BROKER HERO: CHRIS HULME
Our next broker hero showcase is from Chris Hulme, from…
PRIMIS Mortgage Network brings the power of First Complete Ltd, Advance Mortgage Funding Limited and Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd together under one roof. We are part of the LSL Group and backed by their extensive financial services experience and knowledge.
We provide mortgage and protection advisers with world class support that is second to none. From training, events and business development to regulatory guidance, technology and a broad product panel, we are passionate about helping advisers achieve their goals and consistently deliver good, appropriate, customer outcomes.
NEW ACHIEVEMENTS
PRIMIS Mortgage Network are part of LSL Property Services plc. 2020 year end results for the Financial Services division highlighted:
13,500,000
Underlying Operating Profit increase by 16%
9%
PRIMIS and TMA mortgage completions represented 9% of the market
930
Total AR firms increased by 6% to 930
2,585
The number of advisers increased by 8% to 2,585
*Source: LSL Preliminary Results, April 2021
To be the leading UK distributor of mortgages and related insurance, providing world class support for brokers to create an environment that enables our brokers to deliver high quality advice and services to their clients.
PRIMIS Mortgage Network brings the power of First Complete Ltd, Advance Mortgage Funding Limited and Personal Touch Personal Finance Limited together under one roof so we can provide our brokers with world class support that is second to none.
PRIMIS Mortgage Network are part of the LSL Property Services plc and are backed by their extensive financial services experience and knowledge.
Performance. Our objective is to deliver great results and world class service for all our stakeholders including employees, brokers, and their customers. We continuously look for ways to grow, and measure our successes and failures to drive continuous improvement.
Responsibility. We are all brand ambassadors. We take responsibility and own everything we do and deliver exceptional, professional and responsive experiences for all our stakeholders. We pride ourselves in our passion and in going the extra mile to build valuable long-term relationships.
Integrity. We are uncompromising in our integrity and our principled approach. We respect one another and work together collaboratively to ensure the end customer receives the best possible outcome.
Diversity. We think progressively and with diversity. We stay ahead of the market to help give brokers and their customers access to the best products and services at all times. We work together as a diverse yet united team to achieve the best outcomes. We share ideas and feedback positively to continuously improve.
Expertise. We are experts at the services we provide to our brokers and look to continuously enhance our skills and offerings. We take PRIDE in being the best at what we do.
1990
Pink Home Loans formed
1997
Personal Touch Financial Services formed
2005
Home of Choice formed
2010
Pink Home Loans acquired by LSL
Home of Choice purchased by LSL and rebranded to First Complete
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
Mortgage Strategy, Best Mortgage Network
2011
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
2012
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
2013
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
2014
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
Mortgage Strategy, Best Network
2015
Mortgage Strategy, Financial Adviser Five Star Service Award
2018
LSL Property Services acquires Personal Touch Financial Services.
First Complete, Pink Home Loans (Advance Mortgage Funding) rebrands to become PRIMIS
Mortgage Network.
2019
Personal Touch Financial Services (PTFS) rebrands to become part of PRIMIS Mortgage Network.
PRIMIS win Financial Reporter’s “Best Network” award
PRIMIS win Mortgage Introducer’s “Network of the Year” award
LSL win Precise Mortgage’s “Distributor Group of the Year” award
Toolbox wins The London Institute of Banking & Finance’s “Best Technology Initiative – United Kingdom” award
PRIMIS win Scottish Widow’s “The Protection Needs of Customers” award
2020
PRIMIS win Moneyfacts’ “Mortgage Network of the Year” award
PRIMIS win AIG’s “Best Crisis Response” award
PRIMIS win Mortgage Strategy’s “Best Network 300+ ARs” award
PRIMIS win COVER’s “Best Intermediary Promotion of Protection/Health”
PRIMIS win Mortgage Introducer’s “Mortgage Network of the Year”
PRIMIS select Macmillan as their charity partner
2021
LSL partner with The Property Franchise Group (TPFG)
LSL team up with Pollen Street Capital to launch Pivotal Growth
LSL buy 60% Direct Life Quote stake and Mortgage Gym assets
PRIMIS select Marie Curie as their charity partner
Award Wins 2021
Award Finalists 2021
Award Wins 2020
Award Finalists 2020
Award Wins 2019
Award Finalists 2019
Our 2021 Award Wins
Our 2021 Award Nominations
here’s what we offer
Services for our brokers
Supporting brokers is key to the success of their businesses and providing the best outcomes for their clients. PRIMIS Mortgage Network has over 300 dedicated employees to ensure brokers get the answers they need.
