The Australian Mortgage Awards will be a highlight of the 2023 social calendar, gathering the best of the mortgage industry for a night of celebration and recognition.
As preparations for the 2023 event ramp up, past winners and industry leaders reflect on the importance of these prestigious awards.
For Brenden Lowbridge, director and finance strategist at Newcastle brokerage Money Links, he described the level of energy and enthusiasm at the 2022 Australian Mortgage Awards as unmatched.
"The AMAs is a high-energy event, with the industry's best all in one room, music pumping, and drinks flowing," Lowbridge said. "I am excited just thinking about it."
Reflecting on his triumph at last year's event, where he was crowned Broker of the Year – Regional, Lowbridge (pictured above left) expressed his delight.
"Winning the award last year was excellent recognition for the Money Links team," he said. "They got a real buzz from the win, and they deserve it. They are all excellent at what they do."
Lowbridge said that winning such a prestigious accolade had significantly helped his business, strengthened relationships, and boosted credibility with his business partners. He also highlighted the positive impact it has had on attracting young talent to his organisation.
As a staunch advocate for regional brokers, Lowbridge encouraged others in his field to seize the opportunity the AMAs present.
"I think the fact that the AMAs recognise the productivity of brokers in the regions is brilliant," Lowbridge said. "If you have provided excellent client outcomes, experienced strong growth in your team or settlements, it is worth making a submission."
Daniel Pym (pictured above right), Loan Market Double Bay, winner of the Equity-One Broker of the Year - Productivity Award in 2021, also shared his excitement about winning the prestigious accolade. "It's great to make the finals, but once you've been nominated a few times, it feels amazing to win it," Pym said.
"It was a real thrill to win at the AMAs. It was a culmination of a lot of effort from myself and my staff."
Pym's success is underscored by his impressive track record of multiple award nominations and victories. With nine wins out of 15 industry award finals, he attributed his success to his commitment and dedication.
"The reason I won the Productivity Award was mainly because my turnover increased by 250%," Pym said. "It was a stupidly busy time of my life, but we managed to employ three additional staff members, which helped us grow to where we are today."
While industry recognition and peer acknowledgment was undoubtedly gratifying, Pym (pictured above right) said that the true value lay in establishing credibility with clients.
"It's all about having that credibility with your clients," he said. "If they see that you've won some awards, then they will be more likely to give you a go."
For brokers considering entering the awards, Pym’s advice is to focus not only on generating impressive numbers but also delivering exceptional service.
"It's important to think about how to run a business and make sure you're not just writing big numbers but that customers are actually happy with your service," he said. "That's the combination the judges are looking for."
The Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs), now in its 22nd year, has become a highly anticipated event for the mortgage broking industry. Organised by Key Media and supported by Australian Broker and Mortgage Professional Australia, this year's awards will recognise outstanding leaders and businesses in the industry across 27 categories.
The broker of the year awards will be presented in five categories, encompassing commercial, residential, regional and specialist lending, along with a young gun of the year award. The lender awards include distinctions such as fintech lender of the year, bank of the year, and non-bank of the year.
The 2023 AMAs have also garnered sponsorship from Adelaide Bank, ANZ, CBA, Equity-One, Bankwest, FBAA, Firstmac, Gateway Bank, La Trobe Financial, Liberty, MFAA, Mortgage Choice, OnDeck Australia, Pepper Money, PropTrack, Q2, Rate Money, Resimac and ubank.
Maxiron Capital is as the social media sponsor, while FINSTREET sponsors the VIP post-awards event. Fifo Capital is the photo booth sponsor, and PRPTY360 is the champagne sponsor.
The Australian Mortgage Awards gala black tie-dinner will be held on Friday, October 13 at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
Nominations for the 2023 Australian Mortgage Awards close on Friday, June 30 and tickets are selling fast.
