Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on the people that make up the Mortgage Brain family, by asking them a few questions to find out what makes them tick. So, join us for a coffee break with...

Hayley Gateson

Hayley works within the direct sales team and focusses on helping customers to optimise their online presence or build new professional-looking websites as part of our website services, Web Brain.

Hayley, thanks for letting us get to know you better. Firstly, let’s start with a few questions about your time at Mortgage Brain. How long have you been working with the company?

I started at Mortgage Brain straight after leaving college, it was my first job, and I started as an office junior. At that time, there were only 15-20 staff. One of my roles was doing the weekly disk updates, which had all the product updates from that week.

I worked my way up to customer services and continued the progression in this role until, aged 21, I decided to go travelling for a year.
I stayed in contact with the company as it doubled, even tripled in size, and found myself back in the fold after a few years.

So, all in all, I have worked for Mortgage Brain for over 20 years and I’ve seen the business grow into the success it is today.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the mortgage industry?

The continuous change within the market, and the growing need for technology and opportunities.

So, you’ve seen some big changes during your time with Mortgage Brain. Have you seen this in the industry over the time you’ve been with Mortgage Brain?

Yes, a great deal. There is more choice out there for brokers, more systems and companies working together to make the sales process better for the end user. When I started, there was no such thing as a CRM platform – everything was paper. A CRM was a drawer full of folders!

The understanding of how products and integrations can help streamline a broker’s day-to-day sales process is so much better. People sharing their knowledge and the emergence of social media has had a massive impact. Lenders have also evolved their practices to better support brokers.

Now, for some quick-fire personal trivia. What do you like to do to relax during your leisure time?

Well, it’s not relaxing that’s for sure. I love the gym, I love everything fitness-related as everyone at Mortgage Brain knows – I’m known as a bit of a machine when it comes to working out. At the moment I’m enjoying cycling into work every day.

Of course, I also love spending time with my family and relaxing with a glass or bottle of wine.

You said you love travelling. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would love to visit the Maldives and I love the idea of New Orleans. I plan to visit Santorini when this pandemic is all over. It was a birthday gift from my parents.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Yes, Marc Bolan (T-Rex) is my mum’s cousin. In fact, the song ‘Telegram Sam’ was written about my uncle!

Red sauce, brown sauce, or no sauce at all?

Brown, all day long. However, when I was younger, it was red sauce.

You can take one item to a desert island with you, what would it be?

A kettlebell.

What is your all-time-favourite music track?

I don’t have any one genre I like, I tend to listen to all types of music. Obviously, I’m a bit of a ‘garage’ girl, but I do love “Wish I Didn’t Miss you” by Angie Stone.

Do you have any phobias?

Clowns. I think that comes from when I was younger, and my nan had a massive vase which stood in the corner of the room and looked like a clown.

What achievement in your life are you most proud of?

My children.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs – However, I don’t own one although I have in the past. I thought it was a good idea for my children. After eight weeks I couldn’t cope, and it had to go back to the breeder to be re-homed.

Have you ever met anyone famous?

Tyson Fury - he gave me a kiss when I met him because it was my birthday.

Duke McKenzie – also a professional boxer. I trained in his gym for 10 years.

Spandau Ballet - my uncle was their minder for many years, and they used to turn up at my nan’s house!

Coffee or tea?

As I’ve gotten older, coffee, but I do love a cup of tea with biscuits some evenings.

Hayley, many thanks for talking to us.