Meet our team
View our proposition
Recognising excellence
PRIMIS Mortgage Network works hard in partnership with brokers to help drive their businesses to be the best. When brokers achieve their goals we recognise and celebrate their achievements with them.
Learn how PRIMIS do this in a variety of ways
Bespoke technology
Our exclusive system – Toolbox – facilitates successful outcomes, reducing the time spent on the administration of each case. Toolbox can:
- Increase advice efficiencies
- Drive lead generation, sales and quality
- Offer high level security and compliance
- Facilitate seamless integration to sourcing systems
- Continuously evolve to meet brokers’ needs
A brief overview of toolbox
Sharing expertise
PRIMIS work hard to give brokers the right training, support and propositions to ensure their clients receive world class service. Providing opportunities for brokers to improve their technical understanding, product knowledge and anticipating the changing regulatory and client landscapes is where PRIMIS adds value. This enhances brokers’ quality of business and levels of service to their clients.
Discover our development programme
CHOOSE PRIMIS
Start your PRIMIS journey today in just a few steps:
- Our team will get in touch to find out more about you and your business.
- Your local Regional Sales Director will visit to explain how we can help you maximise your business and to answer any questions you may have.
- We’ll support you in completing the necessary paperwork.
- Our on-boarding process includes online mandatory courses and meeting the people behind extended support services.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY WITH PRIMIS
Over 2,700 brokers enjoy the benefits of being part of the PRIMIS Mortgage Network. If you’d like to learn more about how your firm could reap the rewards too, please complete this brief contact form and we’ll be in touch to see how we can help you.
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WHAT OUR BROKERS SAY ABOUT US
”I chose PRIMIS as they offer the best variety of lenders and providers and there is no loading on customers’ policies. Most importantly of all, I chose PRIMIS due to work ethics and values that they promote. They show genuine care about clients’ protection, something which is always close to my heart and family. I feel that I have great support and training, plus spot on compliance!
Aga Gronkiewicz - GRN Financial Services
”We have been very impressed with what PRIMIS has brought to the table. From their very positive and motivational outlook, including great events, to their regular training days, which we always take something away with us to improve our business. The staff are very engaging and want to help us improve not only our quality of advice but also expand our offering to our clients. We have seen a big sales uplift which not only helps us but more importantly helps our clients get better service and products.
Their investment in Toolbox will be a big leap forward for everyone and can only see our business go from strength to strength with all their help and support. We look forward to working with them going forward as our network.
Greg Harrison - Harrison Financial Services
”I have been an AR of PRIMIS for over eight years and have found their approach to be consistent with a real focus on excellence.
From day one I have had a dedicated RSD who really does offer as much support as I have needed and wanted over the years.
PRIMIS offer the ability to mix and learn from the very best in the industry, and my business has benefited greatly from this access.
As a network I have found PRIMIS to be easy to deal with and extremely transparent with regards to their thought processes and future direction.
John McComiskey - Business Protection Solutions
”It had to be PRIMIS for me. The senior management team is strong and I can honestly say they’ve changed my life and that they genuinely care. PRIMIS makes running my own business much easier, the support and training available is amazing. I’ve also had fantastic support in recruiting new advisers and setting up my own will writing and B&C companies. I can’t get over how good the Protection Excellence events are, I would have paid to go on it. Being part of PRIMIS means I have access to exclusive lenders and have their support when I need it for my clients. The compliance guidance and systems are great - I can focus on clients and giving advice, knowing that everything else is taken care of.
Roger Parry - Fulcrum Financial Ltd
”Since joining the network in 2014 I have received nothing but consistent business support and inspiration from the whole PRIMIS team. The whole proposition is geared towards providing the perfect solution for our clients whilst also facilitating our firm to grow through training and motivational workshops. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Steven Bates - Giraffe Financial LLP
”We have been delighted with the help and support PRIMIS has brought to our business since they acquired Personal Touch. Dave Corbett, our Regional Sales Director, has been especially useful with ideas on target setting and motivating our staff on protection sales. We also greatly benefited from attending the Protection Excellence event, which has dramatically increased our protection sales. Overall we feel really positive about the future with PRIMIS and certainly would recommend any broker or broker firm joining the PRIMIS family.
Barry Somers - Somers Financial Ltd
”It’s great to be part of an adviser network that’s pro-actively looking to support advisers and offers more than an outsourced compliance team.
The PRIMIS network has a range of knowledge, resources, and experience to draw upon, should you want to take advantage of it, but (of course) that’s your choice. Whatever you may be looking for from a network, I’m confident that the PRIMIS team can and will provide.
