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Brightstar Group is launching Mortgage Jobs for Heroes, a new pilot initiative designed to attract Armed Forces Service Leavers and Veterans into the UK mortgage sector, with support from Working in Mortgages.

Working in Mortgages is a joint initiative between the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) and the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) whose strategic objective is to make the mortgage industry a fairer and more accessible place to work and do business with.

The programme aims to widen the industry’s talent pool by promoting mortgage careers to Armed Forces Service Leavers and Veterans, highlighting the transferable skills they bring and creating structured pathways into roles across the intermediary market.

As part of the initiative, Brightstar National Account Manager Lee Payne and Working in Mortgages will represent the sector at the National Transition Event at Silverstone on 2 March 2026 – a major careers and networking forum for over 1,000 Service Leavers, Veterans and their families.

Payne, formerly a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Engineers, transitioned into the mortgage industry following a chance introduction to Brightstar Group CEO Rob Jupp. He is now a senior member of the firm’s national accounts team.

At the National Transition Event the Brightstar Group and Working in Mortgages will begin building a database of Service Leavers and Veterans interested in exploring careers in the mortgage sector.

This will be followed by an information webinar outlining routes into the industry, before interested candidates are invited to apply for placements and roles across participating firms, including the Brightstar Group.

Lee Payne, Group National Account Manager at the Brightstar Group, said:

“We often talk in this industry about resilience, discipline, leadership and teamwork – but those qualities are embedded into Service Leavers.

“The Armed Forces develops people who can perform under pressure, build trust quickly and to take responsibility, all of which translate exceptionally well into the mortgage sector.

“My own journey into financial services happened by chance, but it does not have to be that way. There are so many talented Service Leavers that transition out of the Armed Forces who would thrive in this industry if they knew it was an option.

“Mortgage Jobs for Heroes is about changing that – creating visibility, opening doors and providing a clear pathway into the mortgage industry.”

Clare Jupp, Chief People Officer at Brightstar Group, said:

“We feel incredibly strongly that talent doesn’t always come through traditional channels. Some of the most capable, values-driven and determined individuals you will ever meet are those who have served in the Armed Forces.

“As an industry, we talk about doing the right thing for clients, acting with integrity and supporting people through major life decisions.

“Those principles are second nature to Service Leavers. Mortgage Jobs for Heroes is about recognising that alignment and giving exceptional people the platform they deserve. If we are serious about strengthening our workforce for the future, we must be bold about where we look for talent.”

The National Transition Event, which includes the Troops’ Track Day, is a flagship Armed Forces employment forum bringing together employers, Service Leavers, Veterans and families.

The event focuses on insight, networking and sustainable civilian career opportunities, with companies encouraged to showcase Veteran employees who have successfully transitioned.

The Brightstar Group said the initiative forms part of its wider strategy to attract new talent into the intermediary market, alongside its existing engagement with schools and colleges.

The firm believes the mortgage industry must be proactive in addressing succession planning and workforce renewal.

Further details on the information webinar and participating firms will be announced following the March 2nd event.