When Lynsey Hyndman and Clare Hoy launched C&L Mortgages in May 2025, they weren't starting from scratch. Between them, they brought more than 50 years of experience in financial services, a loyal client base built on trust and relationships, and a shared belief that they could create something special together.
Built around a commitment to putting clients first, C&L Mortgages has quickly established itself as a trusted local firm, helping people navigate some of life's biggest financial decisions. Their success is the result of hard work, experience and entrepreneurial ambition, combined with the support and backing of the wider Milecross and Openwork community.
Although their paths into financial advice were different, Lynsey and Clare were both drawn to the profession for the same reason: the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives.
For Lynsey, that journey began at Halifax before moving into financial advice more than two decades ago.
"I have now been advising for 23 years, so I suppose you could say this career has always felt right. I genuinely can't think of another job I would rather do each day."
Like many advisers, her move into self-employment wasn't without its challenges. Following changes within the Legal & General network, an opportunity arose through a Milecross adviser in her hometown.
"Like any adviser, moving into a self-employed role was daunting. However, if you work hard and always do what's right for your clients, your business will grow. As with any new business, it takes time to build a client base, and this is where many new advisers struggle."
Clare's route into advice was equally varied. Over the last 28 years, she built her experience through a range of roles with Danske Bank, Santander and Barclays before qualifying as a mortgage adviser and ultimately taking the leap into self-employment through The Openwork Partnership.
"It was a daunting step at the time, but also an exciting one. It gave me the opportunity to use the skills and experience I had built over the years in a more personal way, tailoring client meetings and advice to each individual's circumstances."
At the heart of that decision was the opportunity to help people through some of the most important moments in their lives.
"What led me into financial advice was the chance to make a real difference to people's lives. There is a huge amount of satisfaction in helping clients achieve their goals, whether that is buying their first home, moving house, protecting their family, or simply feeling more confident about their options."
Creating something of their own
It was this shared passion for helping clients that eventually brought Lynsey and Clare together.
Having worked alongside one another and built a strong professional relationship, the pair recognised an opportunity to combine their strengths and launch a business that reflected their own values and ambitions.
In May 2025, C&L Mortgages was born.
For both advisers, launching the business remains one of the proudest moments of their careers.
"Clare and I haven't looked back since," says Lynsey. "We are incredibly grateful to all of our clients who have supported us over the years and continue to place their trust in us."
Clare agrees.
"One of my proudest career moments so far has been setting up C&L Mortgages in May 2025 with my friend and colleague Lynsey, as a new trading style within Milecross. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength."
The firm's growth has already created new opportunities. Most recently, Lynsey and Clare moved into new premises in the town centre alongside established estate agency partners within the wider Milecross and Openwork network.
"Their support and encouragement have been incredible, and we are excited about what we can achieve together in the future. We are also incredibly grateful for the support of our current clients and for the referral business they continue to give us, which means so much and plays an important part in helping the business grow."
Supported every step of the way
While both advisers are proud of what they have achieved, they are equally clear about the role Milecross and The Openwork Partnership have played in helping them grow their business.
For Lynsey, one of the biggest benefits of being part of The Openwork Partnership is knowing there is always someone to turn to for support.
"The support network we have is second to none. Between Milecross, Openwork and our BDM, there is always someone willing to offer guidance, support and their time. We really appreciate everything they do to help us carry out our roles effectively and compliantly."
That support extends beyond formal business assistance.
"The support from fellow advisers within our group has also been invaluable. We hold monthly adviser meetings, which keep us connected and provide an opportunity to share the good, the bad and the ugly."
For Clare, the culture and community have been just as important.
"Milecross and Openwork have been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout my journey, and the team really does feel like family. That support has made a big difference, especially when moving into self-employment and building confidence in a new way of working."
Building your business, backed by a wider partnership
The story of C&L Mortgages demonstrates what is possible when ambitious advisers are empowered to build a business on their own terms, while benefiting from the scale, expertise and support of a wider partnership.
Through The Openwork Partnership, advisers can focus on what they do best: helping clients. Alongside that sits access to experienced business development support, compliance expertise, ongoing training, marketing resources, technology, and a collaborative community of like-minded professionals who are invested in one another's success.
For Lynsey and Clare, that combination has provided the confidence to grow a successful business while remaining focused on what matters most: delivering great outcomes for clients.
And with a growing business, a new office and ambitious plans for the future, their journey is only just getting started.