Alison Gibson
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Principal Director and Mortgage Consultant
A typical day is helping and advising clients with their general mortgage, protection, and equity release needs; supporting other advisers; overseeing the company finances; and involvement in other director duties
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
I started my career in Financial Services way back in 1978 working for a high street bank and enjoyed it so much that I progressed my career with the same company right the way through to becoming a Bank Manager before leaving in 2009 to join the family business in its infancy and help develop it to what it has become today.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love the customer interaction and sense of satisfaction when you can help your clients to achieve their goals. Sometimes, I come across situations whereby other brokers have failed to secure a mortgage for a client because they would have to go that extra mile. I thrive on these kinds of challenges, and my reward is when I am able to deliver positive news to my customers, many of whom refer other friends and family to me and ultimately return in the future for their next home move.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Love spending time with my family particularly my 2 grandsons, and time away relaxing in Spain.
Kevin Gibson
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
New Business and Commercial Director
A normal day would consist of dealing with high-end commercial clients looking for financial solutions, and project managing new revenue streams within the company.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
I have always had an interest in financial services which stems from my work experience with a major bank at the age of 15. I started working for the Halifax at 16 years old straight after school and my passion for the industry grew from there taking on various roles. After leaving the banking industry in 2008 I founded and launched Ascot Mortgages with my father and I’m proud of our achievements.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy watching our short and long-term plans turn into reality creating a great company to work for and hopefully a fantastic legacy for my sons.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and sons. Time is precious and I cannot think of a better way to spend it.
Simon Glass
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Senior Mortgage Operations Manager
What motivated you to choose a career in mortgage management?
- Having several years in a senior management role, I thoroughly enjoyed helping to develop my teams, challenging them with extra responsibilities and seeing them excel when pushed but ultimately seeing them progress into new roles is the real payoff
- Having moved back into mortgages approx. 5 years ago my aim was to get back into a leadership role where I could be directly involved in the development of people again in an industry where I have a lot of experience and knowledge to share
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
- Helping people getting their dream home
- Developing my team and helping them to achieve their professional ambitions
- Improving processes and making things better than they were yesterday
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
- Into fitness and training, ran the Berlin marathon a number of years ago now, I enjoy and train karate and have done several other martial arts over the years such as muay thai and boxing
- I enjoy traveling and seeing new places but we also love exploring Cornwall and Devon each year, it’s great and so much to see and do plus we’re able to take our labrador, Millie, who’s still as energetic at 8 as she was when she was 1!
Phil Greenwood
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Mortgage and Protection Consultant
My role involves dealing with new and existing clients’ requirements for Mortgages, Protection, Bridging Finance, and Commercial Finance.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
I passed my CeMAP qualifications in 2010 and started advising in 2014 as there were few opportunities available for employment at the time that I qualified due to the 2008 recession. I have worked continuously in the mortgage industry since then with mortgage brokers and estate agencies and joined Ascot Mortgages in June 2022.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy dealing with client’s requirements, advising them, and helping them source products, especially when they have had difficulty obtaining finance elsewhere.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my Wife, Son (who lives in York and is currently in his final year of High School), and Grandchildren (Papa Phil I go by yes I don’t look old enough lol) going to the Gym, Running, Dj’ing – I play on an online Radio Station House Heads Radio, Music Production, watching films and box sets and socialising with friends.
Courtney Jones
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Senior Mortgage and Protection Consultant
A typical day for me would be discussing property purchase options with my clients and advising on the best way to finance their new home or next investment opportunity.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
With a background in accountancy, I began my journey in financial services back in 2021 after moving house and using a wonderful broker- I thought he must have the best job ever! Within 3 months I’d began my education to obtain the qualifications and allow me to practice as an authorized advisor and haven’t looked back since. When the opportunity arose to join a family run business that still holds the same values that it did on day 1 of incorporation, it was a no brainer for me. I’m proud to be part of the Ascot family.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Completion day! I love it when I get to make that call and let the client know they have completed on their dream home. Few roles give you that same feeling week in week out.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel with my young family- when I’m not in work I’m usually on a flight- or booking my next one.
Ella Lazar
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Digital Marketeer
My job is to develop and execute digital marketing strategies, monitor performance, create content, and optimize our website. A typical day involves analyzing data, creating content, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
With over 4 years of experience in digital marketing, I’m bringing my skills to Ascot Mortgages and enhancing the company’s online presence. Having moved from Ukraine a year ago, I was fortunate enough to be approached by a recruitment agency that introduced me to this position. I’m thrilled to join this fantastic team and contribute to the company’s growth through digital marketing.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I like to improve things that bring great results!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I absolutely love hitting the gym and getting a good workout in – it’s a great way to clear my head and stay focused. I enjoy immersing myself in nature, whether it’s a hike in the hills or a stroll through the park. I’m also quite introspective and enjoy spending time reflecting on life and its many mysteries.
Natalia Barry
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Mortgage and Protection Consultant
My normal day includes speaking with clients and arranging their mortgage and protection requirements making sure I am getting/providing them with the best solutions to meet their needs.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
Many moons ago! Been in the industry for 20 years! Starting of my journey with a High Street Bank, then ventured into the Mortgage Broker World. An opportunity arose for me to join this dynamic successful company and I wanted to be a part of it.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Customer Service is at the heart of what we do and I thoroughly enjoy providing clients with a positive/supportive experience and ultimately saving them money.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love dancing, swimming, walking my dog – Chewie, and spending time with my Hubby and Daughter.
Matthew Bradburn
What is your position within the company and what would you say a
normal day at work consists of?
Mortgage Paraplanner
I am one of the Mortgage Paraplanners. I typically start my day by checking any new enquiries that have been made and ensuring any new leads are sent to the advisers to follow up on. I will then speak with lenders and solicitors and ask for updates on cases that we have in progress. In between these tasks, I will be on hand to answer any incoming calls and assist with other enquiries where I am able to.
What motivated you to choose a career in paraplanning?
I have previously worked as an administrator within financial services and believe mortgage paraplanning is a good next step in my career. It is a really interesting and insightful role and will provide me with the foundations I will need when I hopefully one day become an adviser.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy interacting with clients, lenders and solicitors and trying my best to help the advisers with administrative tasks. The people I work with are great and I always look forward to coming into the office.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and watching as much sport as possible. I am a massive Manchester United fan.
Jenny Glover
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Office Manager
Daily duties include preparing the business & finance reports. Onboarding of new starters, and general administrative duties.
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
I previously worked as a senior administrator/paraplanner for a wealth management company specialising in pensions & investments. I saw an opportunity to gain some experience in the Mortgage and bridging industry which brought me to Ascot.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy analyzing report data and gaining knowledge of the mortgage and bridging finance industry.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to walk in the countryside with my family, the Lake District being a favorite place to visit.
Richard Johnson
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Protection Consultant
Calling all potential protection customers to make sure they have suitable life protection in place
How did you get started in this area of work? How did you become involved with Ascot?
Had my own mortgage and protection business for 9 years until I sold it last year. Was asked by a recruitment agency to go for an interview.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love speaking to people.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Love watching sports. I am a huge Liverpool FC fan.
Caron Emery
What is your position within the company and what would you say a normal day at work consists of?
Administration Operative
First I got involved with Ascot Mortgages through a former employment and then I got offered this role.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love working together as part of a team.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love socialising with friends and family, going for dog walks and gardening, and watching wildlife in my time out of work.
