Just Mortgages, one of the UK’s largest mortgages brokerages, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its self-employed division, marking a decade of growth that has seen the business expand from just three advisers at launch in 2016 to almost 500 advisers today.
Created to give ambitious mortgage advisers the freedom to run their own business with the backing of an established national brokerage, the division has grown steadily over the past decade and remains a key part of the firm’s long-term strategy. Self-employed advisers now account for almost 75% of its adviser headcount, with future plans to expand the division to more than 1,000 advisers nationwide.
The milestone comes amid growing demand for self-employed advice models, as advisers increasingly seek flexibility, progression and broader income opportunities. In 2025, Just Mortgages received more than 100 applications to join its self-employed division and is already on track to exceed this figure in 2026.
Over the last 10 years, Just Mortgages has continued to invest in its self-employed proposition, expanding its management team and broadening the support available to advisers at every stage of their careers. Alongside day-to-day assistance with sales, marketing and compliance, advisers can access ongoing training and mentoring, as well as specialist qualifications in areas including equity release, commercial finance and business protection.
The business has also strengthened the support available to advisers looking to grow beyond a one-person operation. Through its business principal programme, advisers can recruit and manage their own teams while receiving bespoke leadership training, dedicated recruitment support and operational guidance from Just Mortgages.
Meanwhile, initiatives such as New Starter Boost help advisers make the transition to self-employment, providing pre-qualified leads and booked appointments, along with a commission advance scheme to help ease any early financial pressures. Advisers also benefit from referral opportunities through sister company Just Wealth, helping them provide broader financial planning solutions to clients while creating additional income opportunities.
Carl Parker, national director of Just Mortgages self-employed division, said: “When the self-employed division launched, the aim was simple. We wanted to give advisers every opportunity to build successful businesses on their own terms while benefitting from the support and infrastructure of a national brand.
“To grow from three advisers to where we are now is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength of the proposition we have built. It reflects the quality and ambition of the advisers who have chosen to join us and grow their business with Just Mortgages.”
Ben Allkins, head of mortgages and protection at Just Mortgages, said: “The needs of self-employed advisers have changed significantly over the last 10 years and we have worked hard to evolve our proposition alongside them.
“Whether someone is taking their first step into self-employment, looking to diversify their offering or aiming to transform their business through becoming a business principle, our focus is on providing the support, opportunities and expertise they need to succeed. We will continue to invest in the division and accelerate its growth in the years to come, with clear ambitions to surpass 1,000 advisers nationwide.”
Today, Just Mortgages has more than 650 advisers across its employed and self-employed divisions, making it one of the UK's largest mortgage brokerages. The self-employed division remains central to its plans, with continued investment in recruitment, adviser development and business growth initiatives.
John Phillips, CEO of Just Mortgages and Spicerhaart adds: "Reaching 10 years is an important milestone for the business and a chance to reflect on how far the division has come.
"The self-employed division has played a major role in the growth of Just Mortgages over the last decade and continues to drive innovation across the wider business. As the market continues to change, we remain committed to supporting ambitious advisers and helping them build successful businesses for the long term."
