Building Local Relationships Key to Success Says Progressive’s New Business Development Manager

Lynne Lyness began working at Progressive as a cashier in Portadown and has since risen through the ranks to become BDM of the Southern Region, covering Craigavon and the wider area.

Having trusted experts on the ground and cementing broker relationships locally are among the key focuses for Progressive Building Society in 2022.

Northern Ireland’s local mortgage and savings provider recently appointed three designated Business Development Managers (BDMs) to work hand in glove with mortgage intermediaries in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

Among them is Lynne Lyness who began working at Progressive as a cashier in Portadown and has since risen through the ranks to become BDM of the Southern Region, covering Craigavon and the wider area.   

“I started off on the front line at Progressive,” Lynne said, “before working my way up to branch management and then Business Development Manager in January 2022. So it’s been a rich blend of roles, but all part of a co-ordinated goal of delivering exemplary service to our members.”

A combination of leadership and management experience accrued over an 18-year career at Progressive ensures that Lynne is well placed to further build and cement relationships with the Society’s intermediaries, key to her new role as a BDM.

“As I settle into my new role, I’m working in line with what the Society’s plans are for 2022 and beyond: grow our business and establish close working relationships with new and existing mortgage brokers, including those who perhaps don’t currently work with Progressive.”

Fostering long-term relationships within and beyond Progressive’s broker network is something Lynne considers to be a key for success, with the Society now having a designated resource for outreach.

“Designated Business Development Managers are integral to the growth of the Society, with experienced and talented team members on the ground who go out and efficiently and successfully communicate our changes and building relationships directly with brokers.

“Having that tangible presence really brings to life Progressive’s local legacy. It is through our branch network and the continued support of Disability Sport NI, among other charities, that embeds the Society within the fabric of local communities.”

Lynne Lyness is Business Development Manager for Progressive’s Southern Region and is one of three new BDMs at the Society alongside Noel Murray (Northern Region) and Gary Stanton (Greater Belfast).