Let’s look back at 2024!

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, and we prepare to welcome 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year we’re saying goodbye to. From record-breaking achievements to unforgettable team moments, 2024 has been a year of growth, celebrations, and making memories at Placing Faces. We’re looking at some of the highlights of the past 12 months, sharing some of our favourite memories, and take a look at what’s in store for the mortgage and finance job market in 2025.

Our Record-Breaking Year

2024 was nothing short of spectacular. We hit a record month for placements, with roles being filled left, right, and centre. It was one of those moments where all the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team really shone through.

What made this even more rewarding was the feedback we received from our clients and candidates. We take so much pride in creating successful matches and seeing how they benefit businesses and careers alike.

A New Face in the Team: Welcome, Bryony!

A huge highlight of the year was welcoming Bryony to the team. From the moment she joined us, she brought energy, enthusiasm, and has put her all into her work. It’s safe to say she hit the ground running and made an immediate impact.

Bryony’s efforts were instrumental in helping us this year, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what she’ll bring to the table in 2025.

Celebrations, Milestones, and Memorable Moments

Charity Quiz Night with Mortgage PA: We were honoured to take part in a charity quiz night hosted by our good friend Liam from Mortgage PA for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. The night was filled with fun and competition, and we were blown away by the £7,000 raised to support Liam and his team’s upcoming trek through Cambodia! The evening was fab, and we were proud to play a small part in such a fantastic cause.

Watching the Euros in the Office: Over the summer, football fever hit the office as we gathered to watch the Euros.
Wine Tasting at Gill & Co: When we hit our targets this year, we celebrated in style. A spin of the prize wheel landed us on a wine-tasting evening on Ecclesall Road. Wines, charcuterie, and plenty of laughter made for a perfect evening of indulgence for the hard work we’ve done as a team.
Celebrating Our Award Nomination: We were thrilled to be nominated for Best Marketing Strategy at the Global Recruiter Awards this year. To celebrate, we went all out with a day of indulgence and laughter. We started with bottomless brunch at Manahatta Sheffield, followed by a stroll through the Sheffield Christmas Markets, and ended the evening with a hilarious time at Game Show All Stars.

The Annual Christmas Quiz: We wrapped up the year with our much-anticipated Christmas Quiz. It was as chaotic, competitive, and hilarious as ever, with crazy games, questionable trivia answers, and endless laughs. It’s always a highlight of the year and the perfect way to end it.

Celebrating Recognition

2024 was also a year of recognition for Placing Faces.

• Alex and Ella Published in Mortgage Strategy: A proud moment for the team was seeing our directors, Alex and Ella, invited to write an article for Mortgage Strategy. Sharing their insights and expertise on the mortgage and finance industry was a testament to their leadership and the value we bring to our clients.

• Nominated for Best Marketing Strategy: We were absolutely thrilled to be nominated for Best Marketing Strategy by the Global Recruiter Awards. While we didn’t take home the top prize, being recognised alongside some of the industry’s best was an honour in itself.

New Year, New Look: Our Office Makeover

This year, we decided it was time to give our workspace a glow-up, and the results have been fantastic. From bold splashes of colour to a disco ball (yes, really), our office now reflects our personality as a team – vibrant, creative, and full of energy.

We also upgraded our setup with adjustable desks, some bright furniture that Kevin has essentially commandeered as his own, and a communal working space that’s really helped the way we collaborate.

2025 Predictions: What’s Next for the Mortgage Job Market?

As we look ahead, the mortgage and finance job market is set to evolve in exciting ways. Here’s what we expect to see in 2025:

Increased Business for Mortgage Advisers: The role of mortgage advisers is expected to become even more critical as borrowers navigate an increasingly complex market. The share of mortgage business conducted through intermediaries is projected to rise from 87% in 2024 to 89% in 2025, reaching 91% by 2026.
Surge in Remortgaging Activity: With many fixed-rate deals set to end, 2025 is anticipated to see a significant increase in remortgaging. The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) forecasts remortgage activity to rebound by 13% to £88 billion, further increasing to £94 billion in 2026.
Growth in Gross Mortgage Lending: Gross mortgage lending is expected to rise from £237.5 billion in 2024 to £275 billion in 2025, and further to £295 billion in 2026. This growth is underpinned by lower interest rates and increased demand for remortgaging as affordability pressures ease.
First-Time Buyer Market Expansion: The value of the first-time buyer economy is projected to reach £74.1 billion by 2025, with mortgage lending to this segment alone predicted to hit £71 billion, a 26% increase from estimated lending in 2023.
House Price Growth: House prices are forecasted to rise modestly by between 2% and 4% in 2025. However, upcoming changes to stamp duty are likely to generate volatility, with a potential surge in transactions before the changes take effect, followed by a period of adjustment.
Buy-to-Let (BTL) Market Outlook: The BTL market is expected to experience growth, with lending projected to increase by 14% to £38 billion in 2025, and a further 11% to £42 billion in 2026. This suggests renewed momentum in the sector, presenting opportunities for investors and advisers alike.

Source: Mortgage Strategy

Reflections

As we close the chapter on 2024, we want to take a moment to thank every client, candidate, and team member who has been part of our journey this year. Your trust, support, and collaboration are what drive us to keep growing and working hard to place faces in this industry.

Tonight, as we count down to midnight, we’ll be raising a glass to all the great memories of 2024 – and to an even more exciting 2025.

From all of us at Placing Faces, Happy New Year!

To view a range of roles we’re currently hiring for, please visit the following link to our jobs page!

Mortgage, protection, finance roles and more – Jobs – Placing Faces

Got an upcoming interview? Read our blog on CV Writing. We’re here to help!

CV Writing: High-Impact Resumes For Success In The Mortgage Industry – Placing Faces

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Work With Us – Placing Faces