Matt Colley - Moving Experience
”I became an Appointed Representative of Pink Home Loans in May 2011, we are now part of PRIMIS and I could not feel more supported. My business has grown so much during the last 8 years, all with the support of both the regional and national team. We receive so much product and sales training to help us build our business. It’s sometimes a lonely place being a business owner but at PRIMIS there is always someone to talk to and get guidance from. I am very proud to be part of PRIMIS.
Jennifer Yates - Mortgages Made Simple Ltd
”From day one, PRIMIS has been an integral part to the success of my business...it’s no surprise that PRIMIS, and LSL as a whole, are fast becoming the top player in the mortgage market.
Martin Green - J & M Green Mortgage Services Ltd
”PRIMIS has been with our business from inception and been an integral part of my company’s growth. We started in early 2014 with four of us, by the end of 2018, I had 23 staff and turning over circa £1.5m per annum. At various stages along the way, PRIMIS (and the senior people within LSL as a whole) have helped us immeasurably.
At the most basic level, we have access to the best products in the market, which is crucial. Through to seminars and events that cover all that you would expect with great sales skills sessions, but right up to how to develop your business as it grows. Even including helping us with funding when it was required. I’m not aware of another network that takes such a hands-on approach with its firms if you want that. Obviously, you don’t have to, but that would be your loss as we all benefit greatly from sharing ideas.
I have no doubt that our business would not have grown as quickly, or as well as we have, without the support of PRIMIS and long may that continue.
Richard Campo - Rose Capital Partners Limited
”“We’ve been part of PRIMIS since the beginning. Our business wouldn’t be where it is today without the guidance and support we’ve received throughout our journey. The seminars and training have been invaluable. We have seen a huge increase in revenue over the past few years after applying the things we’ve learned from the ongoing training and support offered by PRIMIS. We are achieving numbers now that we didn’t believe were possible and this only continues to grow. A special mention goes to Richard Coulson’s Protection Excellence courses, which are not to be missed!”
Phil Clarkson - Clover Financial Solutions Ltd
”PRIMIS network is world class. The support we receive is second to none and PRIMIS has both helped and encouraged my business to flourish. If you’re thinking of changing networks to someone with a distinct advantage, I would definitely recommend PRIMIS.
Ian Lewin - Ian Lewin
”Being part of the PRIMIS family has helped us as a small business in an immeasurable way. The network of support available from PRIMIS helps us to add value to our business which has enabled us to grow significantly. PRIMIS give us access to a vast selection of lenders and providers including exclusive rates, which gives us an edge over the competition in our local area. We are so proud to belong to such a wonderful network.
Tricia Kennedy - Mortgages4Plymouth
”The level of support I get from PRIMIS is fantastic. I could not praise them enough because they have supported us all the time with anything we have asked. Compliance is also there to really help, not hinder us at all. We have a great relationship with other self-employed people in the network and we all help each other out, as there is never any rivalry. We often have brainstorming sessions with other delegates and this really helps our business.
As far as providers go, we have a large panel we can choose from. The fact we don’t have loaded premiums has helped with so many of my sales and helps hugely with building trust with clients.
Fiona Rhys-Jones - LL Financial Solutions
”I joined First Complete (now PRIMIS) just over four years ago and have not looked back.
I spent 24 years as an adviser with Legal & General and wanted to move to a company that could offer many different options for protection policies and that could deliver a future for both myself and my firm.
The support I have received since joining the network is second to none, right from the top with Richard Coulson and Brian Shannon right through to the commission, training and supervision departments.
The aspect that I value most is the interest that all at the PRIMIS family place on my individual business and other businesses. They are extremely helpful and we have maintained constant growth year-on-year since we joined.
The support comes in many ways including individual meetings with my RSD, regional meetings, training days, double your business courses and the twice-annual sales conferences.
Tony McCormick - The Mortgage Company (NI)
”PRIMIS is, according to the judges, the network with the best technology – with Toolbox especially praised – the best event calendar and the network with the best rating from lenders. “A great achievement,” was the conclusion after a barnstorming presentation.
Mortgage Strategy Award Judges, 2020
MEET THE TEAM
THE PRIMIS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
PRIMIS Mortgage Network are the UK’s second largest mortgage network. Built upon the strength and success of our brokers. Facilitated by market leading technology. Supported by passionate and professional individuals.
