#125 - Mortgage Mentors: Intermediaries, Legislation & Legacy with Louisa Sedgwick
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
Release Date: 06/17/2025
#133 - Mastering the Commercial Mortgages Market
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #133 of the Accord Mortgages Growth Series podcast, host Mike Davies, Head of Lending at YBS Commercial Mortgages, speaks with Matthew Martin, Director at Align Property Finance. They explore the changing commercial mortgage market, from the rise of challenger lenders to the importance of building long-term client relationships. The episode covers how interest rates and sector trends are shaping activity, why HMOs are gaining traction, and the role of technology in streamlining processes without losing the human touch. Deregulation and its potential impact are also discussed, with...
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#132 - Mortgage Mentors: From Stocks to Mortgage Tech Solutions with James Tucker
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #132 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgage chats with James Tucker, CEO of Twenty7Tec, about his journey from stockbroking to leading one of the UK’s top mortgage tech firms. James shares lessons on resilience, leadership and innovation, and how embracing technology and data can future-proof mortgage advice without losing the human touch. He also reflects on mentorship, community impact, and how golf and mountaineering help him stay grounded outside of work.
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#131 - Broker Talks: Broker Firms Utilising A.I
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #131 of the Growth Series podcast, host Iain Cunningham, Strategic Partnerships and Propositions Manager at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Liz Syms, CEO and Founder of Connect Mortgages and Connect for Intermediaries. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the mortgage industry and what it means for brokers. Liz shares her journey into AI adoption, from transcription tools that free up client conversations to compliance systems that speed up file reviews and reduce errors. She also discusses how portals and chatbots are enhancing the customer experience...
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#130 - Mortgage Mentors: Stretch, Support, Succeed: Cultivating Talent with Sidney Wager
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #130 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages speaks with Sidney Wager, Managing Director at L&C Mortgages. Sidney reflects on his journey to senior leadership, sharing how his upbringing shaped his customer-first values and passion for inclusion. He discusses the impact of early career development programmes in supporting underrepresented colleagues, the importance of diversity, equity and empathy in leadership, and why organisations must avoid echo chambers to stay relevant. The conversation also...
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#129 - Economic Abuse in Mortgages
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
Warning: This episode discusses economic abuse and domestic abuse, which may be upsetting for some listeners. Please prioritise your well-being while listening. In episode #129 of the Growth Series podcast, Andrew Calder engages in a critical conversation about economic abuse in the mortgage industry with Claire Towe, Co-founder of Meet Margo, and Lauren Garrett, Financial Services Lead at Surviving Economic Abuse. This episode sheds light on the hidden struggles of economic control and the unique challenges women face in homeownership due to systemic inequalities. The discussion...
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#128 - Mortgage Mentors: Behind the Deals - What 35 Years in Mortgages Has Taught Me with Dev Malle
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #128 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, chats with mortgage industry veteran Dev Malle, Chief Business Development Officer at Simplify, whose 35-year career spans lending, broking, and conveyancing. Dev shares lessons on resilience, adaptability, and innovation, plus personal stories of trekking adventures and mental health advocacy. From career milestones to mentorship, cultural exploration, and a lighthearted Secret Santa moment, this conversation offers both professional insight and personal...
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#127 - Mortgage Mentors: Navigating Change, Inclusion & Opportunity with Nicola Alvarez
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #127 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, welcomes Nicola Alvarez, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Propositions at Accord Mortgages, who shares her extraordinary journey in the mortgage industry, beginning with her start at Nationwide in 1995. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nicola discusses her passion for creating supportive work environments, inspired by her experiences as a mother and her advocacy for a son with autism and ADHD....
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#126 - Broker Talks: The Importance of Creating a Work Life Balance
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #126 of the Growth Series podcast, host Debjani Bajpai speaks with Kate McTernan, Director at Mortgage Advice Group, about how broker teams can find work-life balance in a demanding and fast-moving mortgage market. Kate shares practical strategies for managing workload, staying present for family life, and leading high-performing teams. With over 20 years in financial services and first-hand experience running a brokerage while raising a young family, Kate offers real-world advice on diary discipline, capping appointments, managing seasonal pressures, and building a supportive team...
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#125 - Mortgage Mentors: Intermediaries, Legislation & Legacy with Louisa Sedgwick
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #125 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Louisa Sedgwick, Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Banking Group PLC, as she shares her inspiring rise from a Youth Training Scheme to senior roles at major institutions, offering a powerful story of resilience in a traditionally male-dominated field. The episode explores the dynamic changes within the mortgage industry, emphasising the role of technology and AI in shaping its future. Louisa discusses the private rental sector's critical role and...
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#124 - Cyber Smart for Brokers
The Accord Mortgages Growth Series Podcast
In episode #124 of the Growth Series podcast, host Iain Cunningham is joined by cybersecurity expert, Paul Lopez, to discuss the pressing issue of cybersecurity for small businesses, particularly mortgage brokers. Paul, who serves as the Director at The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre, brings a unique perspective from his extensive background in law enforcement and cybercrime prevention. The episode highlights the collaborative efforts between various sectors to enhance cyber resilience, emphasising the importance of engaging with Cyber Resilience Centres for support and resources. Through a...
info_outlineIn episode #125 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Louisa Sedgwick, Managing Director of Mortgages at Paragon Banking Group PLC, as she shares her inspiring rise from a Youth Training Scheme to senior roles at major institutions, offering a powerful story of resilience in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The episode explores the dynamic changes within the mortgage industry, emphasising the role of technology and AI in shaping its future. Louisa discusses the private rental sector's critical role and legislative impacts, advocating for a balanced approach to housing that acknowledges diverse aspirations and needs. Louisa further reflects on the importance of mental well-being and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, sharing personal strategies that keep her grounded.
This episode is a rich source of inspiration and insight, offering a window into the evolving mortgage industry through the eyes of a pioneering leader.