"Take every opportunity that is presented to you and make the most of networking with great talent."
Entries for Financial Reporter 30 Under 30 (FR30U30) close on Friday 9th October, meaning that it won’t be long before the class of 2026 is announced, highlighting those shaping the next generation of financial services.
Before this, though, we heard from some members of the class of 2025 – Tom Brook, Leah Williams, Hannie Mason, Maddie Gray, and Ellie France – about their FR30U30 experience, and their words for this year’s entrants.
The impact of FR 30 under 30
Tom Brook, telephone business development manager at Accord Mortgages, describes being named in the FR30U30 as "a real highlight of my career so far."
"It gave me recognition within the industry, but more importantly, it opened doors to new people, conversations and opportunities that I may not otherwise have had.
"The experience has given me greater confidence in my own career and the contribution I can make to the mortgage industry. It has also encouraged me to continue pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, whether that’s taking on new responsibilities, getting involved in industry events, networking or focusing more on my own professional development," he says.
"The event itself was also a great opportunity to meet other people at a similar stage of their careers, and I’ve really enjoyed staying connected with people I met through the programme," he adds. "I’m proud to be part of the 30 Under 30 alumni, and it’s something I’ll look back on as an important milestone in my career."
Similarly, Leah Williams, regional sales officer at Primis Mortgage Network, describes the experience as "an incredible opportunity," adding that "being fairly new to the industry, it can be daunting to put yourself out there, and this platform has supported and encouraged that.
"I was given opportunities such as presenting on stage and attending networking events, which you can't always get through your role, so having something that offers you those experiences is amazing. I've made lifelong friends, grown in confidence and feel empowered to go forward in my career," she says.
"Being part of Financial Reporter’s 30 Under 30 was a real milestone for me," agrees Hannie Mason, director and mortgage broker at Hannie & Co Financial. "I started in the mortgage industry at 17, so to be recognised amongst so many brilliant people in the industry before turning 30 felt like a really proud moment.
"It has also given me opportunities to meet and connect with other people in the industry, get involved in conversations I might not otherwise have been part of, and reflect on how far I’ve come since starting out.
"Running a brokerage can sometimes mean you’re so focused on what’s next that you don’t stop and recognise what you’ve already achieved. Being named in the FR 30 Under 30 gave me one of those moments to do exactly that, and it’s definitely given me even more motivation for what comes next."
Maddie Gray, senior marketing specialist at Skipton Building Society, says that FR30U30 "opened up opportunities, helped me build a wider network across the industry, and introduced me to some incredibly talented people.
"It's also given me more confidence in my own abilities and encouraged me to take on opportunities that I might previously have shied away from," she adds.
"Being part of the Financial Reporter 30 Under 30 list has been a privilege," says Ellie France, product and proposition manager at Barclays. "It has been great to get to know the cohort at various events and be surrounded by passionate, talented people who genuinely want to make a difference. It has provided me the opportunity to grow my network and talk about what we can do to improve the industry as a whole regardless of company, job role or background."
Words for the class of 2026 applicants
"My advice would be simple: go for it and apply!" Maddie says. "We often underestimate our own achievements, but this is a great opportunity to reflect on your impact and celebrate what you've accomplished. If you're successful, the recognition, networking opportunities and confidence boost that come with it are invaluable."
"Go for it," Tom agrees, "even if you’re not sure whether you’re '30 Under 30 material', put yourself forward and tell your story.
"Don’t underestimate the impact of the things you do every day," he adds. "It’s not always about having the biggest job title or the longest list of achievements; it’s about the difference you’ve made, the way you’ve developed and the contribution you’re making to the industry.
"Being selected is something I’m incredibly proud of, and the opportunities and connections that have come from it have made the experience even more valuable. So if you’re considering applying, I’d say take the chance and put yourself out there."
"Ask those around you for testimonials," advises Leah. "You'll be surprised to see how much people are willing to champion you. It's easy to doubt yourself and think, 'I won't get this; I'm not going to send the application', I had those thoughts myself, but if you don't apply, then you definitely won't get the opportunity.
"It's not in human nature to talk about how good you are, but this is the chance to really show off, get yourself out there; there really is nothing to lose!"
Hannie also stresses that while "it’s so easy to look at other people in the industry and think you haven’t done enough yet, especially when you’re still early in your career," the reality is that “everyone’s journey looks completely different."
"Don’t underestimate the things you’ve achieved or the impact you’ve already had," she continues. "Tell your story, be yourself and don’t feel like you need to have the longest list of achievements in the room.
"Sometimes it’s the journey you’ve taken, the challenges you’ve overcome and what you’re building that make your story worth sharing. And if you don’t get recognised this time, keep going and apply again. Putting yourself forward is an achievement in itself."
In addition, Ellie highlights the importance of maximising the experience: “Take every opportunity that is presented to you and make the most of networking with great talent!”
To learn more about the process and submit your application, click here.