Jon was appointed as Group Financial Services Director at LSL Property Services in 2010. Jon has built LSL’s financial services division, which incorporates PRIMIS Mortgage Network and TMA, into one of the largest mortgage and protection distributors in the UK, with around 2,400 advisers in its Appointed Representative network. TMA is one of the fastest-growing mortgage clubs for DA advisers. Jon joined LSL Property Services plc in 2004 from Aviva. Jon has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, having started his career with Eagle Star where he qualified as an Accountant in 1990.
Toni has been in the financial services intermediary market for over 33 years. Her current areas of responsibility include product propositions, IT, marketing and communications, events, Broker Services (on boarding), commissions and payments, supervision, training and customer outcomes review team. She prides herself and teams on world class customer service through exceptional operational management. She has been part of the Network since May 2010. Previous to this, her history included, Home of Choice, Openwork, Zurich and Allied Dunbar.
Richard is a qualified accountant and a highly knowledgeable risk and compliance professional. He has worked both within a variety of financial services companies and other commercial organisations including PLCs and Private Equity firms. He has considerable experience in implementing and managing change. He was the Risk & Compliance Director that, as part of a transformation team, modernised the operational delivery for NS&I. Richard has worked in several roles with the lending environment and has spent a large amount of time within the mortgage market. This included being part of a team that set up Tesco Mortgages. Richard has moved within the LSL Group from his role as Risk and Governance Director at esurv to Chief Risk Officer of LSL Financial Services.
Richard has over 34 years of experience in financial services, sales and distribution. He was appointed as Business Development Director of First Complete in May 2010 and swiftly launched the ‘One Sale a Day’ for protection sales concept in July 2010, and the ‘501’ concept the following year. Richard is an eminent industry speaker and the PRIMIS events are legendary for his input and enthusiasm. During his career he has consistently grown sales and distribution and prior to PRIMIS Richard held a variety of roles within Home of Choice, Zurich and Allied Dunbar.
Raj joined LSL in October 2018 to head up the Finance, Accounting and MI functions for LSL Financial Services, which incorporates PRIMIS Mortgage Network. Prior to joining, Raj was CFO of Indesser - a UK joint Venture between Equifax Inc and Her Majesty’s Government for debt management. Before that, Raj held senior finance, commercial and director roles at Experian, Capita Plc and IBM. Raj is a member of the LSL FS Executive and is a qualified accountant.
Simon has worked in financial services for over 30 years across a broad spectrum of distribution models with diverse functional responsibilities.
Simon’s experience has equipped him with a knowledge of sales, quality and performance management, whilst adhering to robust governance, compliance and competency frameworks. Leading significant project work-streams has also provided him with strategic insight into risk management and adding value to the business.
Before joining PRIMIS, Simon was a regional manager with Zurich Advice Network. He had overall leadership of financial advisers, spread across eight offices in the region. Simon went on to become managing director / head of financial services for Nationwide Independent Financial Services Ltd where his main responsibility was overall leadership of Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) business for Nationwide Building Society regional brands.
Martin has over 20 years compliance experience across Networks, Wealth Managers and Private banks. He held senior compliance positions at DBS Financial Management and Sesame before joining and co-owning a specialist Compliance Consultancy, Insynergi. During twelve years in consultancy Martin ran major compliance projects and interim management assignments across a wide range of firms including Deutsche Bank, KPMG, Personal Touch and various wealth and mortgage Network businesses. He also acted as Expert Witness and adviser in numerous advice and systems and controls based litigations. Martin has a degree in Economics from the University of Newcastle and a Masters Degree in Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics.
07932 432179
martin.sykes@primis.co.uk
Jo has over 25 years in Financial Services, specialising in the regulatory supervision of advisers.
Jo’s role as Supervision Director will encompass responsibility, oversight and accountability of adviser risk and regulation, including training, supervision and CORT teams.
Jo previously worked at Mortgage Advice Bureau as Head of Adviser Risk, incorporating governance, risk and a number of compliance responsibilities. Prior to that she worked for Santander plc, and Post Office Financial Services, gaining experience in a number of roles incorporating both Sales and Risk.
Vikki has over 20 years’ experience in financial services. She is a product and proposition specialist who has significant experience in sales, marketing, business development, project management and product development. Her current role encompasses responsibility for all product proposition across PRIMIS Mortgage Network and for our events programme. She joined the network in April 2013 having previously worked for prominent brands such as Endsleigh Insurance and House of Fraser.
Jo is an experienced Operations Director with a long history of working in the Financial Services industry dating back to 1990. Her career has included roles within both Zurich and Allied Dunbar, and most recently with the Network in February 2017. Skilled in business transformation, customer service, project delivery and stakeholder management - a strong operations professional with a passion for world class customer service. Jo currently has oversight of adviser and firm recruitment, AR commission payments and the Customer Outcomes Review team.
