Mortgage Strategy Announces Judging Panel for 2026 Awards

Mortgage Strategy has unveiled its esteemed judging panel for the upcoming Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards 2026, in collaboration with Black & White Bridging. This panel comprises leading figures from various sectors of the mortgage industry, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries.

Meet the Judging Panel

The judging panel features a diverse range of professionals with extensive experience in the mortgage sector. Notable judges include:

• Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money
• Claire Askham, Head of Mortgage Sales at Buckinghamshire Building Society
• Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect for Intermediaries
• Beverley Bradford, Head of TSB Mortgage Intermediaries
• Stephanie Charman, Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries
• Jon Cooper, Director of Property Distribution at Aldermore
• Darren Deacon, Head of Intermediary Sales at Family Building Society
• Richard Deacon, Managing Director of Sales at Octane Capital
• Kate Fuller, Business Principle at Mortgage Advice Bureau
• Elizabeth Harris, Regulatory Director at Rockstone Compliance
• Dale Jannels, Chief Executive at OMS
• Vikki Jefferies, Market Development Director for Retail Distribution at L&G
• Rob Lankey, National Sales Director at Afin Bank
• Phil Leivesley, Director of Mortgages at LDN Finance
• Gareth Lewis, Deputy Chief Executive at MT Finance Group
• Rachel Lummis, Mortgage Advisor at Xpress Mortgages
• Nicholas Mendes, Mortgage Technical Manager & Head of Marketing at John Charcol
• Andrew Montlake, Chief Executive at Coreco
• Roger Morris, Group Distribution Director at CHL Mortgages and ModaMortgages
• Sam O’Neill, Bridging Finance Consultant at KIS Finance & The Bridging Finance Consultancy
• Nathan Reilly, Chief Customer Officer at Twenty7tec
• Jonathan Samuels, Chief Executive at Octane Capital
• Liz Syms, Chief Executive at Connect for Intermediaries
• Buster Tolfree, Managing Director – Mortgages, BTL & Bridging at UTB
• Maeve Ward, Intermediary Sales Director – Personal Finance at Together
• Sally Wright, Head of Distribution at Paragon

Impact on the Mortgage Sector

The Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards serve as a significant benchmark within the industry, recognising excellence in various categories such as product innovation, customer service, and overall business performance. With the current UK base rate set at 3.75% as of April 2026, the awards highlight how lenders and intermediaries are adapting to changing market conditions, including rising interest rates and evolving customer needs.

For instance, innovative products tailored for first-time buyers or those seeking to remortgage can be expected to gain recognition at the awards. As lenders strive to offer competitive rates and flexible terms amidst a challenging economic backdrop, the insights from this judging panel will be invaluable in shaping future lending practices.

Looking Ahead

The Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards 2026 will not only celebrate the achievements of industry leaders but also set the stage for future developments in the mortgage market. As the sector continues to evolve, the contributions of these judges will help illuminate best practices and inspire innovation.

For those interested in the latest offerings, be sure to check out our current mortgage rates for the most competitive options available.