Broker in Focus: Bryan Brett of Just Mortgages entered the industry during a period of market uncertainty — and had to learn fast
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 is featuring Bryan Brett (pictured top), mortgage and protection adviser at Just Mortgages, who entered the industry just over two years ago and quickly found his stride in the middle of market uncertainty. Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Brett says the steep learning curve sharpened his focus on what matters most in modern broking: understanding lender criteria, tackling complex circumstances with confidence, and bringing a more personal, transparent approach to a process that can still feel confusing for many borrowers.
With specialist lending expanding and lenders increasingly willing to assess cases on their individual merits, he believes the broker’s value has never been clearer — particularly as affordability pressures and shifting client expectations continue to reshape the market.
Full name: Bryan Brett
Job title: Mortgage and protection adviser
Company: Just Mortgages
Number of years in the industry: 2
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I became a mortgage broker just over two years ago. I’d always been interested in property and finance, but what really pushed me into broking was seeing how confusing and impersonal the process could be for clients, especially those with more complex circumstances.
I came into the industry during a period of market uncertainty, which was a steep learning curve, but it forced me to learn quickly, become resilient, and really focus on understanding lender criteria rather than relying on “easy” cases. From day one, it felt like the right fit, because no two clients or cases are ever the same.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
For me, the biggest positive has been the growth of specialist lending and the increased willingness of lenders to look at cases on an individual basis. More lenders are now prepared to consider adverse credit, self-employed income, complex income structures, and non-standard properties.
Combined with better technology and sourcing systems, it means brokers can genuinely add value rather than simply price-compare. Clients today need advice more than ever, and this shift has really reinforced the importance of the broker’s role.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
One of the main challenges is affordability, especially with higher rates and stricter stress testing. Another challenge is client expectations; some still expect outcomes based on how the market worked several years ago.
The solution, in my view, is education and transparency. Brokers need to have honest conversations early on, set realistic expectations, and explain the “why” behind lender decisions. From an industry perspective, continued innovation in lending criteria and closer collaboration between brokers, packagers, and lenders will be key to keeping the market accessible.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
One of the most challenging cases I’ve handled involved a shared ownership purchase with historic adverse credit. On paper, it looked impossible: limited lenders, tight affordability, and multiple rejections. It took persistence and a lot of communication with packagers and lenders.
The lesson I took from that case was that persistence and attention to detail really matter in this job. Sometimes it’s not about finding a lender quickly, but about finding the right lender and structuring the case properly. It also reinforced how important it is to keep clients informed and supported throughout what can be a stressful process.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t underestimate how much you need to learn beyond passing your exams. Criteria knowledge, soft skills, and problem-solving are just as important as technical ability. Take the time to understand lender policies properly, build strong relationships with BDMs and packagers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Also, be patient. Broking can be tough in the early stages, but if you genuinely care about helping clients and you’re willing to put the work in, it’s an incredibly rewarding career.
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 Joanne Pay of Elysian Trust Financial, Geraldine Williams of Bubble Financial, Lauren Wilson of Portway Finance, Jamie Alexander of Alexander Southwell Mortgages, Dave Hill of The Money Partnership, Neil Mulhern of Echo Finance, Michelle Lawson of Lawson Financial, Matt Thomas of First Financial Solutions, and John Carter of Abode Mortgages.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
