When Ben Davis became a director of McGirls Money Management, he was stepping into the next chapter of a firm with decades of history, with the opportunity to build on its reputation and create new possibilities for clients, colleagues and the advisers of the future.
Alongside fellow directors Mark and Jamie, Ben has helped lead a period of significant transformation since taking over the Bedford-based business in December 2025. From a full rebrand and new office space to the launch of an academy designed to bring new talent into the profession, the trio have embraced the challenge of taking a well-established firm into its next chapter.
Today, as McGirls celebrates 30 years in business, Ben reflects on his career journey, the lessons he's learned, and why being part of The Openwork Partnership is helping the business achieve its ambitions.
The value of Openwork support
For Ben, Mark and Jamie, choosing the right network has been central to shaping the next chapter of McGirls.
“We chose The Openwork Partnership because we wanted the backing and security of a large, established network without losing the identity and personality of our own business.”
For McGirls, that balance has proved invaluable.
“The biggest benefit for us is having strong compliance, technology, lender and business support behind us, while still being able to concentrate on what we do best; looking after our clients in a personal and straightforward way.”
Ben also highlights the role Openwork has played in supporting the development of both the business and its people.
“Being part of The Openwork Partnership gives us the confidence to focus on our clients while knowing we have a strong network supporting us behind the scenes.”
“It has also helped us develop personally through training, technology, lender support and the experience of other people within the network. We’re constantly learning, and that ultimately helps us provide a better service to our clients.”
A particular highlight was completing Openwork’s Route to Principal programme, which Ben describes as a significant milestone as the directors assumed responsibility for leading the business.
Why advisers should explore Openwork
Having experienced life within the network first-hand, Ben encourages advisers considering a move to speak to those already part of it.
“Speak to advisers and business owners who are already part of the network and get a genuine feel for what the support looks like day to day.”
His conclusion is simple.
“For us, Openwork gives us the structure, resources and backing of a large organisation while still allowing McGirls to remain McGirls.”
“If you want strong support but also value retaining the identity of your own business, Openwork should be top of the list.”
Building on strong foundations
Before becoming a mortgage and protection adviser, he worked in commercial insurance broking.
“I joined McGirls in 2018 as a self-employed mortgage and protection adviser after previously working in commercial insurance broking. I quickly became established within the business and progressed into one of the top writers alongside Mark and Jamie.”
The three directors bring different experiences to the business, something Ben believes has been a key strength.
“Jamie previously worked at Handelsbanken, while Mark has spent most of his working life in financial services. Those different experiences have worked well together.”
Since taking over the firm, they have focused on strengthening every aspect of the business. That has included recruiting new team members, reviewing expenditure, introducing a new company structure and launching the McGirls Academy to create a genuine pathway into the profession.
Lessons learned along the way
After nine years as an adviser, Ben believes one lesson stands above all others.
“Don’t overthink things. Start small, get moving and improve as you go, the time is going to pass anyway. And, when something difficult needs doing, eat the frog and get it done.”
He also credits effective communication as one of the most important skills an adviser can develop.
“From an advice perspective, my biggest lesson has been the importance of communication and presentation. People’s time is valuable, so being able to make complicated things simple, clear and efficient is one of the most important skills we have.”
That philosophy continues to shape his approach today.
“For me, communication and presentation are right at the top of the list. Clients want someone they trust to explain their options clearly and make the process straightforward. Being knowledgeable is obviously important but being able to communicate that knowledge simply and efficiently is what really makes the difference.”
Making a difference beyond mortgages
Ask Ben what he enjoys most about his role and the answer comes quickly.
“It sounds like a cliché, but genuinely, it’s helping people. We get to play a part in some of the biggest moments in people’s lives, buying their first home, moving their family into a bigger property, or simply giving them some financial security. Seeing the reviews and messages we receive afterwards makes the job incredibly rewarding.”
Whether supporting first-time buyers, growing families or people seeking greater financial security, he values the opportunity to play a part in important life moments.
One client experience, however, remains particularly memorable.
"In 2022, I helped a client who was trying to leave an abusive relationship and genuinely believed she had no way out. I was able to secure her a mortgage and helped put her in touch with a family lawyer. On completion day she hugged me and cried with happiness."
For Ben, the experience reinforced the value advisers can have beyond financial products and transactions.
"That moment has always stayed with me because it showed that sometimes our job is about much more than simply arranging a mortgage."
Leading a business with purpose
The opportunity to shape the future of McGirls was a major factor in Ben's decision to become a director.
"I think I can speak for all three of us when I say it was the opportunity to grow the business and make a meaningful impact on both our team and our 15,000 clients."
"McGirls has been trading in Bedford for 30 years, so we already have an incredibly strong foundation. What excites us is the potential to build on that heritage and take the business somewhere even bigger over the coming years."
“There are a few achievements that the three of us are particularly proud of. All three of us being recognised by Sharnbrook Upper School as a success story and included in its recent 50th anniversary celebrations was a really nice moment for us, particularly as we all have that shared connection. All three of us attended the school at different times from the mid-90s through to 2007.”
“We’ve also all completed Openwork’s Route to Principal programme this year, which has been a significant milestone as we’ve taken on responsibility for leading the business.”
“We look after families across several generations. In some cases, we arranged mortgages for parents years ago and are now helping their children buy their first homes. Being a fee-free practice with a real focus on service has played a huge part in building that reputation.”
"We want to grow, but we want that growth to be considered rather than growth for growth's sake. That means recruiting the right people, developing the McGirls Academy, and expanding into areas where we believe there is significant untapped potential."
“Longer term, we also want to build dedicated wealth and protection teams so that we can provide even more support to our existing client base under one roof.”
Looking ahead
As McGirls enters its fourth decade, Ben and his fellow directors remain focused on growth, development and continuing to put clients first.
The foundations built over the last 30 years remain central to the firm's success, but with ambitious plans, investment in future talent and the support of The Openwork Partnership, the next chapter is only just beginning.
As Ben puts it, building trust comes down to one simple principle:
“Do what you say you’re going to do and do it well. It really can be that simple. Communicate properly, be available when people need you and never forget that clients are trusting you with some of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make.”