We would like to introduce you to Nicky Kirton, our Mortgage and Protection Adviser. With a financial services career spanning over 30 years, Nicky combines deep technical knowledge with a genuine passion for helping people, especially those who didn’t think home ownership was possible.
How did you get started in financial services?
I started at a traditional insurance brokers when I was a teenager. I was part of a Youth Training Scheme and studied business and finance one day a week at college.
From there, I worked in payroll, accounts, and financial administration, before making the move into paraplanning. I’ve worked with a number of advisers and firms over the years. I used the experience to learn as much as I could and It gave me a real understanding of the industry from every angle.
When I told her it had been approved, she cried with happiness… That’s what makes this job so special.
Tell us about your path to becoming a mortgage adviser.
After years of supporting advisers, I knew I wanted to take the next step and work directly with clients. I qualified as a mortgage and protection adviser because I wanted to do something that felt meaningful, something that could change people’s lives.
Helping someone buy their first home, move somewhere new, or protect their family brings a different kind of reward. I recently helped a friend who thought she’d never get a mortgage after past financial struggles. When I told her it had been approved, she cried with happiness. That’s what makes this job so special.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone applying for a mortgage today?
Keep your credit clean. It’s easy to damage your credit score and much harder to rebuild it. So, if you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, be careful with borrowing, avoid late payments, and don’t take out unnecessary credit. Being mortgage-ready really does pay off.
Citrus has a genuinely client-first approach… Everything we do is focused on the individual and their journey.
What’s a common misconception people have about mortgages?
That they’re out of reach. Many people assume they won’t qualify, especially if they’re self-employed or buying for the first time. But there are more options out there than people realise. It’s all about understanding the criteria and finding a lender that fits your circumstances.
What do you enjoy most about working at Citrus Financial?
Citrus has a genuinely client-first approach. Everything we do is focused on the individual and their journey. Unlike some of the places It’s not about targets or sales, it’s about helping people achieve what matters most to them. That’s something that really suits me and the way I want to help people.
Tell us something people might not know about you.
I’m a big fan of wild swimming! We live close to the coast, and I regularly head down to West Beach in Littlehampton for a sea swim. There’s something amazing about cold water swimming, it clears your head, boosts your mood, and leaves you feeling totally refreshed. In winter I’ll sometimes go to the heated outdoor pool at Arundel, but from spring onwards, it’s the sea for me.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Mondays are my “baby day” with my twin grandsons, Bobby and Wilf, they’re 18 months old and an absolute joy (and exhausting!). I also love gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors with my husband. We’re lucky to live in a quiet village near Chichester, close to the countryside and the beach. It’s a lovely place to be.
Quickfire Round
Tea or coffee?
Tea (I’m a Northerner!)
Beach holiday or countryside break?
Beach
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Favourite film?
Dirty Dancing – Patrick Swayze was my teenage crush!
Best book recently?
Verity by Colleen Hoover – gripping with a brilliant twist
You can meet more members of the team here.
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. 28/05/2025
