Brightstar Group has unveiled a new pilot scheme aimed at bringing Armed Forces talent into the mortgage intermediary sector.
The initiative, Mortgage Jobs for Heroes, is designed to attract Service Leavers and Veterans into roles across the UK mortgage market, in partnership with Working in Mortgages.
Working in Mortgages is a joint venture between the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries and the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association, focused on making the industry more accessible and diverse.
The programme will promote mortgage careers to Armed Forces personnel transitioning into civilian life, highlighting transferable skills and creating structured routes into intermediary roles.
NATIONAL TRANSITION EVENT
As part of the launch, Brightstar and Working in Mortgages will attend the National Transition Event at Silverstone today (2nd March, 2026), a careers forum expected to attract more than 1,000 Service Leavers, Veterans and family members.
The firms will begin building a database of interested candidates at the event, followed by an information webinar outlining routes into the industry. Participants will then be invited to apply for placements and vacancies across participating businesses, including Brightstar.
Lee Payne (main picture, inset right), group national account manager at Brightstar Group and a former regimental sergeant major in the Royal Engineers, says: “We often talk in this industry about resilience, discipline, leadership and teamwork – but those qualities are embedded into Service Leavers.
“The Armed Forces develops people who can perform under pressure, build trust quickly and to take responsibility, all of which translate exceptionally well into the mortgage sector.”
CHANCE MEETING
He adds: “My own journey into financial services happened by chance, but it does not have to be that way. There are so many talented Service Leavers that transition out of the Armed Forces who would thrive in this industry if they knew it was an option.
“Mortgage Jobs for Heroes is about changing that – creating visibility, opening doors and providing a clear pathway into the mortgage industry.”
Clare Jupp (main picture, inset left), chief people officer at Brightstar Group, says: “We feel incredibly strongly that talent doesn’t always come through traditional channels. Some of the most capable, values-driven and determined individuals you will ever meet are those who have served in the Armed Forces.
“As an industry, we talk about doing the right thing for clients, acting with integrity and supporting people through major life decisions.”
LOOKING FOR TALENT
She adds: “Those principles are second nature to Service Leavers. Mortgage Jobs for Heroes is about recognising that alignment and giving exceptional people the platform they deserve. If we are serious about strengthening our workforce for the future, we must be bold about where we look for talent.”
Brightstar said the scheme forms part of its wider strategy to address succession planning and workforce renewal across the intermediary market, alongside existing engagement with schools and colleges. Further details of the webinar and participating firms will be released following the March event.
