Who’s Emma Roberts? | Meet Emma Roberts – Driving Broker Growth at an Award-Winning Mortgage Network.
At the heart of Connect’s success is a clear purpose: helping advisers grow with confidence. Emma Roberts, our Head of Intermediary Relationships, embodies this mission. Her leadership is instrumental in shaping the inclusive, adviser-first culture that defines our award-winning mortgage network, while staying ahead of lending trends and supporting every broker’s journey from startup to scale.
A Career Defined by Vision and Relationships
Emma’s entrance into the mortgage industry was sparked by serendipity. While exploring opportunities in finance, a role at Fluent Money became a defining moment one she calls “the best decision I’ve ever made.”
It was there she met Connect CEO Liz Syms, whose leadership and mentorship helped pave the way for Emma’s journey at Connect. With a shared vision of supporting advisers, Emma joined forces with Liz and Sales Director Kevin Thomson to build a network focused on collaboration, diversity, and broker empowerment.
Broker Support Backed by Specialist Lending Expertise
Connect offers one of the UK’s broadest lending panels, covering everything from mainstream residential mortgages to specialist lending such as bridging, buy-to-let, and second-charge loans. As demand surges, particularly in bridging and second charges, we’ve expanded our team with the appointment of Daniel Burdett as Head of Second Charges.
“Second charges are vital in today’s climate,” Emma explains. “Especially after the cost-of-living crisis, brokers need flexibility to help clients unlock equity.”
In regions like the South East, where affordability pressures are high, innovative solutions are more crucial than ever, especially for remortgaging landlords. To further support brokers, we’ve reinforced our Specialist Mortgage Network for Advisers.
Broker Growth Through Training and Flexibility
Training sits at the core of Connect’s development strategy. Led by Training Director Jim Selley, our monthly workshops cover bridging, development, and commercial lending—designed to help advisers grow in confidence and capability.
Even brokers operating in the mainstream space can access our specialist proposition. Thanks to our dual-entity model, a unique feature among UK networks, brokers can build on their existing structure while benefiting from Connect’s ecosystem.
As Emma says:
“We meet brokers where they are and help them grow from there.”
For those just starting, our Adviser Mortgage Network for the Newly Qualified provides tailored support, Competent Adviser Status guidance, and a clear pathway into the profession.
Leading the Market in Specialist Recognition
With over 200 lenders and providers on panel, Connect’s scale is substantial, but it’s our approach to recognising broker excellence that sets us apart. In 2025, we’re launching a Development Finance Expert League, building on the success of our bridging and commercial leagues. This initiative will reward top advisers with increased visibility and exclusive benefits, helping them position themselves as go-to specialists.
Our Stance on Product Transfers
We believe Product Transfers (PTs) deserve proper attention. Like any mortgage, they require careful advice and research. That’s why we advocate fair remuneration for lenders from advisers for their role in ensuring client outcomes.
Emma adds:
“Advice on PTs matters. Clients benefit, and brokers should be recognised for that support.”
Seamless Network Transitions
Changing networks shouldn’t be a barrier to progress. Our recruitment team, led by Tracy Robinson, ensures that onboarding to Connect is frictionless, free from delays, unpaid commissions, or hidden fees.
New advisers are supported via The Connect Academy, which offers practical, real-world training to achieve Competent Adviser Status while maintaining business continuity.
Building for the Future | With Brokers at the Centre
Our growth strategy is centred around adviser success. From our packaging and referral services to expanding teams like the Specialist Placement Team, every decision is made to empower brokers, whether you’re a solo adviser or running a multi-adviser firm.
We’re also actively recruiting for roles that enhance our network’s reach and responsiveness, all while keeping our commitment to adviser-first support.
Tackling Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
The mortgage landscape continues to evolve. Affordability constraints, LTV tightening, and rising house prices bring new complexity but also fresh opportunities.
Protection advice, in particular, is moving to the forefront. With Consumer Duty regulations reshaping client care expectations, Connect is helping advisers confidently integrate protection conversations into every client journey.
“Protection should never be an afterthought,” Emma says. “It’s a core part of building client trust and delivering long-term value.”
Why Advisers Choose the Connect Network
Connect gives brokers what they need to succeed: flexible permissions, full business-type access, and ongoing training aligned with the latest market shifts.
Whether you’re starting, scaling up, or repositioning your firm, Connect is the mortgage network that grows with you.
Explore more about our award-winning mortgage network, or Why Join a Mortgage Network and see how we can help you build the business you’ve always envisioned.
We are always ready to help whenever you are ready to talk.
Thank you for reading our “Who’s Emma Roberts? | Head of Intermediary Relationships” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!