Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
Mortgage Introducer shines the spotlight this week on Helen May Allman (pictured top), mortgage specialist of Home Me Mortgages, who built her career across accounting, retail management, and corporate broking before finding her ideal role at the intersection of people and numbers.
A Norfolk-based adviser with over a decade of experience across finance and mortgages, Allman joined the Stonebridge network around two years ago and has since built a practice centred on clarity, empathy, and plain-English guidance. In this week’s profile, she reflects on the shift away from rigid underwriting, the challenge of keeping clients grounded amid market uncertainty, and the memorable first-time buyer case that reinforced what broking — at its best — is really about.
Full name: Helen May Allman
Job title: Mortgage and protection specialist
Company: Home Me Mortgages
Number of years in the industry: Over 10
Location: Norfolk
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I originally started my career as an accountant, which is where I met my husband, Stephen. After having our first child, and then our second, I moved into retail and management, where I spent over 10 years developing strong client-facing and leadership skills.
However, I missed the financial side of my career and wanted a role that combined both people and numbers. Mortgages turned out to be the perfect fit. I began my broking career with a large corporate firm, which provided an excellent grounding in systems, compliance, and lender processes — a real “learn the ropes properly” environment.
I joined the Stonebridge network around two years ago. Home Me Mortgages is based in Marlow but offers the flexibility to work remotely, with the option to be in the office whenever needed — the best of both worlds.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The move away from rigid, one-size-fits-all underwriting has been a hugely positive change. Lenders are far more willing to understand a client’s circumstances rather than simply relying on automated decisions.
This flexibility has made mortgages accessible to a far wider range of borrowers, particularly the self-employed and those with complex income. It has also reinforced the value of brokers — technology and AI support the process, but they don’t replace experience or judgement.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
Uncertainty is the biggest challenge. Interest rate changes, affordability pressures, and constant criteria updates can be unsettling for clients, many of whom rely on headlines rather than tailored advice.
The solution lies in clear communication and education. Brokers play a vital role in translating market noise into practical guidance, helping clients focus on what’s relevant to them rather than what’s trending online that week.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
One particularly memorable case involved a first-time buyer who was completely overwhelmed by the process. Between headlines, online forums, and well-meaning friends, their confidence had taken quite a knock before we even started.
By slowing everything down, explaining each step in plain English, and focusing on what mattered to them, I was able to secure their mortgage and get them into their first home. The call to say they had received the keys is still one I remember very clearly. They even sent a photo of themselves outside their front door, smiles so wide it was heartwarming. They had been through so many challenges with gifted deposits, affordability, and not the easiest estate agent experience.
It reinforced an important lesson for me: for all buyers, especially first-time buyers, reassurance and clarity are just as important as the mortgage itself. Always keep clients updated and aware of what is happening.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers, or those new to broking?
Take the time to learn properly. The technical knowledge and compliance matter enormously, but so does empathy and communication. Clients don’t just need numbers — they need reassurance, clarity, and honesty.
Also, get comfortable with continual learning. The industry never stands still… and neither should brokers. A good sense of humour helps too — especially when lenders change criteria at 4:59pm. I don’t think I have ever started at 9am and finished at 5pm, but saying that, I love almost every minute of my working day.
Broker in Focus is a weekly Mortgage Introducer feature, spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse backgrounds and locations across the UK. Among those recently featured are Kane Powell of Heron Financial, Marcus Robinson of Mortgage Style, Natalie Hines of Premier One Mortgages, Joe Stallard of House and Holiday Home Mortgages, Sam Ewen of Rosehill Financial Services, Stuart Mosley of SJ Financial Solutions, Andrew Watson of Echo Finance, Tracie Selley of Approved Mortgage Solutions, Craig Chavez of Three Keys Mortgages, and Bryan Brett of Just Mortgages.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.