Marvin OnumonuPepper Money has confirmed the return of its broker wellbeing retreat for 2026, with events set for 21st April in Manchester and 3rd June in London.
The retreat forms part of Pepper Money’s ‘Be More You’ wellness initiative, aimed at supporting mortgage professionals in the UK with their work-life balance.
This is the third year for the retreat and this time it’s been recognised by the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC).
Representatives from the Charter including Eloise Hall at eSurv and Gemma Bennett at the Mortgage Mum will join the events, with Charter co-founder Jason Berry also contributing.
The MIMHC survey from 2025 showed nearly 59% of respondents worked over 45 hours per week, with more than 10% working over 60 hours.
Only a minority reported getting five or more nights of good sleep per week and 43% named sleep and rest as a key contributor to health and wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing was rated as poor or concerning by 21.9% of respondents, in line with the previous year’s “one in five” result.
Work-life balance improved for 34.4% of respondents, but the economic environment was still the main source of stress, followed by client demands.
With the next Charter survey due after the Manchester event, the retreat is expected to offer a forum for reflecting on progress, identifying areas for improvement and discussing how brokers can protect their wellbeing.
The retreat will include guided breathwork workshops led by Jessie Laute, practical techniques for improving sleep and resilience, and open discussions about workload, boundaries and stress management.
Paul Adams, sales director at Pepper Money, said: “Retreat has always been about turning our commitment to broker wellbeing into practical action.
“The data from the 2025 MIMHC survey shows progress, but it also reminds us that long hours, inconsistent rest, and economic pressures remain a reality for many brokers.
“With 22% of brokers rating their mental wellbeing as poor or concerning, targeted and sustained support for the industry remains essential.”
Adams added: “We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball – continued focus, awareness and meaningful action around mental health remains critical.
“We believe supporting brokers goes beyond products and service levels.
“It means recognising the human impact of operating in a fast-paced, highly regulated market.”
He said: “The Charter’s recognition of Retreat reflects how the initiative has evolved and matured.
“It is about creating the right environment for honest conversations and long-term change.”
Berry said: “Pepper Money have been outstanding supporters of mental health and wellbeing in recent times, and their Retreat series is a powerful example of what modern broker engagement should look like.
“By creating space for meaningful conversations around sleep, mindset and personal development, informed by the insights from our 2025 MIMHC survey, they are demonstrating real leadership.
“This isn’t just another industry event; it’s a thoughtful investment in the wellbeing and performance of brokers.”
Berry added: “I’m incredibly proud to be strengthening our collaboration as we move into 2026 and to see Pepper Money continuing to lead the way with a human, progressive approach to supporting our sector.”
