Just Mortgages has launched its new Adviser Council to serve as the voice of brokers in future plans for the self-employed division.

The inaugural council brought together six successful brokers from across its nationwide network to share their insight and represent the views of brokers in discussions. Alongside reviewing its current strategy and the landscape of the division, the council also scrutinised Just Mortgages’ future plans and proposition. It was hosted by HSBC and held at its headquarters in Birmingham.

The council included Mel Basra from Venture Mortgages and Protection, Paul Kozyra from PK Finance, Iain Gopsill from TMG Mortgages and Joe Favata from Primo Mortgages and Protection. Meanwhile Bromley-based Ken Brooke and Exeter-based Sam Hyslop represented Just Mortgages Self-Employed.

The meeting was chaired by Ben Allkins, Just Mortgages’ head of mortgages and protection, who was joined by Carl Parker, national director for the self-employed division. The plan is to hold these face-to-face events at least twice a year, with interim remote meetings to provide brokers with a progress update.

Allkins said: “It was a real privilege to chair our first Adviser Council meeting and to sit down with an excellent group of advisers. As we continue to scale the division, these talented and experienced advisers will play a pivotal role as the voice of our brokers – helping to shape that future and ensure our brokers and their best interests remain central to our plans.

“The fact that we are fast approaching 500 self-employed brokers is a great testament to our proposition and approach to business. However, we never want to be complacent and believe there’s always room for improvement. Our discussions were really positive and hugely valuable and I look forward to much more of the same as we continue with this initiative.”

Council member, Ken Brooke, added: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to help represent self-employed brokers in the south of England as part of the Adviser Council. We covered some really important topics, particularly around communication, Just Mortgages’ proposition and its exciting future plans and had a really interesting discussion.

“I was able to pass on ideas and feedback from brokers in my region directly to senior management and discuss areas that could be improved. We wanted it to be an open and honest forum and that opportunity was certainly given to us. It’s great to know the topics discussed are already being progressed and to play an active role in the future of the division.”