WR Ethical, an independent mortgage and protection broker, is the latest responsible finance company to be awarded the Good Egg mark from Good With Money.
The mark helps people find financial providers that benefit people and planet, as well as offering a good deal for their pockets.
Based in Bristol, WR Ethical helps borrowers consider the ethics of their mortgage lender alongside the cost of their loan. Its approach to fair pricing, charitable giving and running a responsible business impressed the Good Egg panel.
Bringing ethics into your mortgage search
A mortgage is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments you make. Finding an affordable deal should be the priority, but you may also want to know more about the company receiving your monthly repayments.
WR Ethical brings those questions into the mortgage conversation. It offers whole-of-market advice, considering price and ethical factors when recommending a lender, with support for first-time buyers, home movers and people remortgaging. It also advises on buy-to-let mortgages, later-life borrowing and protection insurance.
The Good Egg assessment highlighted the firm’s commitment to putting customers first. This includes recommending that borrowers go directly to a lender where that represents the lowest-cost option, and taking time with customers regardless of their income.
Paul Waterfall, director and senior mortgage adviser at WR Ethical, said: “I’m delighted that WR Ethical has achieved Good Egg Certification. I’ve admired what the team at Good With Money has been doing since before we started WR Ethical, and to have our principles and practice pass their rigorous assessment is such a buzz.
“We try to do what’s right, but it can be hard to look outside your own niche and see if your approach stands up to proper scrutiny. This certification, along with our B Corp and Fair Tax certifications, confirms that it does.
“Each assessment process has looked at our business differently, so the collection of certifications is testament, in my view, to doing good being built in rather than trying to tick some boxes. It gives us confidence to continually improve and try to inspire others to do the same.”
A fair deal for customers and communities
WR Ethical offers free initial mortgage consultations and Agreements in Principle, with no broker fee for like-for-like remortgages and rate switches. It also offers cashback for first-time buyers and publishes its fees so customers can understand the costs upfront.
The business commits to giving five per cent of its turnover to charity, supporting organisations including debt-help charity Christians Against Poverty, Bristol charity inHope and environmental law organisation ClientEarth.
It’s also a certified B Corp, a member of 1% for the Planet and Fair Tax accredited. These commitments sit alongside practical steps such as planting a tree for every mortgage arranged and using office space supplied with renewable electricity.
What impressed the Good Egg panel?
The Good Egg screening report highlights WR Ethical’s:
- Customer-first approach, including directing borrowers to a lender where doing so would cost them less.
- Whole-of-market mortgage recommendations and clearer, upfront fixed fees.
- Free initial consultations and support for first-time buyers.
- Charitable giving, tree planting and commitment to Fair Tax.
- Support for staff training and policies covering equality, business ethics and whistleblowing.
Panellists praised the breadth of its ethical commitments for a business of its size, its approach to green mortgages and the useful information available to customers on its website.
What’s in a Good Egg?
The Good Egg mark assesses how well a provider measures up against environmental, social and industry impact factors, taking into account its size, history and performance.
Ethical Screening, an independent specialist consultancy, produces a report on each applicant. A panel of ethical finance experts then provides a further level of scrutiny before the mark is awarded. Not every company that applies receives one.
For WR Ethical, the award recognises an approach that brings together customer care, ethical considerations in mortgage advice and responsibility for the impact of its own business.
Find out more about WR Ethical and meet the other Good Egg companies.
If you think your company could be our next Good Egg, get in touch.
