Sales & Operations Director
Les Pick is Sales & Operations Director at MB Associates. With more than 27 years’ experience in financial services, including decades working in later-life lending and Equity Release, he brings valuable insight into how borrowing needs can change as people get older.
About Les Pick
I spent 17 years as a financial adviser before moving into senior lending roles, where I’ve worked for the past decade. This combination has given me a strong understanding of both the advice process and the wider lending market.
Much of my career has focused on helping advisers and lenders understand the options available to people in later life. I’ve held senior positions at Canada Life and more2life, leading sales teams and supporting the development of the equity release market. At Canada Life, I became well known for delivering later-life lending training to advisers all over the UK. Most recently, as Director of Sales at LiveMore, I worked across over 50s mortgages and was part of the team that developed and launched the lender’s equity release proposition in early 2025.
Extensive experience
I’m no longer a later-life adviser, but my extensive experience in the sector helps inform the way MB Associates supports its clients. I’ve seen how the lending market has changed, and I understand that borrowing after 50 can be relevant to many people, for many different reasons.
For some, it may be about addressing a pension shortfall or making retirement income go further. For others, it may mean finding a way to remain in their home, move to a more suitable property or deal with a mortgage that is approaching the end of its term. A separation later in life can also mean someone needs to make a fresh start financially and find a home of their own. These circumstances are personal, and there is no single solution that will suit everyone.
Interestingly, many people think their borrowing options are limited or even non-existent when they are over 50. This is just not the case. I understand why people may think that way. For many years, mortgages were typically restricted to a 25-year term and expected to be repaid by the age of 65. But times have changed. Banks and building societies recognise that people are living and working longer and often starting new chapters later in life. As a result, lending has expanded significantly, with a wider range of options and greater flexibility than many people realise. It’s even possible to obtain a mortgage into your 70s and 80s!
I’m very keen to educate people on this and ensure they understand options are available to them.
Different situations
My experience has shown me how important it is to look beyond assumptions about age and borrowing. People over 50 are not all in the same position: their incomes, plans, family circumstances and priorities can vary considerably. Understanding that range of experience is important to us at MB Associates as we help clients explore the options available to them.
As Sales & Operations Director, I work with colleagues across the business to support the team, develop strong relationships and help MB Associates grow sustainably. My knowledge of later-life lending and equity release adds depth to the experience within the business and helps us recognise the questions and concerns that may matter to older borrowers.
I’m proud to be part of MB Associates. I’ve long admired the business, and I’m looking forward to helping the team continue to grow while making sure clients feel listened to and supported.