1 Jul 2024 Community

Steeples Mortgages Business Movement spotlight

In this article we wanted to get to know our Business Movement members a little bit better. As a hospice wide movement we love to shine a light on those positive individuals that are connected to our charity. The businesses that are involved in our movement are fantastic and it is greatly appreciated that they wanted to be connected to The Kirkwood. For the first Business Movement spotlight we chatted to Aaron Steeples who is founder of Steeples Mortgages.

Aaron first told us about his business and how he is continuing to grow it. He said: “We are an independent, whole of market mortgage broker and offer all types of mortgages including Residential, Buy to Let and Equity Release/Lifetime Mortgages. In addition to this we offer personal protection including Life, Critical Illness and Income Protection. 

“I set the business up in March 2017 after working as an employed adviser for five years prior to this. Our customer base is national due to our various connections and organic referral from existing clients. 

“Our main base is West Yorkshire but we have clients in London, Wales and Scotland. 

“Our reputation helps us to stand out and this has been built on a very simple basis of just doing the right thing and treating each client the same regardless of what income we may make from that transaction. 

“Over 90% of our business comes from existing clients and introduces referrals which speaks for itself. 

“The FCA has recently introduced ‘Consumer Duty’ which has placed an emphasis on firms keeping in regular contact with clients instead of making contact when the existing two or five year fixed rate expires. 

“As a firm we have contacted clients annually since first setting up which we find provides a better service for the client but also helps us to maintain and build that relationship whilst always keeping the client’s best interests in mind.” 

Aaron loves running his business and he explains what a normal day looks like to him. He commented: “I would say a mix of client meetings and a chance to catch up on admin so that I feel organised at the end of each day. 

“I enjoy meeting and speaking to people so to have this as part of my day to day job is a real bonus.” 

Aaron told us what motivates him in his business, he said: “Two reasons, one is for my family because I want to have and provide a decent standard of living and work towards our future plans. 

“I also get a real sense of satisfaction when working hard to help a client where the situation may be more complex than others.” 

Steeples Mortgage is a really valued member of the Business movement and Aaron is delighted to be a part of it. 

He said: “I like the fact that we can support what is a very worthwhile and local charity which is a service that too few people are aware of until they need to use it or know of others that use it. 

“On a business note it is good to meet and mix with other like minded businesses where we can help each other and generate business.

“Prior to starting to work with The Kirkwood I didn't know anything and my expectations of a ‘Hospice’ were of a very dark and sad place. 

“When I initially visited I was beyond surprised at how different The Kirkwood is to this. 

“The staff and facilities are fantastic and when I did learn of how little help and support is given from the government/NHS I was shocked which added to the desire to join and try to help in whatever way me and my business can.” 

Finally we asked Aaron some quick fire fun questions. 

What is your most used emoji?

Aaron said: “The laughing face, me and my wife do send each other silly things that we see on social media, we have a very similar sense of humour which I guess is a good thing!”

Facebook, LinkedIn, Tick Tock, Instagram – what is your favourite platform and why?

Aaron said: “Facebook because this is the first social media platform I ever used. I do use LinkedIn but not as much as I should. I have been asked by people, including my children about Tik Tock and Instagram but I keep saying I am too old and these are more for the youngsters. 

“In reality I just don’t have the time for multiple social media platforms and find Facebook does what I need it to do. I am not one for posting really, I like to just use it to keep in touch with people.” 

What are your interests outside of work?

Aaron said: “I enjoy exercise, I walk a lot and I go to the gym 3-4 times each week. We do like our holidays as a family which consist of holidays abroad but also time away exploring the UK. .

“We have recently bought a touring caravan so hope to be away as much as possible.” 

We know life is precious, can you share with us one thing remaining on your bucket/to do list?

Aaron said: “Travel, quite simply. My wife and I have had the chance to visit some exotic locations and we have a long list of places that we want to visit. 

“Many of these are very quirky and are places that many people have not heard of. I would like to hire a motorhome and travel across America.”

Describe to us your ideal weekend?

Aaron said: “An early morning walk followed by a break away at the coast with the wife and children, plus the dog!”