Johnny offers a range of financial products, such as mortgages and insurance, from critical illness and life insurance, to family income benefit. Johnny’s been in this line of work for around eighteen years, launching Protect Mortgage Solutions in February 2024. While his business partner works from home, delivering behind the essential scenes tasks, Skene Business Centre’s Queen’s Gardens is where clients receive their first impression of the business.

“When I was looking for an office I noticed that few providers had smaller 1-2 desk options in Aberdeen, whereas SBC is excellent at catering for this demographic,’ says Johnny. ‘I’d heard the Skene name as it’s well known locally, and seen the brand driving around the city, so it felt familiar. With financial services, some people are happy to communicate online, but others want to meet the person they’re doing business with, so I had to find the right office. SBC’s Queen’s Gardens property is in a prestigious location, but it’s easy to reach and easy to park. A finance appointment can be daunting, so I didn’t want clients stressing over side issues such as LEZ zones, bus gates or parking. They know they can reach me with no hassle. It’s such a beautiful building that clients get the ‘Wow Factor’ every time.”

Most people can imagine how hard entrepreneurs work when launching a business, and how difficult it can be to take a break. When Johnny booked a summer holiday, he tapped into an unexpected SBC benefit.

“When we headed on holiday, I worried about the phone ringing’, says Johnny. 'I didn’t want to miss business, but I didn’t want to be disturbed all the time. There was also the time difference to consider as the phone would ring at all hours. With Skene, I could divert my phone to reception, and they’d field my calls, answering my number with ‘Hello, Protect Mortgage Solutions’, and emailing me the relevant messages. It worked really well.’

‘When I’m in the office, the reception staff meet my clients and call me to say they’ve arrived. Not only does this save time, I get the benefit of a receptionist without having to employ them and deal with the subsequent HR and Admin that would create.’

‘If I were to move, it would be to a ground floor office for access reasons, but even that’s straightforward with SBC. Wherever you're situated, your address is 7 Queen’s Gardens (rather than First Floor Left, for example) so I wouldn’t have to change my stationery or Companies House details. There are many details I don’t worry about, from cleaning to the internet, I just focus on Protect Mortgage Solutions. I still get excited helping buyers, especially first time buyers. It’s a special time in their life, and it’s rewarding to be part of that.”

Discover more at protectmortgagesolutions.co.uk.

Author and photography: Janice Hopper

"There are many details I don’t worry about, from cleaning to the internet, I just focus on Protect Mortgage Solutions."