At Mortgage Intelligence, we’re proud to work alongside a network of dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable advisers who go above and beyond to support their customers every day.
Our Spotlight series highlights the individuals and businesses making a difference. In the first edition of 2026, we catch up with Charley O'Neill and Liz Nugent, Co-Founders of Emerald Mortgages.
How did you get started in the industry?
Charley - I fell into the mortgage industry unexpectedly. I was debating what to study and decided to take time out rather than rush into university. During that time, I worked at HSBC, where I was exposed to a range of roles and opportunities without the pressure of student debt or committing to a path I wasn’t sure about.
When HSBC offered a course to qualify as a mortgage broker, it came at the perfect time. With both my mum and aunt already in the mortgage industry, I had a genuine interest, and I qualified in 2015. In 2017, I left HSBC to move into broking so I could offer clients more choice and say yes to more people, rather than being limited to one bank’s criteria. That move allowed me to truly put clients first and has shaped the way I work ever since.
Liz - I got started in the mortgage industry in 2018 during a challenging time in my life, when I needed a role that allowed me to balance work with being present for my children. I took a part-time mortgage administrator role for flexibility, but quickly fell in love with helping people move forward with their lives. Saying yes to taking my mortgage qualifications changed everything and gave me the confidence to build a career, a business, and a future I'm truly proud of.
What sets Emerald Mortgages apart from others?
What sets Emerald apart is the culture. We’ve created a genuinely safe and supportive space for brokers to work flexibly around their families, without compromising on professionalism or ambition. Emerald is built by and for driven women who truly care about their clients and believe in lifting each other up.
We’re inspired by one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and work collaboratively rather than competitively. That flexibility extends to how we support our clients too, because when brokers are supported and trusted, they’re able to deliver the best outcomes for the people they work with.
How has Mortgage Intelligence impacted your career?
Mortgage Intelligence gave Liz and me the confidence, space and opportunity to build a company of our own. From the very beginning, we’ve felt genuinely supported, particularly by our BAMs (Business Assurance Managers), who have been approachable, knowledgeable, and invested in our success.
What really sets Mortgage Intelligence apart is that it feels like a network that works with you, not against you. As first-time business owners, the support we’ve received while learning how to run and grow a company has been invaluable. That combination of guidance, trust, and collaboration has made a real difference to our journey and continues to support our growth.
Have you got any tips on navigating the market?
Navigating the mortgage market is about staying adaptable while keeping clients at the heart of everything you do. Rates, criteria, and lender appetite can shift quickly, so staying informed and nurturing strong lender relationships really matters.
Open, honest communication is just as important. Setting expectations early, explaining the “why,” and having thoughtful conversations helps clients feel supported, confident, and at ease.
Finally, allow space for creativity. Look beyond headline rates, explore specialist options where it feels right, and take the time to truly understand each client’s story. Markets will always change, but brokers who lead with flexibility, care, and clarity will always shine.
What's your message to new members of Mortgage Intelligence?
Our advice to new members of Mortgage Intelligence is to lean into the support that’s there for you. Ask questions, use your BAMs, and don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out straight away. The network is there to work with you, not against you.
Take the time to learn, attend events, and connect with others. You’ll gain confidence faster than you expect. Most importantly, trust yourself. You’ve joined MI because you care about doing things properly and putting clients first, and that foundation will take you a long way.
If you’re a member of Mortgage Intelligence and would like to feature in an edition of Spotlight, contact marketing@experiencemi.co.uk