters and joined the Mortgage Mum in March 2021 as Office Administrator.
Previously, Lauren worked for a Hedge Fund as the Office Manager before taking time off to raise her growing family. Ready to get back into the workplace, Lauren was delighted to have found a role with The Mortgage Mum which embraces flexible working and inspiring women to achieve their goals.
"I watched Sarah grow The Mortgage Mum from the beginning to the successful company it is today. I'm immensely proud to be part of a team with such a fabulous ethos that's fueled by an exceptional network of strong women".
When not working, Lauren loves spending time with her friends and family, going on long walks and pottering in her garden.
While on maternity leave with her third child Lisa appreciated being at home more and being able to take her older children to school. She had been anxious to take the jump from a successful career as a manager, but fortunately there was an opportunity to take redundancy and with the support of her husband she grabbed it with both hands.
She wanted a meaningful career that would enable her to have some flexibility and to be there for her family.
The vision of being able to take her children to school and a new challenge became her determination as she studied CeMAP. She has never been more determined to do anything and during the 2nd lockdown in between home schooling, nap time and bed time she passed CeMAP with distinction, and was delighted.
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Adviser
- Mortgage Broker
Rachel is the proud Mum of two boys and has been in the mortgage industry since 2019. After working in the more ‘traditional' office environment, Rachel realised that she longed for a role that would allow her to work more flexibly around her children. That's when she discovered The Mortgage Mum… The rest is history.
Before her career as a Mortgage Adviser, Rachel worked in both conveyancing and estate agency which proves very useful as she can support clients with her comprehensive understanding of these areas which go hand in hand when buying or selling a property.
"I spoke to Sarah on the phone and immediately knew The Mortgage Mum was for me. We connected straight away, I love her values and could tell she wants the best for her team. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, it can be difficult to find a place where female advisers can thrive - this is our place."
Rachel naturally has a very positive outlook and strives to give her clients not only the best advice but also customer service by being there as a support through every step of what can sometimes be a daunting process.
Sarah Tucker - Founder, Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Managing Director
- Founder & Managing Director Leigh - on - Sea
Mum of two, Sarah Tucker founded The Mortgage Mum in 2019, during her stint on The Voice UK. She wanted to use her platform to make change in the financial services industry by giving women the opportunity to train and qualify as mortgage brokers; and then provide them with a space to work flexibly around their families.
Sarah qualified as a mortgage broker in 2015, after studying around her part time London career as a Legal PA; and her then 18 month old daughter Sienna. In 2016 she had her son Joshua and decided to make the leap to be a self-employed mortgage broker full time around her children. In 2018 she started calling herself "The Mortgage Mum" on social platforms, doing live videos to educate people on mortgages in a relaxed, informal way. This led to her gaining a following and a reputation, and eventually to her creating her own company. "It started as a nickname… Became an Instagram handle… Turned into a brand… Became a company… And now it is becoming a movement. The Mortgage Mum movement. I am so excited to see what the future holds for myself and these incredible women!"
Recently, Sarah has been recognised for her success in the industry by being chosen to become a member of the Credit 500, an index of the most influential people in consumer and commercial credit in 2022.
Sarah is a huge promoter of balance and so she makes time to pursue her other passions as a singer, a speaker, and a lover of all things spiritual. Sarah is a Reiki II practitioner and a fan of crystals and enjoys yoga, meditation, women's circles and the gym as well as her favourite activity - family time. Sarah has recently joined the London Community Gospel Choir, so watch this space for opportunities to hear Sarah speak and sing live.
Sarah Tucker is the Founder & Managing Director of The Mortgage Mum. She created The Mortgage Mum from the perspective of a busy working mum, after qualifying as a Mortgage Broker in 2015, whilst her daughter, Sienna, was just 18 months old. She'd returned to the mortgage industry after enjoying her role as an administrator in the sector earlier in her career.
In her spare time Sarah is passionate about singing, appearing on The Voice UK in 2019, where she was coached by the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Tom Jones and Will I Am. She believes that balance is the key to happiness and promotes self-development, self-care and spirituality. She hopes to inspire both clients and colleagues with this message throughout her coaching, mortgage advice and podcast.
Sarah's favourite part of being a Mortgage Broker was making a difference in peoples' lives. Whether through coaching, mortgage advice or helping people understand the underlying emotions that defined their relationship with money. Although she is now a non-advising principle, she continues to love the feeling of empowering women all over the UK to train as Mortgage Brokers and create a better life for themselves.
Job Titles:
- Best Individual Broker
- Senior Mortgage Broker
Sue completed her final CeMAP exams in June 2020 and is now a fully qualified Mortgage Advisor, but she is looking to continue her studies to be a Mortgage Mum Specialist for Equity Release mortgages in the near future.
Sue loves family time, and is now a doting nan to her first grandson Jacob. In her younger years she was a keen horse woman competing at County level, but she has since hung up the riding hat and loves the more simple things in life - time in the hot tub, watching the latest Netflix series, occasional theatre outings and eating out with friends and family.
Tina always felt she wanted to help others and to make a difference in some way. The positive experience she had with a Mortgage Advisor several years ago eventually put her on the path to becoming an advisor herself. Her partner suggested she look into completing CeMap as he knew Tina had the skills to be great at the role. Fast forward a few years and here she is!
Job Titles:
- Book Keeper
- Book Keeper Leigh - on - Sea
Vicky studied Business and Finance in college and went on to spend 12 years working in Finance for various companies in the Private Sector developing a wealth of knowledge and skills. After taking a break to work in the Public Sector for the Metropolitan Police and becoming a mum to her two children Vicky decided to go back to her financial roots and in January 2020 set up her own bookkeeping company.
"Working as a freelancer gives me the freedom to focus on my work whilst putting my family first. Just being able to do the school runs means so much to both my children and me. I love the ethos of The Mortgage Mum and knew I wanted to work with Sarah as soon as I met her."
Vicky lives in Leigh-on-Sea with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she loves going on walks through the woods and watching Marvel movies.
Zita has worked in the financial services industry for over 10 years predominantly as a Mortgage Advisor in London and the South East. Zita finds it extremely satisfying helping people achieve their dream of owning a property and accomplishing their financial goals.
Zita's twin babies were born prematurely at 30 weeks which changed her priorities and she decided to take a career break to focus on being a mum and to make the most of spending time with her children.
As her children are now happily settled in school Zita realised that her passion for her mortgage career still remained and she wanted to return to the industry. However, this time she wanted to do this on her own terms and on a more flexible basis. After extensive research she came across The Mortgage Mum and after learning about Sarah's inspirational story she knew that this was the company she wanted to join.
Zita and her family live in the beautiful Surrey Hills area where she enjoys going for long walks with her family. Zita loves travelling and her most memorable trips were to New Zealand, Vietnam and New York. She is also passionate about interior design and finding unique pieces for her family home.