On Friday 8th March 2024, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of all the women in our lives – both personal and professional. This year at PRIMIS Mortgage Network we got involved hands-on with the Inspire Inclusion theme, which aims to encourage everyone to not only understand but value the inclusion of women so that discrimination and sexism can be concerns of the past. As part of adopting a culture that is progressive and compassionate, we wanted to make sure the women who continue to make a difference to our organisation are celebrated and heard industry-wide.
In this spirit, we have reached out and interviewed some key women across our business to hear what inclusion means to them, as well as what invaluable piece of advice they could offer to those who are just starting out. Hear their stories and you will quickly learn how much PRIMIS’ success can be attributed to these leading ladies.
What is International Women’s Day?
Beginning all the way back in 1975, International Women’s Day is a staple of our calendars offering a day in which we take the time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women everywhere. With a goal of changing attitudes and championing the progression of more women in the workplace, IWD has clearly fostered a positive cultural change but there is still a long way to go, which is why we continue to mark this date every year as one to really get involved in. Find out below how PRIMIS and the wider LSL Group have given their female workforce a platform to really be heard.
How does PRIMIS support women in the workplace?
Throughout our network, we have championed the promotion of opportunities to anyone and everyone who is willing to develop their skills and use them for the betterment of those around them. As part of this, we have implemented an assortment of schemes which includes the growth of our ‘Leading Ladies’ network. Now amassing 450 individuals and counting, the Leading Ladies network offers essential mentoring and networking opportunities that will lower the barriers to success for women in financial services. We have also been working to align ourselves with the diversity priorities outlined by the FCA, which includes targeting a board composed of at least 40% women, granting us keen insight and input from a more diverse array of members.
JO BADGER, CUSTOMER OUTCOMES DIRECTOR
Jo has over 25 years in Financial Services, specialising in the regulatory supervision of advisers. 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.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
My role is always about the end customer. I am responsible for ensuring customers receive the best service and most suitable advice from our brokers and that we have the right governance in place to provide adequate oversight of this. I am responsible for all the desk-based teams, who provide service to our brokers and work collaboratively with other teams across the business.
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
No, I wanted to be Cabin Crew or an English Teacher.
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
Self-belief and confidence – in the end it really is up to you to determine what your limitations are and what successes you can achieve.
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
I would say it is very much less male dominated now than say 10-20 years ago, but that might not be the same for other women in leadership roles. However, if the right people are in the right roles, it shouldn’t make any difference in terms of gender, they have got there on their own merits and should be treated with the respect they have earned.
5. HOW DO YOU THINK MEN CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?
I actually believe it is how everyone should support each other and be supported. It really is up to us all to support and champion each other.
6. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Everything is possible, but doing a job you enjoy is by far the most important piece of advice I would give my younger self.
7. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
Everyone has a voice, an opinion and most importantly should be listened to. There will be occasions we have to agree to disagree, but people should be heard and listened to. Everyone matters.
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
In terms of business, being recognised and valued for the contribution I make.
JO BLACKBURN, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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 – she’s a strong operations professional with a passion for world class customer service.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
As Operations Director I quite often get asked to wear many different hats, most recently working on welcoming our newest brokers from Tenet into the network. But the day job involves all things recruitment and looking after the wants and needs of our firms and brokers. Also in the Commissions team, we accurately pay our firms the commissions earnt and deal with any queries they may have in this area.
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
Not at all, my dream job was to be Cabin Crew, anyone who knows me knows my love for travel, and it seemed like a great way to see the world for free! I’m not sure I know any little girls that have working in financial services in their ten year plan!
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
Are they challenges or should we call them opportunities?! For me it would have to be choosing to move back into financial services after a number of years of working at my son’s school. Working with children and watching them grow and learn was so rewarding, but the call of the broker beckoned and that saw me back in the game!
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
To be honest I don’t notice it so much anymore, there are so many more women moving into our industry and into high level roles. The stigma of being a woman in a man’s world, just isn’t there anymore. I believe we have done a lot as an industry to move us away from the male grey suit brigade, and we are seeing many more sets of heels in the boardroom.
