By David Mason
When Helen Ferneyhough achieved her first hole-in-one this year, she could hardly believe it.
After years of enjoying the game, it was one of those moments every golfer dreams about, but few ever experience.
“I’ve played golf for years and never thought I’d actually get a hole-in-one. I think I was more shocked than anyone! I’ve been trying to repeat it ever since, but no luck so far,” Helen smiles.
For someone who has spent more than two decades building a successful career in what was once a predominantly male industry, perhaps that determination to keep aiming for the next big achievement comes naturally.
Building a business, one relationship at a time
Today, Helen is the owner of HFA Mortgage & Protection, a thriving business with more than 20 advisers supporting clients across Southport, Ormskirk, Formby, Wigan and the wider North West.
However when she first entered the mortgage industry over 20 years ago, the landscape looked very different.
Women were far less represented in senior roles and establishing herself in the industry required determination, confidence and a willingness to challenge expectations.
Over the years, Helen has built her reputation through relationships, hard work and an understanding that, behind every mortgage application, there’s a person or family making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
“When I first started in the industry over 20 years ago, it was a very different place to what it is today. I don’t think I ever imagined we’d have a team of more than 20 advisers and our own building!
“It’s been a lot of hard work and there have certainly been challenges along the way, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and ensuring our clients are at the centre of everything we do. Having Mark involved in the business now makes it even more special.”
Mark is Helen’s husband and now works alongside her at HFA, which has recently celebrated another significant milestone with the purchase of its own office building last week.
The investment comes during a period of continued expansion, including the recent launch of HFA Later Life and HFA Bridging & Commercial, providing specialist services alongside the company’s established mortgage and protection advice.
Although the business has grown considerably, Helen has maintained close relationships with the communities it serves, particularly across Southport and West Lancashire.
She’s actively involved in local business leadership and networking groups, with connections including Churcher Estates, the growing estate agency with offices across the region.
HFA also supports Queenscourt Hospice, which provides specialist care to patients and families throughout Southport, Formby and West Lancashire. Plus HFA also sponsors Burscough FC.
For Helen, these relationships are an important part of running a business, bringing together people who share an interest in seeing their local communities succeed.
So with Southport’s strong golfing heritage, it’s perhaps no surprise that Helen has found herself equally at home among the area’s golfing community.
However, away from the fairways, Helen has another subject she’s particularly passionate about: helping people understand what’s really happening in property.
What could the Budget mean for Southport’s property market?
Following the recent Budget, there has been plenty of discussion about what the changes could mean for homeowners, landlords and people hoping to get onto the property ladder.
While some headlines have focused on the challenges ahead, Helen believes there are reasons for Southport residents to approach the coming year with optimism.
One of the most significant changes announced in the Budget was a four-percentage-point increase in the income tax rates applying to rental income from April 2027.
For landlords, particularly those with larger portfolios, this could mean reviewing their investments and considering whether their properties continue to deliver the returns they expect.
Helen believes the changes could also create opportunities within the local housing market.
If some landlords decide to sell, properties that might otherwise have remained in the rental market could become available to purchase.
For first-time buyers in Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Churchtown, that could potentially mean more choice when searching for their first home.
Plus for landlords who remain confident about the long-term property market, there may also be opportunities to purchase properties from those deciding to reduce their portfolios.
Of course, much will depend on individual circumstances, property prices and affordability, but Helen believes it’s important to recognise that changes in the market don’t always have the same effect on everyone.
Mortgage rates are another area where she believes homeowners should be looking beyond the headlines.
After several years of significant changes in borrowing costs, many people are understandably keen to know whether rates will become more predictable.
While no one can say with certainty where mortgage rates will settle, five-year fixed-rate mortgages may appeal to borrowers who value knowing what their monthly repayments will be over a longer period.
For families managing household budgets, that certainty can be valuable, although the right mortgage will always depend on personal circumstances and future plans.
For Helen, the message is that the property market continues to offer opportunities, even when the economic picture appears uncertain.
“I love my community in Southport, both through business, personally and playing golf. I’ve made some wonderful friends and connections here. There’s a real sense of togetherness and people genuinely want to see each other do well.
“I also think there’s a lot to be positive about when it comes to the property market. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative headlines, but there are still opportunities out there, whether you’re buying your first home, moving, remortgaging or investing. Sometimes it’s just about having a conversation and understanding what’s possible.”
Looking ahead with confidence
With more than 20 years of experience behind her, Helen has seen enough changes in the mortgage industry to know that confidence can return just as quickly as uncertainty develops.
So as Southport looks towards another year of opportunity, she believes its strong communities, established residential areas and local businesses give the town plenty to feel positive about.
For Helen, the next chapter promises to be an exciting one, both personally and professionally.
There are new opportunities for HFA, more people to help across the region and hopefully, a few more rounds of golf to enjoy.
Whether another hole-in-one is on the cards remains to be seen.
….But after everything she’s achieved so far, you wouldn’t bet against her.
Thinking about your next move?
Whether you’re buying your first home, considering a move, reviewing your existing mortgage or exploring property investment opportunities, Helen and the team at HFA Mortgage & Protection are here to help.
With experienced advisers supporting clients across Southport, Ormskirk and the wider North West, HFA offers friendly, straightforward advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
To find out more or arrange a conversation with the team, visit hfassociates.uk to speak with the team.
Important Information
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
HFA Mortgage & Protection Ltd, trading as HFA Mortgage & Protection, is an appointed representative of HL Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Lifetime Mortgage is only applicable to those 55 and over, and it could affect eligibility to state means-tested benefits and the inheritance you may leave. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. Equity release includes Lifetime Mortgages and Home Reversion Schemes. We can advise and arrange Lifetime Mortgages and will refer to an approved specialist for Home Reversion schemes.
Commercial lending, some bridging finance and most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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