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 this edition, we catch up with Robert Dibb, Director & Mortgage Adviser at Advoco Financial.
How did you get started in the industry?
When I left school, I took a year out before going to university. I’d done some part time work for an estate agent at weekends whilst at school, so they offered me a job in my year out. I quickly decided that Estate Agency wasn’t the career for me, but I’d also come to the conclusion that university wasn’t either! I found the property market really interesting though and was given an opportunity to move in to mortgages and have never looked back!
What sets Advoco Financial apart from others?
We’re a small family business, and love supporting our clients on their journey through the house buying process and offering advice, guidance and support on the entire process and not just the mortgage. We’ve always felt that we fill that gap that is often left by agents and solicitors.
I never like to be told we work in sales, it’s much more about providing an advice service and this ethos and culture runs through the company with our Case Managers often getting just as much praise in our reviews as the advisers.
How has Mortgage Intelligence impacted your career?
When we first set up Advoco in 2006, we joined Mortgage Next. Of course, they merged with Mortgage Intelligence in 2011, and we were initially apprehensive of what this might bring but it’s been a fantastic journey. We’ve always felt that the network has got your back, but are never breathing down your neck.
We love how everyone is so approachable right from John (or Sally before) at the top to all teams on the front line, from compliance and IT support through to broker desk and the fees team.
But it’s not just the team at MI, but all the like-minded brokers and friends that we’ve got to know over the years.
Have you got any tips on navigating the market?
I think for me, there’s 2 key things. Firstly, getting the best admin support team around you – the advisers are only as good as the team in the background that make everything work behind the scenes!
Secondly, always make sure the clients’ needs are put first – even if it’s to say that what they’re looking to do really isn’t affordable and breaking news that they might not want to hear. They’ll always appreciate your honesty and came back to you in the long run. It should always be about the advice, not the sale – that will always follow naturally.
What's your message to new members of Mortgage Intelligence?
Make the most of everything that the Network provide you with – from the roadshows to the breakfast meetings and conferences, to the broker desk and marketing team there’s so much available to help support you and your business – there’s always someone on the end of the phone willing to help you out or give you guidance!
If you’re a member of Mortgage Intelligence and would like to feature in an edition of Spotlight, contact marketing@experiencemi.co.uk