Trio of new adviser hires for Equity Release Group

The UK’s leading whole of market equity release experts, Equity Release Group (ERG), today announced a trio of new hires that will join the Group’s equity release advisory business - Equity Release Supermarket (ERS) – in what has been a challenging year for the market.

The group comprises three divisions: Equity Release Partners, the smartER equity release referral service; Equity Release Supermarket: (ERS), the smartER equity release comparison site; and Equitec, powering the future of equity release technology. 

The latest appointments to the UK’s No.1 independent equity release advisory service firm are Independent Equity Release Advisers – Haydn Garnett, Claire Nicol and Tara Fennell – who all bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from within the financial services sector.

News of the firm’s growth follows its landmark collaboration with StepChange, the UK’s leading debt charity, with ERS becoming their exclusive later-life lending advice partner this year.

This defining milestone for both the firm and the industry reflects StepChange’s confidence in ERS’s integrity, innovation, and commitment to protecting financially vulnerable customers.

All three hires join following Equity Release Supermarket’s partnership with StepChange, where they previously worked in the charity’s former advisory arm.

Mark Gregory, founder and chief executive of Equity Release Group said: “We’re delighted to have recruited advisers who previously worked at StepChange.

"At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to helping, guiding, and supporting more people with their financial options.

"The expertise of our newest team members will be invaluable in delivering this, while also helping to raise standards across the industry, a key part of our long-term strategy.

“With an uplift in our activity this year, coupled with developments within the business, we made the decision to upscale our growth plans.

"We are therefore thrilled to welcome Haydn, Claire and Tara to our well-established team and to further strengthen our position in the market.”

With over a decade of experience in financial services, Haydn brings extensive knowledge of the mortgage and later-life lending market, complemented by a specialism in debt counselling from his multiple roles at StepChange Debt Charity.

Haydn commented: “I’m really excited to join this incredible firm. Their customer-centric approach, commitment to innovation, and vision for lifting industry standards were central to my decision to come on board.

The smartER comparison platform and fully integrated digital Factfind have redefined compliance, accuracy and usability across the sector, transforming how customers research, compare and access later-life lending options.

It’s an exciting time to join Equity Release Supermarket, with so many powerful tools available to help us support our clients.”

Other new faces alongside Haydn are Claire and Tara, both of whom have a UK wide presence.

With an equally impressive background in the equity release market, Claire’s strength and passion is delivering advice to clients in a vulnerable position.

She said: “In 2019, I transitioned into advising on Equity Release, and by using my debt advice experience, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges clients face when in financial difficulty.

Tara added: “I’m extremely proud to work for Equity Release Supermarket, a firm that truly shares my values. I’m committed to delivering an outstanding client experience through clear communication and consistent support.

"The positive feedback I receive reinforces my passion for helping people feel confident and supported when making important financial decisions.”

This latest trio of hires adds to the firm’s growing talent, and raises the firm’s employed advisers by over 50 per cent compared to this time last year. 

Mark said: “We are committed to expanding the market and recruiting exceptional advisory talent. We strive to be the best and that means building an exceptionally talented team.

"Our priority is always to deliver the best possible quality service and whole of market advice to our customers, which is why we invest so heavily in our people and technology.”

To date, over 500 StepChange clients have benefited from the support of ERS, and the collaboration continues to set new standards for cross-sector responsibility.