Pepper Money’s Be More You wellness event, Retreat, is returning for 2026, and this year marks a major milestone. The programme has now been formally recognised by the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), reinforcing its growing importance within the UK mortgage industry’s wellbeing agenda.

Two Retreat events have been confirmed for this year:📍 Manchester – 21 April 2026 
📍 London – 3 June 2026 

Both events form part of Pepper Money’s Be More You initiative, our commitment to supporting the wellbeing, balance and long-term resilience of mortgage brokers and the wider market of mortgage professionals across the UK.
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A trusted wellbeing initiative now in Its third year

Launched in 2024, Retreat was created in response to the increasing pressures facing brokers. What began as a single event has now grown into a recognised, industrysupported wellbeing series. We’re pleased to offer brokers space to breathe, reset and learn strategies to better manage the demands of the profession that continues to experience change at an accelerated pace.

This year, MIMHC representatives will actively take part in both events. Eloise Hall (eSurv) and Gemma Bennett (The Mortgage Mum) will join as contributors, with Jason Berry, MIMHC cofounder, supporting the programme.

Their involvement signals a new chapter for Retreat, transforming it from a Pepper-led initiative into a collaborative industry movement for mental health awareness and proactive wellbeing support.

Why broker wellbeing still needs focus

The 2025 MIMHC Mental Health & Wellbeing Survey paints a clear picture of the pressures many brokers continue to face:

  • Nearly 59% of respondents reported working more than 45 hours per week
  • More than 10% are working over 60 hours
  • One in five (21.9%) rate their mental wellbeing as poor or concerning
  • 43% identified improved sleep and rest as key contributors to wellbeing
  • The biggest stress driver remains the economic environment, closely followed by client expectations

While there are early signs of improvement, with 34.4% of brokers reporting a better work-life balance than the previous year, the risk of burnout remains high.

With the next MIMHC survey due shortly after Retreat North, this year’s events provide a timely space to reflect on the data and explore what more the industry can do.

Practical tools, honest conversations, and a supportive community

Retreat is intentionally designed as a practical, restorative experience – not just another industry event.

This year’s programme will include:

  • Guided breathwork sessions led by specialist coach Jessie Laute
  • Evidence based techniques to improve sleep quality, boundaries and resilience
  • Peer to peer conversations about workload, client demands and industry pressures
  • Open discussions on early burnout signs and sustainable career habits
The aim is simple: give brokers accessible tools to protect and improve their mental wellbeing to achieve a better professional and personal balance, while fostering a stronger sense of community across the industry.

Industry leaders on the importance of retreat

Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money, said: “Retreat has always been about turning our commitment to broker wellbeing into practical action. The data from the 2025 MIMHC survey shows progress, but it also reminds us that long hours, inconsistent rest, and economic pressures remain a reality for many brokers. With 22% of brokers rating their mental wellbeing as poor or concerning, targeted and sustained support for the industry remains essential. We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball – continued focus, awareness and meaningful action around mental health remains critical.

“We believe supporting brokers goes beyond products and service levels. It means recognising the human impact of operating in a fast-paced, highly regulated market. The Charter’s recognition of Retreat reflects how the initiative has evolved and matured. It is about creating the right environment for honest conversations and long-term change.”

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Jason Berry, co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, said: “Pepper Money have been outstanding supporters of mental health and wellbeing in recent times, and their Retreat series is a powerful example of what modern broker engagement should look like. By creating space for meaningful conversations around sleep, mindset and personal development, informed by the insights from our 2025 MIMHC survey, they are demonstrating real leadership.

“This isn’t just another industry event; it’s a thoughtful investment in the wellbeing and performance of brokers. I’m incredibly proud to be strengthening our collaboration as we move into 2026 and to see Pepper Money continuing to lead the way with a human, progressive approach to supporting our sector.”

Supporting Brokers as People — Not Just Professionals

At Pepper Money, we believe that wellbeing isn’t a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential to long-term success in our industry. Brokers work hard for their customers, often under challenging conditions. Retreat offers space to pause, reconnect and remember that behind every mortgage case is a hum]an being who deserves support, rest and balance.

With demand expected to grow again this year, Retreat 2026 continues our commitment to championing the wellbeing of the people who keep our industry moving.

We understand that behind the broker you have to be, there’s the broker you want to be

And although we can’t promise to single-handedly transform the market outlook, we can take you closer to life as you’d like it. A life where you’re spending more time working on the important things. And getting more space to enjoy personal things.

Visit 'Be More You'