Just Mortgages received 50 applications to join its self-employed division in Q2.

This latest cohort is largely made up of existing self-employed brokers, looking to make the move from more corporate structures and organisations. Applicants also included a number of employed brokers who are looking for an opportunity to start and run their own businesses.

In the first quarter of the year, the national brokerage receiving 40 applications to join.

The recruitment drive comes as Just Mortgages looks to reach the milestone of 500 self-employed brokers.

Ben Allkins (pictured), head of mortgages and protection at Just Mortgages, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see self-employed applications continue to rise. It is real validation for us that the proposition we provide to brokers is clearly compelling. We’ve worked really hard to put the infrastructure in place around all our brokers to deliver a real launching pad – one that enables brokers to not just open the doors, but to build and scale a successful and diverse advice business.

“Recruitment is without question one of the biggest issues facing the market, especially given the conditions we have seen and the challenges in the wider economy. It means that it’s not just prospective brokers taking a leap of faith, but firms too.

“However, we are able to pair those with the right attitude and a robust business plan with one of our successful business principals – backed up by our experienced management team, our expert L&D team and a wealth of day-to-day support and mentoring. Creating routes to a career in advice and bringing new blood into the industry is absolutely critical to its future success.”