Specialist lender OSB Group is throwing its support behind Learning at Work Week with a programme of initiatives designed to highlight the value of continuous professional development and internal career progression.
The group, which operates intermediary brands including Precise Mortgages and Kent Reliance for Intermediaries, will run a series of sessions throughout the week including workshops on ‘empowering your career’ and ‘cultivating confidence’. These sit alongside a broad range of in-house training resources that form part of the group’s commitment to becoming a skills-based organisation.
The initiative shines a spotlight on the lender’s approach to internal development and is illustrated by the experience of Jack Cope, a business development manager who has progressed rapidly within OSB Group since joining nearly four years ago.
Having started his career in the Broker Liaison Team after finishing his A-levels, Cope (pictured) built up experience across residential and buy-to-let lending. A short placement shadowing a field-based BDM inspired him to pursue the role more seriously. With support from his manager, he mapped out a personal development plan, targeting key areas for upskilling. Within 10 months, he had moved into an office-based BDM role.
After two years supporting brokers and guiding cases through to completion, Cope stepped up again – this time to a national field-based BDM post covering south-east England. In his current role, he supports brokers and their clients across OSB’s specialist lending brands and also mentors colleagues interested in sales roles.
“I feel very fortunate to work for a company that is so invested in professional development and actively encourages progression,” said Cope.
“OSB Group provide a range of support and resources such as coaching, mentoring and a fantastic in-house training programme which have really helped me to drive my career forward.
“I’m looking forward to successfully completing my CeMAP qualification as my next goal which means I’ll be able to offer even more value to my brokers which is always my focus.”
Simon Cockerill, group head of intermediary sales at OSB Group, said: “From the outset, Jack’s personality and enthusiasm has been evident and he quickly recognised the opportunities available to grow and develop at OSB Group.
“Jack has always been clear on his ambition to progress, showing strong drive to succeed through his own self-motivation. In the time Jack has been at OSB Group, his performance and results have been outstanding and it has been clear in feedback from brokers just how much value he adds.”
Learning at Work Week takes place annually and is coordinated by the Campaign for Learning. This year’s theme, ‘Learning power’, explores how lifelong learning can help individuals and organisations adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.
