Copeland Mortgage Services came out on top at the Pink Home Loans Service Awards, winning the category for the 'Best Mortgage Broker in Midlands and Wales'.

The awards night was held at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.
And in a fiercely contested category, the Prestatyn-based mortgage broker fought off tough competition from across Wales and the Midlands to pick up the coveted prize.

Marcus Copeland, 37, of Rhuallt, St Asaph, is married to Yvonne and they have a two year old son, James.

Formerly a newspaper reporter and sports writer with the Denbighshire Free Press, Rhyl Journal and Evening Leader for eight years, he left journalism in 1998 to embark on a career in financial services.

He founded Copeland Mortgage Services in 2000 before opening an office at Tai Tywyn Business Centre in Sandy Lane, Prestatyn, in July 2002.

The company has enjoyed "staggering" growth over the last five years thanks mainly to Marcus' down-to-earth approach to mortgage advice.

"Naturally I am delighted by the award and I would like to thank my family, friends and clients for their continued support. We've been giving people excellent mortgage advice for years and I am thrilled that our efforts have been recognised.

"To be among the best in the country in your particular field is always a terrific honour but to be individually named as the overall winner in Wales is a fantastic achievement.

"While I am proud to receive this award, I will keep making improvements to my business so that my customers continue to enjoy the same high standards they have come to expect from Copeland Mortgage Services."

The Pink Home Loans Service Awards night, which this year was hosted by Sky News presenter Eamonn Holmes, has become highly recognised in the mortgage sector.

Now in its 5th year, it aims to reward mortgage brokers, lenders and suppliers who have provided exceptional service during the previous 12 months.

Pink Home Loans marketing director Neil Hoare said: "Winners in the Pink Home Loans Service Awards are recognised by all in the mortgage industry as those firms who pride themselves on the quality of service they offer their customers.

"Voted for over a two-month period by lenders and brokers, those that finish top of their category can feel really proud that their business is making a difference.

"At the awards ceremony in Birmingham, over 320 people congratulated Marcus Copeland, of Copeland Mortgage Services, who won the 'Best Broker in the Midlands and Wales' category.

"It displays the high regard and respect lenders and customers have for the firm. We wish him every success for 2008 and look forward to seeing him again at next year's awards event."