35-year veteran shares insights on industry challenges and opportunities
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.
This week, Mortgage Introducer puts the spotlight on John Tibble (pictured), financial adviser at Aspire Financial Planning, who has spent an impressive 35 years navigating the ever-evolving world of financial advice and mortgage broking.
With a career that began in consumer finance and spanned roles in estate agencies and independent financial advice, Tibble has witnessed first-hand the industry’s transformation — from the days of branch lending to the digital innovations shaping today’s market. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey, insights on the most significant developments in broking, and the lessons learned from building his own business in a rapidly changing landscape.
Full name: John Tibble
Job title: Independent financial adviser
Company: Aspire Financial Planning
Number of years in the industry: 35
Location: Gloucestershire
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I moved from consumer finance, secured and unsecured lending to estate agent as a mortgage advisor in the 1990s.
I’d worked for a consumer lender as a manager running a branch lending personal and secured loans and, following redundancy, moved to leasing and car finance. I did briefly work at Allied Dunbar after my redundancy and decided the self-employed associate role wasn’t for me. But I did get a taste of life as a financial adviser, so when an employed mortgage adviser role at an estate agency came up, I made the change.
After a few years, I moved from estate agency to an IFA practice. Following a restructure there, I had the opportunity to set up on my own with my client bank, and in 2005, I started Aspire.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The digital innovations across the market have helped brokers and consumers as the world of finance has become more complex and sophisticated. Consumers can get unbiased reviews, begin their financial calculations, and seek advice online. As brokers, we can complete our research, manage our clients, and our businesses effectively and efficiently.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
Uncertainty over rates, shifting generational perspectives on investments and lifestyle, and the arrival of AI. While information may become more accessible, the decisions behind spend and investment are often very personal and emotive. So, while technology can continue to disrupt, more than ever the value of a personal interaction, listening, and understanding clients’ motivations and aspirations will show the value of independent financial advice from small businesses rather than virtual assistants.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
When I chose to move from in-house financial advisor to starting my own business with a young family to support. It puts to test the saying “there is no reward without risk.” An important lesson for me is being ready for every new challenge, being open-minded, and retaining a sense of work-life balance. The flexibility I have had from managing my own schedule and building a loyal client base has been the reason for me staying in this industry.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
Accept that the foundations of building a strong skill set, fostering curiosity to continue to learn as the industry evolves, and building experience before setting out with your own business are essential. Through my professional network, I have developed strong personal relationships with other advisers and providers, who provide an important sounding board and reciprocal check-in, which is hugely valuable in a small independent business when it’s easy to feel isolated.
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 Aaron Scott of Try Financial, Sam Rose of TR Financial, Richard Bousfield of The Surrey Mortgage Broker, Paul Hampton of Approved Mortgage Solutions, Christina Oliver of The Old Bakehouse Financial Services, Steve Dickinson of Momentum Financial Services, Paul McMath of Prosper Home Loans, Richard Noble of The Mortgage Finance Store, Luke Spellman of Spellman Financial Services, and Daniel McLardy of Experts 4 Mortgages.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
