In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Broker Broadcast, I welcomed back Jonathan Needham to talk about something that’s been growing momentum in our industry – The Broker Foundry.
Back in July, Jonathan and I hosted the first Foundations to Freedom webinar, a live two-hour conversation where we shared insight, advice, and honest experiences for brokers thinking about becoming self-employed or looking to scale their businesses.
The feedback was clear: there’s a real appetite for open, honest conversations in the mortgage broker community. And that’s exactly what The Broker Foundry is about.
Why The Broker Foundry Exists
The mortgage broker world is changing fast. Between CeMAP qualification updates, AI and technology advancements, and increasing regulation, brokers are facing new challenges and opportunities.
For employed advisers thinking about going self-employed, or for existing business owners trying to grow, the landscape can feel confusing, lonely, and sometimes overwhelming.
That’s where The Broker Foundry comes in. Jonathan and I didn’t create it to sell, recruit, or pitch. We created it to:
- Support mortgage brokers at every stage of their journey.
- Challenge the status quo by asking the questions that others avoid.
- Share real experiences from people who’ve done it before.
- Build a community where brokers don’t feel isolated.
As Jonathan put it on the podcast:
“Our motivation is simple: to help people. No loaded answers, no hidden agendas – just honest insight that brokers can use.”
Lessons From the Foundations to Freedom Webinar
When we ran the live session in July, it was completely unscripted. Two hours of discussion, covering everything from setting up as a self-employed broker to dealing with regulation, technology, and mindset.
What we learned from it:
- Bravery pays off – doing it live was a risk, but the raw honesty resonated with brokers.
- The industry wants transparency – brokers valued that there was no sales pitch.
- Isolation is real – many brokers reached out afterwards saying they feel like they’re “on an island,” even when part of a network.
- Community is powerful – the feedback showed there’s a real need for an ongoing space where brokers can listen, learn, and share.
The Future of The Broker Foundry
We’ve decided that the next stage for The Broker Foundry is to move away from closed webinars and towards something more accessible and community-driven.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Monthly episodes – recorded and released on a consistent schedule (likely the 1st of each month).
- YouTube channel & podcast format – easy to access, no sign-ups or gated emails.
- Community interaction – brokers will be able to comment, suggest topics, and request guests.
- Relevant, practical content – everything from “how to transition from employed to self-employed” to “how to deal with isolation as a broker.”
This shift means that The Broker Foundry will be free, open, and always accessible. No forms, no marketing campaigns – just honest, helpful content for mortgage brokers.
Topics We’ll Be Covering
If you’re a mortgage broker, here’s a flavour of what The Broker Foundry will dig into:
- How to make the leap from employed to self-employed.
- Building a personal brand that attracts clients.
- Avoiding isolation when you’re running your own business.
- The impact of AI and tech tools – what works, what doesn’t.
- Client retention and how to future-proof your business.
- Playing devil’s advocate – asking the hard questions others avoid.
- Real talk about networks, compliance, and regulation.
Why Community Matters for Brokers
One of the most important themes from the webinar and our conversation is community.
Many brokers – whether they’re new to the industry, solo business owners, or even running small firms – feel isolated. They don’t always have someone to bounce ideas off, to challenge their thinking, or simply to reassure them that they’re on the right track.
The Broker Foundry aims to change that. It’s about creating a modern broker community, one that is:
- Honest and transparent.
- Free from hidden agendas.
- Focused on helping brokers succeed.
As Jonathan said on the podcast:
“Sometimes you just need someone to play devil’s advocate – to ask the right questions without any bias. That’s what The Broker Foundry is all about.”
Final Thoughts
The Broker Foundry is evolving – from a one-off live event into a regular, open-access resource for brokers.
It doesn’t matter if you’re:
- An employed adviser thinking of going self-employed.
- A solo broker who feels isolated.
- A business owner looking to grow and scale.
This is a space designed for you.
💡 What’s next?
Make sure you follow The Mortgage Broker Broadcast and keep an eye out for updates on The Broker Foundry.
📧 And if you’re a broker thinking about going self-employed or scaling your business, visit craigskelton.co.uk to book a discovery call.
Run your own race.