The UK’s No.1 independent equity release advisory service, Equity Release Supermarket (ERS), continues to expand its UK operations to best serve clients with the appointment of three new advisers and an addition to their Head Office operations.
The pioneering digital-tech company add to their growing national team in order to strengthen their presence within the industry and throughout the UK. The latest appointments – Jon Styles, Adam Lombardo, Kelly Hodgkiss and Amy Payne – bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from within the general financial services sector.
Mark Gregory, Founder & CEO at Equity Release Supermarket commented: “In a year of significant change for our sector including consumer duty and the mini budget in 2022, we have remained committed to our values and the industry as a whole, through our quality of advice, level of customer service, and innovation through technology.
“Our customers are at the centre of all we do, and we have always made it our mission to be as open and transparent as possible. We understand what a turbulent time and difficult period it is for the nation, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis. We therefore always treat our clients with the optimum care, honest and open advice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon, Kelly, Adam and Amy to our expansive and well-established team. Their respective expertise will help us to further strengthen our position and reach throughout the UK. It is always our aim to provide the best possible service to our customers, which is why we invest so heavily in our people, expertise and technology.
“We are also very proud to still be creating new career opportunities at a difficult time for the industry.”
Newcomers – Jon, Adam and Kelly – will cover all areas of the UK offering either telephone, video or livechat services. to support consumers nationwide.
Jon began his career in financial services in 2014 at Nationwide Building Society before becoming an Equity Release specialist in 2018. Whilst Adam also held many esteemed roles at Nationwide Building Society. Both bring to the firm a range of expertise, knowledge, and a passion for customer service.
Kelly joins ERS as a well-qualified and experienced adviser bringing over 20 years’ experience to the team.
Kelly commented: “It’s a privilege to join Equity Release Supermarket. They are a company I have long admired having watched how they have paved the way in the industry. Working for organisations that have a strong reputation is of key importance to me and it’s why I wanted to become part of Equity Release Supermarket. They have an incredible reputation and exceptional advisory team – I love what they stand for, given that achieving the best outcome for my clients has always been at the heart of my advice process.
Equity Release Supermarket believe in recruiting advisers on the quality of their advice and developing them through their unique in-house training academy.
The firm launched an Industry-first digital solution for consumers just over 12-months ago – known as smartER™ – an equity release comparison tool. The platform now contributes to more than 25 per cent of their business and has generated increased attention from consumers, given that it allows them to take control for the first time.
Mark went on to say: “By empowering consumers to conduct their own whole of market research, we are opening a new window of opportunity for our industry.
“Today’s market offers older homeowners an unprecedented choice of products that provide secure, flexible finance. We’ve now made this completely transparent, enabling consumers to interact and compare the market, putting them in the driving seat and helping them to achieve their financial goals.
Holding previous marketing roles at TMA Club and Sesame Bankhall, Amy Payne is highly experienced within the financial services industry. She joins ERS as Senior Marketing Executive to assist with the accelerated growth and awareness of the platform, as well as providing added support to Advisers and Lenders. She has a wealth of experience working within this arena and will fuel the operational strength of the company.
Mark continued, “We have an exceptionally talented and pro-active team who deliver unparalleled support and services to our clients.