5. HOW DO YOU THINK MEN CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?
Listen to them, as often they have the right answers! We are the masters of juggling many priorities and you can bet your bottom dollar that we will be able to consider a new policy at work whilst, at the same time, deciding what to cook for tea.
6. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Believe in yourself and go for it! What’s the worst that can happen?
7. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN BUSINESS?
There are many inspiration people in business but my favourites have to be those that will shout about and support others, and not just be interested in their own successes.
8. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER IN LIFE?
Has to be my family. They have supported me in getting to where I am and this has allowed me to work away when needed, as I know they are able to fend for themselves and not go hungry.
9. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
Inclusion for me is being made to feel like I am part of something and being given the same opportunities as everyone else. This has meant I have been exposed to many different groups of people and have been lucky enough to learn from most of them.
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Spending time with those that I love and care about. I have seen my family grow over the last three years, having been blessed with three beautiful granddaughters. Each one has found places in my heart that I didn’t know existed, and you can give them back at the end of the day!
VIKKI JEFFERIES, PROPOSITION DIRECTOR
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.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
In addition to proposition and relationship management, I have responsibility for Product Governance and the Product Desk team within the business. Aside from my core duties, I also lead on colleague engagement and environmental focus for the financial services division. In 2022 I was appointed to the LSL Financial Services Exec team.
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
No, I am naturally very creative and I wanted to be fashion designer.
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
Being told by my line manager that I wouldn’t get promoted because I was a married woman of a certain age who was “bound to get pregnant”. That was a tough message to take!
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
Whilst the balance is much better and has improved exponentially over the past few years, there are still many times in my working week where I am the significant minority. I don’t let it affect my work or how I perform, but naturally when you are a minority you can feel like a lone voice. I work hard to get to know the individuals, rather than focusing on who or what people are.
5. HOW DO YOU THINK MEN CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?
Greater awareness is key. Men and women are different and this should be respected.
6. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t worry about what people think of you, do what you think is right.
7. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN BUSINESS?
There are some incredible women in our industry that I work with every day, they inspire me. I’m not going to list them, as I don’t want to miss anyone out!
8. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER IN LIFE?
Probably me! I am fiercely independent! Although since I have become a mum of two girls, I would say they cheer me on and inspire me every day.
9. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
Equality for all, everyone having the same access and opportunities in life.
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
My family, good music, laughs and sunshine 🙂
CLAIRE MADGE, SALES DIRECTOR
Claire joined the network in 2005. She has enjoyed working with advisers and firms through some interesting 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.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
My role is Sales Director, so I work in the sales team responsible for recruiting new firms to the network and helping the firms within the network be as successful as they wish to be in a safe regulated environment.
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
Gosh no… I was definitely going to be a sports commentator.
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
Juggling the work-life balance – giving both the best of me at all times.
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
I thoroughly enjoy watching female colleagues and clients excel and flourish – I am the first to champion successful females around me.
5. HOW DO YOU THINK MEN CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?
To encourage women to be front and centre, acknowledge great ideas, invite contributions from everyone.
6. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Go for it…
7. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN BUSINESS?
Sara Blakely: the creator of Spanx and the youngest self-made billionaire.
8. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER IN LIFE?
I have been lucky to have worked with lots of fabulous people but my biggest cheerleader, who always has wise words for the most tricky scenarios, is Brian Shannon the PRIMIS Regional Sales Director for Northern Ireland.
9. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
Embracing everyone to support them and provide them the environment to success.
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Healthy and happy family, friends, colleagues and clients who are succeeding in their endeavours … plus a load of Lego to build.
HELEN MARTIN, CHIEF RISK OFFICER
Helen is an adept and experienced regulatory professional and solicitor. She joined PTFS where she set up the in-house legal function and then developed her specialism for regulatory compliance leading to a promotion to Risk and Compliance Director. In 2015, Helen joined the LSL FS Division as the Head of Compliance Policy and worked across the LSL FS businesses until a transfer to LSL Estate Agency to take up the role of Risk and Governance Director.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
I’m responsible for how PRIMIS identifies, assesses and manages its risks and for overseeing our standards of compliance with regulations and the prevention of money laundering and financial crime.
