B&C spoke to Tracey Bailey, Head of Residential Underwriting and Laleta Buctkuar, Divisional Sales Manager at Blemain Group, who have long served the company for a combined total of almost 30 years.

Tracey, who has worked in financial services since leaving school at 18, stated that she has worked for the group for over 16 years, largely in the same position. 

Tracey Bailey, Head of Residential Underwriting at Blemain Group

“It’s an incredibly varied and fast-paced environment which I find really energising,” Tracey said, adding that the business has grown significantly during her time there, and so had her job. 

When asked what the most interesting part of her job was, Tracey said: “It’s all interesting, that’s why I have been at Blemain Group for so long!”  

“I have to make difficult decisions, keeping the customer’s interests firmly at the centre of any lending decisions I make; this is hugely important.”  

Tracey added that the next nine months were set to be very interesting as the EMCD was going to be the biggest regulatory change the industry faced in years.

“I was the secured loan manager for a large mortgage broker before I joined the Blemain Group and that gave me a lot of experience and insight on how to work with brokers and what their needs and expectations are.”

Tracey added that traditionally, the industry has been guilty of being perceived as a “man’s world” however this is changing and it is now more about an individual’s personality.

“It’s a very hardworking industry but also very sociable, with lenders and brokers working extremely closely to provide excellent customer outcomes,” Tracey said. 

“I think there are a lot of women in the industry now that are unsung heroes. 

“There are also an increasing number of women in senior management positions, running the main operation, which is a real step towards us seeing a future of more female executives.”

Laleta, who has been with the company for the past 10 years, has worked in the financial industry for over 15 years, as a branch manager at Citi Financial and also at HFC Bank before joining the Blemain Group.

Laleta Buctkuar, Divisional Sales Manager at Blemain Group

“My background in customer services means I understand what both customers and brokers are looking for from their lender, helping me ensure the sales team at Blemain Group delivers above and beyond their expectations,” Laleta commented.

When asked what the most interesting part of her job was, Laleta stated that she enjoyed working across different sectors in the industry.

“My role means no two days are the same and I get to work alongside an interesting and wide range of people, from property developers to brokers.”

Laleta also agreed with Tracey that there had been an increase of women in the industry.

“Certainly in the past it’s been a very male-dominated industry, but the tide has definitely turned and there has been an increase in women in recent years,” Laleta concluded.