Name: Tunnicliffe
Age: 58 (59 this month)
Location: Derby
Firm: Sort Group [SortRefer and Sort Legal]
Education: Secondary School
Specialty: Evolving conveyancing
Interests: Anything sporty, baking, spending time with family.
Career and motivation
- Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how you came to lead Sort Group?
During my time as a mortgage adviser, it became apparent that the offerings we got as brokers weren’t great and we just knew that we could do better.
This led to the original concept for SortRefer in 2007, which we then launched officially in 2009. That journey has evolved into what is now Sort Group, a collection of brands aiming to make the conveyancing process better for everyone involved.
- Looking back, what was the most pivotal moment in your career so far?
There’s been so many, definitely too many to pinpoint just one. I think seeing how far SortRefer, and Sort Group has come in the past 17 years has been monumental for me and to see it continue expanding is exciting.
A lot of people will know my passion for my business and for the industry, so that’s what drives my motivation.
- What does a typical day in your life as CEO look like?
Every day is completely different, but I always start off my day with a review of yesterday’s numbers.
- What excites you most about the mortgage and financial advice industry today?
We’re on the edge of change, where we can all start to deliver a lot better for the industry.
There’s so much potential to improve the way services are delivered, and we now have the tools and technology to make a real difference.
Skills and development
- How do you see technology transforming the broker and adviser landscape in the next five years?
Technology is going to completely reshape the way brokers and advisers operate.
Automation and AI will streamline many of the back-office tasks, meaning advisers can focus more on building relationships and providing personalised guidance.
Digital tools will also give clients more visibility and control over their journey, making the process smoother and more transparent. I see a future where technology doesn’t replace the human element – it enhances it.
- What has been the biggest challenge in scaling SortRefer?
The biggest challenge has been finding conveyancing firms that share the same values we hold at SortRefer. It’s crucial for us to work with partners who care as much about quality and client experience.
- Which trends are you most closely watching in client needs and behaviours?
The way the client interacts with technology today.
People expect digital tools to be intuitive, fast, and reliable, and their expectations continue to evolve. Understanding user experience (UX) their behaviours, allows us to design services that meet their needs and find ways on how we can make every step of the client journey more seamlessly.
Lessons and experiences
- How would you describe your leadership style?
I’m an open book! I’m not afraid to share my thoughts and opinions, but I also make a point of listening to other people’s ideas. I want my teams to grow and succeed, and leadership is all about supporting people whilst holding a clear direction for the business.
- What qualities do you value most in the teams you build?
Honesty, openness and a genuine passion and care for what they do in their roles, how they fit into the bigger picture of the business.
- Can you share a time when your team exceeded your expectations?
Without a doubt, our sales team exceed my expectations each year with their delivered results.
The profile of the company and the size of the business with the expansions of the other brands have just taken off to a size I didn’t imagine when starting SortRefer out.
- When you’re not running Sort Group, how do you like to spend your time?
I love spending time with my kids and grandchildren. I also enjoy watching DCFC, playing golf, reading, baking, oh and also drinking Guinness (when there’s time!)
Looking ahead
- What book, podcast, or resource has most influenced your professional approach?
No book in particular, but various books have helped me understand the way I think and how to lead effectively.
- If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring mortgage or financial services entrepreneurs, what would it be?
“Don’t try and sell, just give advice.” And “Always put yourself in the client’s shoes, what would you do if you were the client?”
- Looking ahead, what are your personal goals for the next few years, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I want to keep growing Sort, particularly through technology enhancements that make a real difference in the market.
I’m also passionate about improving and changing the conveyancing world for the better.
Personally, spending quality time with family.