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
I have a clear memory of watching Crown Court on TV with my nan when I was very small, then for a period I thought I might like to be a forensic scientist – until someone told me it involved dead bodies. So, it was legal and regulatory all the way after that!
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
These sorts of roles are always a challenge. In 2012 I was in a role that involved serious intervention with the regulator, but we came through it, and I learned a lot in the process.
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
I don’t notice it at all – occasionally I’m the only woman in the room which can also have benefits.
5. HOW DO YOU THINK MEN CAN SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?
I don’t see it as a male/female issue – all colleagues have their own needs, pressures and domestic requirements and we need to ensure we support all variations of this to ensure we thrive as a business.
6. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Without doubt don’t think you need to have it all by a certain age – time, experience, confidence cannot be rushed and it will all come together in the end.
7. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN BUSINESS?
There are a handful of leaders I have worked with through the years, all of whom had a common trait of always seeming to have time to invest in me and my development.
8. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER IN LIFE?
A close and constant circle of family and friends. When they say I’m doing great it means a lot.
9. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
If we are working hard to be inclusive then something isn’t right – ideally it should just happen and for anyone who is in a minority to not think of it as a “thing” – in the meantime we’ll keep working!
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Professionally, the collective contribution of the fabulous bunch of professionals who make up the Risk and Compliance team. Personally, our house is always brighter at the weekend when Brighton and Hove Albion win.
JAY NAYLOR, MARKETING DIRECTOR
Jay is an experienced marketer with over 10 years’ experience in financial networks, as well as having expertise across a range of other regulated industries. Since her appointment to Marketing Director in early 2018, Jay has taken responsibility for the delivery of all marketing, broker and internal communications, financial promotions and events across PRIMIS Mortgage Network.
1. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ROLE.
Marketing is just a fabulous mix of thinking differently, creativity, understanding what makes people tick and few sprinkles of numbers – my perfect recipe!
2. WHEN YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP IN THIS JOB?
Nope! Marine biologist all the way – then I realised I was terrified of seaweed…
3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER?
It’s a cliché but the biggest challenge has 100% been balancing a career and having a young family (currently three and four years old). It is still a daily battle to get the right balance with the two things I love, whilst avoiding the ‘mum guilt’.
4. HOW DOES IT FEEL OPERATING IN SUCH A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY?
Whilst the foundations of our industry may resonate with being male-dominated, I’m genuinely lucky to work alongside both inspiring women and men who I both learn from and aspire to. For me personally, it doesn’t feel mis-balanced.
5. IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF A PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Learning how to manage imposter syndrome will open doors to lots of fabulous adventures!
6. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN BUSINESS?
There are so many, it’s hard to choose! A popular one but Richard Branson’s ability to use what he has created to change the conversation on wider societal topics, such as neurodiversity in the workplace, is hard not to respect. And in equal measure, alsot for the same reason of using their following to change the narrative on key subjects, is Stacey Solomon – so very different but also similar!
7. WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU?
I have a lot to say on this. Being the mum to the most incredibly intelligent and loving little boy, who also happens to also be autistic, means I look at inclusion with a wider view than just gender, race or disability. He has taught me more in his few years than anyone ever will and I dream of a future where the word ‘inclusion’ isn’t used anymore, as it’s just the norm. From a workplace viewpoint, the more diverse opinions and thoughts we listen to, the more the answer or solution you create will resonate with a wider pool of people.
8. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Simple! My family 😊. And the odd glass of wine or two…
Here at PRIMIS we welcome all and our commitment to ‘Inspire Inclusion’ won’t come to an end after the conclusion of International Women’s Day. So if you want the support of a network with a culture which values sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and transparency get in touch below!
You can also learn more about how PRIMIS has gone about putting our values into practice by visiting our Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy page or heading over to the LSL Property Services website to read our annual Living Responsibly Report.
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