Derbyshire-based Mortgage First, which Mortgage Solutions revealed in July had secured “significant investment” for expansion, has revealed that Redzone co-founder Jon Clement is the investor behind its growth plans.
Clement, who is the co-founder of US-based workforce platform Redzone, was introduced to staff at the company’s annual conference last month.
Jon Stones (pictured), managing director of Mortgage 1st, said that as well as the investment, Clement brought “invaluable experience of scaling a fast-growth, tech-enabled business”.
Plans to triple headcount
Mortgage 1st said previously that it planned to triple its head count from 48 following the investment.
Stones said the firm had already welcomed 12 new advisers in December and January.
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He said: “We have more joining us throughout 2026, we’re progressing several acquisition discussions, and we’re rolling out AI that will enable our advisers to write and process more mortgages. This investment is about accelerating our growth while staying true to the values and culture that define Mortgage 1st.”
The company brought out a specialist lending arm in 2024 and acquired Peak Mortgages in 2023. It said it will be looking at brokerage owners with two or more advisers that have ambition to scale but may have hit a growth ceiling.
For business owners who are looking to step away in the coming years, there may be exit solutions that will allow them to earn from their client bank after they step down.
Clement, whose previous Redzone business was acquired by QAD in 2023, said he is “excited” to support the team at Mortgage 1st.
“Mortgage 1st has a clear vision, strong leadership and a culture that genuinely puts advisers and clients first. At Redzone, we built a high-performance, technology-enabled business by empowering great people and systemising success. I see similar potential here,” he added.
