Trio of appointments for Equity Release Group

By Imaginakery

08 Apr 2025

Gavin Alden Profile Card.jpg.jpg

Equity Release Group (ERG) has announced a trio of new hires that will join the group’s equity release advisory business - Equity Release Supermarket (ERS) - as they expand their UK wide operations.

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 – Gavin Alden, Stuart Young and Hayley Larham – who all bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from within the financial services sector.

News of the firm’s growth follows a highly successful quarter for the equity release experts, which has seen their performance tip above industry average, as well as gain triple award success in the last 6-months and expand their digital offering.    

Mark Gregory, founder and chief executive of Equity Release Group said: “We’ve already seen a sharp rise in lead figures this year, which rose by over 30 per cent year-on-year, as well as an increase in applications, which grew by 16 per cent YoY.

Also, smartER, providing consumers access to a comparative suite with greater choice, independence and transparency without feeling any pressures, saw a 3.5 per cent elevation in sales YoY vs other channels.

“This uplift in activity, coupled with developments within the business has given rise to upscale our growth plans. We are therefore thrilled to welcome Gary, Stuart and Hayley to our well-established team and to further strengthen our position. 

“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.”

With more than 25 years’ experience within the financial services arena, Gavin has an extensive knowledge of the mortgage and later life lending market.

His passion stems from a deep understanding of how equity release can truly transform the personal and financial lives of clients and their families. He brings vast expertise, coupled with a personal and transparent approach to his clients. 

Gavin Alden said: “I am truly honoured and excited to join this incredible firm. Their innovative and customer centric approach underpinned my decision to join this multi-award winning firm, so I am delighted to be part of the team and their future.” 

Other new faces alongside Gavin are Stuart and Hayley, both of whom have a UK wide presence.

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

Stuart said: “I pride myself on being approachable, patient, and compassionate – understanding that releasing equity can be a significant decision. It is not right for everyone and that’s why it’s so important to have professional advice from a recognised specialist.” 

Hayley was awarded the Women Recognition Awards Later Life Adviser in 2023 - an achievement reflecting her passion for helping clients. She brings an empathetic and thorough approach to her work, meticulously guiding clients through their equity release journey. 

Hayley said: “I’m extremely proud to work for Equity Release Supermarket, a company that shares my ethos and values. Having genuine access to the entire equity release market means I can provide the best possible advice to my clients, alongside competitive products personalised to their individual circumstances.”

Mark said: “We strive to be the best and that means building an exceptionally talented team. Our best-in-class individuals deliver unparalleled support and services to our clients, which have enabled us to propel as a business.”

Equity Release Partners - the whole of market and independent referral service for intermediaries - has also aided a significant part of the firm’s growth in the last 12 months.

This is following an increase in referrals, in part due to the FCA stressing the importance for mortgage brokers to provide holistic advice and have a referral network in place.

Having the ability to assess all suitable options, as well as having an extended team of advisers in place, ensures intermediaries receive the best possible solution for their clients.

Latest news

1

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth - Representatives from the University's Business School, local SMEs and the IOEE

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth

29 Oct 2025

2

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire BAE Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire

28 Oct 2025

3

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold The Mill at Conder Green

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold

28 Oct 2025

4

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm PM+M promotions

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm

27 Oct 2025

5

Celebrating 20 years of connecting the county LBV 20 Celebration Guests

Celebrating 20 years of connecting the county

27 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event
Holiday Inn Hotel
Networking
28 Oct 2025 - 18 Nov 2025

November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event

Holiday Inn, Blackpool

16:46 - 16:45

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin