Quick-fire Friday with… Rob Jupp Group CEO of Brightstar

This week we talk to Rob Jupp, Group CEO of Brightstar who’s on a mission to make sure people who have been impacted by the pandemic aren’t unfairly penalised by the mortgage industry, gives thanks to his mum for his best piece of career advice, and would like to have John F Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe round for dinner – awkward – but could explain why he considers himself a sinner rather than a saint…

Sum up the current mortgage market in a hashtag?

#relentless

Best piece of career advice and who was it from?

My mum, always treat everyone as your equal.

Who is the biggest mortgage market influencer?

Over the last year, it’s definitely been Rishi Sunak

If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be and why?

We are definitely seeing a situation at the moment where some lenders are not underwriting to the criteria they publish, particularly when it comes to customers in certain industries, or business owners who perhaps made use of the schemes that were offered to them. This shouldn’t be allowed.

Biggest compliment you’ve ever received from a customer?

You never gave up on me when everyone else had.

What’s the most surprising part of your role?

I’m the only one in the business that can change the lightbulbs!

Who’s the person that’s had the greatest influence on your career, and why?

My wife Clare. We’ve been together for 30 years. She has always been honest and loyal to me and a fantastic source of energy and brilliance.

What’s next for the mortgage market?

There will definitely be hurdles as financial support packages are removed later in the year, but there are also plenty of opportunities. Multiple lockdowns have helped people to realise the importance of their home and the mortgage market, including the second charge and short term markets, provide the key to people achieving the homes they really want.

Biggest industry challenge?

Making sure those customers who have been financially impacted by the pandemic are not unfairly penalised.

Biggest industry opportunity?

The pandemic has shifted the mindset of many people, encouraging them to be more proactive and pursue their goals, whether that’s a new home or investment. Brokers have an opportunity to help their clients achieve these goals, using all of the tools they have available to them.

Best thing about working in mortgages?

It’s a cliché, but it’s the people.

I’m proud of working in the UK mortgage market, because…?

We consistently deliver financial solutions that meet the diverse needs of a really broad spectrum of customers. It’s very unusual to find a set of customer circumstances that can’t be accommodated.

Is the mortgage market diverse enough?

It’s getting better, but there is still some way to go. However, I know from our own experience at Brightstar and other businesses within the market that we’re all making big steps to improve the situation.

What will revolutionise the mortgage market in the future? 

A digital revolution of the conveyancing industry will have a hugely beneficial impact for everyone.

What would you like to see the mortgage market do better in the UK and why?

Educate our customers and potential customers about the options that are available to them.

What’s your proudest career moment?

Winning our second the Sunday Times Best Company to Work For in number 1 position with the highest ever score achieved in the previous 21 years

Ideal day (after lockdown)?

Watching my children play cricket at Herongate Cricket Club on a barmy mid summer’s evening, friends around me, beer in hand!

Which five famous people (dead or alive) would you invite over for dinner?

Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli, John F Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and James Hunt

What five items couldn’t you live without?

My Family, my friends, my business, my man cave and beer!

Night owl or early bird? 

Night owl

Zoom or face-to-face?

Face-to-face

Work from home or work in the office?

Work in the office

Saint or sinner?

Sinner

Half full or half empty?

Half full

Sporty little number or off-roader?

Sporty little number

Documentary or reality TV?

Documentary