Why our judges are taking part in #FRA24

The Financial Reporter Awards has lots of moving parts – from the countless people who apply and nominate their peers, to our readers – the intermediaries who cast their votes and have the final say. But one crucial part is our team of industry judges who give up their time and expertise to help us narrow down the applications to create our finalist shortlist. It requires lots of reading, a whole lot of industry knowledge, and a passion for making our industry a better place, and their involvement is a key element of the entire programme. We spoke to this year’s judges about why they got involved, and here’s what they had to say...

Roz Cawood, Streambank

It's important to celebrate and recognise the people in our industry who strive to be the best in their field and acknowledge their achievements.

Setul Mehta, AIG Life UK

Celebrating success is not something we should be shy about, day in day out, as an industry we do so much good, we support so many clients (whether its with a product or education). FRA recognises a broad range of industry sectors, which means, we can celebrate a range of accomplishments which in turn will give others watching an opportunity to reach out and learn to then one day be recognised too and keep that circle of improvement going.

Tanya Elmaz, Together Money

Awards like FRA are important for our industry because they allow us to recognise the achievements of our peers and colleagues. Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of the best performing individuals and firms in the sector. Recognition speaks volumes for the determination to go the extra mile for customers and borrowers every day.

Richard Waters, HSBC Life

I believe it helps to raise the bar in our industry, striving for constant improvements and innovation, that ultimately benefits customers.

Mike Farrell, LV=

It is great that the FRA provide a platform to celebrate success and also highlight the great contributions that companies and individuals are making to our industry.

Sophie Mitchell-Charman, LendInvest

It is important to recognise both success and change within the industry. Innovation, fresh thinking and long standing hard work are all great attributes and should be applauded. It has been a tough market for the last couple of years and the FRA looks to support the market with confidence and a place to celebrate the wins in that time.

Jonathan Stinton, Coventry Building Society

Recognising talent in the mortgage industry is incredibly important and the Financial Reporter awards offers a great opportunity to celebrate exceptional service delivery and professionalism.

Dale Jannels, OMS

It's been a very tough 12 months and, for many, survival has been an achievement. To give plaudits to those who have excelled in this industry and given their customers an A1 service proposition, whilst meeting rate deadlines, is a welcome recognition.

Jason Wilde, Paragon Bank

As with any industry awards, it's a great chance for firms/individuals to receive recognition of their hard work and determination within the finance sector. It's also something for others to aim towards in the future.

Louisa Sedgwick, Paragon Bank

Recognising the hard work and efforts of our colleagues is critical and key to the ongoing success of the industry.

Jeff Knight, Grey Matter Marketing Solutions

It is important that people get recognition for their work, as it is one of the most powerful forms of motivation. And a motivated mortgage sector is an effective one that leads to better consumer outcomes.

Paul Adams, Pepper Money

Awards like the FRA are important becuase they recognise individuals and team who really do 'raise the bar' and help to keep our industry thriving!

Roger Morris, Tandem Bank

It’s so important that recognition is given to those that deliver high-quality customer focused and comprehensive mortgage advice. It’s imperative the outstanding work is recognised and celebrated, and these awards are absolutely invaluable in the ability to recognise outstanding contribution.

Tiba Raja, MFS UK

I believe it’s not only important to recognise individual winners for their hard work and achievements, but also to celebrate how far we have progressed as an industry. Name any area of business - be it technology, creativity, diversity – the specialist finance sector has made huge advances in all of them. It’s truly an honour to recognise these efforts wherever possible, and these awards are a great way to champion those who are new to the industry, as well as those who have been around for a long time and yet still continue to grow.

Carolyn Thornley-Yates, Stafford Building Society

Celebrating success and innovation in today's challenging market conditions is critical, to maintain positivity and encourage product and service developments.

We wish all the best to this year’s applicants – keep an eye out for our finalist announcement, coming on 28th March!