If you have ever wondered what it is really like to become a self-employed mortgage and protection adviser, hearing from someone who has already made the leap is the best place to start.
We spoke to Openwork adviser and business owner, Shahinul Islam, about how he got started, what self-employment is really like, and why joining The Openwork Partnership has supported his success.
Simply Mortgages Limited supports clients with a wide range of mortgage needs, including residential, buy to let and limited company mortgages. They also specialise in protection advice, covering life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection.
At the heart of their approach is something simple. They want every client to feel informed, supported and confident. Their focus is on securing the best deal from their panel of lenders while offering clear, personalised guidance throughout.
From banking to broking: Shahinul’s path into financial advice
Shahinul began his career straight after university, gaining experience across some of the UK’s best-known banks.
Reflecting on those early years, he said:
“I began my career in financial services straight after graduating in 2007. I initially worked at HSBC as a mortgage manager, before moving to Halifax as a senior adviser. In 2014, I was recruited by Which?, which marked my first role as a broker. I remained there for five years and thoroughly enjoyed working in a broking environment.”
When that company closed, it pushed him to finally take the leap into self-employment.
“When the business closed, I felt it was the right time to become self-employed, establish my own company and test the waters. That was in 2019 and, seven years on, I have never looked back. Thankfully, the business continues to perform very well.”
Even during the challenges of the pandemic, the business held strong.
“The business has performed exceptionally well.”
Why becoming a self-employed financial adviser works
For Shahinul, self-employment is the perfect balance of flexibility, personal connection and the chance to build something of his own. He explains what he loves most:
“Self-employment offers a number of advantages. You have the ability to manage your business on a day-to-day basis and tailor the way you work with clients. Every client is different, and they genuinely value that personal, human approach.”
He talks openly about the rhythm of the workload:
“There are periods when the business is extremely busy, and others, such as during the winter months, when things can be quieter. Over time, it tends to balance itself out.”
And the importance of putting in the work early on:
“It is essential to put in the effort, particularly in the early stages when you are building your client base. That initial hard work is crucial.”
Alongside the rewarding client work, he highlights a major advantage of the profession that many prospective advisers want to know about.
“From a business perspective, it can also be financially very rewarding. Provided you are prepared to put in the hours, work hard and have the right systems in place, the financial rewards can be significant.”
As his business continued to grow, expanding his team became the natural next step:
“I have since recruited another adviser, which has been extremely beneficial for the growth of the business.”
Serving a diverse client base
One thing Shahinul enjoys most is the variety of people he supports.
“My client base is incredibly diverse, ranging from young first-time buyers to experienced pensioners, and spanning locations from Scotland to London and even Northern Ireland. This includes clients from a wide range of financial backgrounds.”
Being part of clients’ journeys is especially rewarding for him.
“Being at the centre of that journey, protecting clients, providing guidance and supporting them throughout, is incredibly satisfying. Seeing a client move into their first home and hearing their gratitude is particularly rewarding.”
He also finds meaning in helping clients facing difficult situations.
“There are times when clients find themselves in challenging circumstances, and being able to help them through those situations is equally rewarding.”
And he believes knowledge is everything in this profession.
“Knowledge is fundamental. When you understand your role and can clearly explain what you are doing, it builds confidence. That confidence transfers to clients, and when they feel assured that you know what you are doing, they place their trust in you very quickly.”
Why he joined The Openwork Partnership
When setting up Simply Mortgages Limited, advice from other advisers helped guide his decision to join Openwork.
“When I first became self-employed, I chose Openwork for several reasons. One key factor was the positive feedback from other advisers within the network, particularly around the level of business support, the systems in place, the overall ethos and the breadth of providers available. All of this aligned well with what I was looking for.”
The support behind his success
A major part of Shahinul’s progress has come from his partnership with his Partnership Development Manager, Stephen Gaunt.
“Stephen Gaunt has been absolutely fantastic since he came on board.”
Their quarterly sessions focus on strategy, performance and long-term development.
“From a business perspective, our discussions focus on identifying areas where I can improve, enhancing client retention, developing as an adviser and strengthening my company’s brand. Reviewing this on a quarterly basis has been extremely valuable.”
It shows how Openwork supports advisers not just with tools, but with people who care about their long-term success.
Why Shahinul’s story matters for aspiring advisers
Shahinul’s journey shows what is possible when experience, determination and the right network support come together. From graduate to business owner, he has built a career shaped by flexibility, meaningful client relationships and genuine opportunity.
For advisers considering self-employment, or those looking for a network that will help them build something of their own, his story highlights the benefits of joining The Openwork Partnership.
If you are considering your next move, we would be delighted to help you explore what is possible.