OUR REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
Our Regional Sales Directors cover the length and breadth of the UK working in partnership with our brokers. Our strong relationships are key to maximising growth and ensuring success.
07947 813169
Brian has been involved in recruiting and developing Appointed Representatives for over 20 years. He loves to help build businesses from scratch see them grow successfully.
07802 806 691
brian.shannon@primis.co.uk
Trevor has been with PRIMIS for over 17 years and has over 38 years’ experience in Financial Services. This includes advising on mortgages, protection, pensions and investments.
07721 978 007
trevor.tait@primis.co.uk
Claire joined the Network in 2005. She has enjoyed working with advisers and firms through some interesting times and successful times. She’s passionate about all things PRIMIS. She specialises in helping brokers start up new firms and gleans enormous satisfaction watching them succeed.
07917 048 381
claire.madge@primis.co.uk
Victoria been in the financial services industry since 1986. She has been a very successful adviser, busìness owner and has spent the last 11 years recruiting and developing businesses. Working with firms, goal setting, sales training, maximising income from all sources is her speciality. She inspires firms and advisers to succeed.
07947 812 823
victoria.jenson@primis.co.uk
07961 477 701
michele.macgregor@primis.co.uk
michele.macgregor@primis.co.uk
Chris has eight years of financial services experience and joined PRIMIS in January 2020. He is the youngest Regional Sales Director in our history. His main responsibility is to develop and strengthen its growing broker community. Chris’ extensive expertise in building strong candidate databases helps PRIMIS firms maximise their growth potential.
07783 418 948
chris.astle@primis.co.uk
Scott has 14 years of experience in sales and business development which he gained across several industry sectors before he found financial services. He has spent recent years recruiting with another Network and specialises in start-up businesses. Scott’s friendly and honest approach gives him the ability to offer an elite, consultative experience for clients. His primary responsibility with PRIMIS is to develop and grow our network of advisers.
07973 879597
scott.mcallister@primis.co.uk
Donald has worked within the LSL Group for over 20 years. In the early years Donald’s previous roles included Adviser, Trainer and Compliance Manager, then he moved into the network head office environment and was appointed as Compliance Operations Director.
As Sales Director (Group AR) Donald now manages the day-to-day business relationship between PRIMIS and the directors and management teams of LSL Group’s Appointed Representative businesses. This includes Embrace Financial Services, Mortgages First, RSC New Homes, First2Protect Insurance Solutions and Linear Financial Solutions.
07939 537 635
donald.fraser@primis.co.uk
James joined financial services in 1997, falling into recruitment with LSL Property Services plc in 2010. Since then, James has been charged with LSL’s senior level recruitment across the wider LSL group, alongside his main role of recruiting for the 900 partner firms (ARs) of PRIMIS Mortgage Network.
James.mcnee@primis.co.uk
07814 543722
Jim is a “day one” member who has been in the industry for 40 years and loves working with and supporting brokers. He has 26yrs industry selling experience and 14yrs in support.
Jim’s primary role is in assisting brokers in any way he can to grow their business and in particular to help increase their Home Insurance sales. He is also able to offer IT support and Toolbox Training.
jim.holleran@primis.co.uk
07725 211258
Dave has worked in financial services for 15 years and been involved in FS Networks since 2008 when he joined Personal Touch.
With a strong learning and development background, Dave has worked heavily on supporting businesses grow and run effectively.
07545 225 178
david.woodbridge@primis.co.uk
OUR EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS
To reflect the current situation we have adapted our events programme to become virtual experiences. Brokers and provider/lender partners across the UK have joined us from the comfort of their own homes for business as usual, during these unusual times.
Our virtual event programme includes:
- Regional Sales Meetings
- Protection Excellence
- Mortgage Excellence
- General Insurance Excellence
- Income Protection Masterclasses
- Social Media Masterclasses
- Trust Workshops
Sharing best practice at these events is what makes PRIMIS different. To experience it for yourself, please contact training@primis.co.uk to join us and get a flavour of what we can offer you.
Our face-to-face event programme includes our annual Recognising Excellence Conference, our Elite VIP overseas events and our UK-based Recognising Excellence event. We hope to continue our usual programme of face-to-face events when circumstances permit us to do so safely.
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DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR PRIMIS?
We’re always on the lookout for great people. If you’d like to join us in the PRIMIS offices in Chippenham or Solihull, or the wider LSL community, please view current vacancies via the LSL portal below or send a speculative CV to Talent@lslps.co.uk.
