Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

British Mortgage Awards Mark 20 Years of Recognising Industry Excellence

The British Mortgage Awards (BMA) have now been recognising individual excellence in the mortgage industry for two decades. The awards, first held in 2006, continue to highlight achievements and progress within the sector.

Karen Babington, co-founder of Collaborative Conveyancing and recipient of the Conveyancer Award at the inaugural BMAs, reflected on her experience at the first ceremony. She recalled the excitement of the event, which took place during a heatwave at the Royal Albert Hall, and described the atmosphere as one of unbridled excitement.

Babington noted that the intermediary mortgage market in 2006 was male-dominated, with only three or four female winners at the time. Despite this, she reported receiving significant support and encouragement throughout her career.

Winning the British Mortgage Award added credibility to Babington and her business, Easier2move, which she co-founded. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and the positive impact it had on her professional journey.

Babington stated that awards like the BMAs contribute to driving progress, innovation, and recognition within the industry. She credited the British Mortgage Awards with inspiring her to launch two new award ceremonies in the legal sector: The British Wills and Probate Awards and The British Conveyancing Awards. Both ceremonies continue to thrive.

Reflecting on her career, Babington highlighted the pride she feels in employing and supporting talented people, many of whom have gone on to become key industry figures. She also shared that her former colleagues from Easier2move remain in contact, demonstrating the lasting connections formed in the industry.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the continued recognition of excellence and innovation in the mortgage and conveyancing sectors underscores the importance of professional standards and industry development.