Ryan's first rotation on the Blemain Group Graduate Management Scheme was in the Customer Services Department, where he worked on insurance and customer queries. Ryan exhibited great initiative during his first rotation, learning about the company, the sector it operates in, and how the different departments interacted with each other.

He then moved on to work with the Asset Management Team, which was an invaluable experience. Ryan played a pivotal role in this department dealing with all aspects of the team such as marketing and sales, whilst continuing to develop his knowledge of Blemain Finance.

Ryan's third rotation was with the Commercial Underwriting unit dealing with Lancashire Mortgage Corporation. Ryan hit the ground running in this department, learning about commercial loan origination and underwriting, and played an integral part in developing a new process management system for the Commercial Underwriting Department. He then moved to the Corporate Projects Department, where he has been actively involved in various process management projects and business programmes at a major subsidiary company.

Sarah's first rotation on the Blemain Group Graduate Management Scheme was in the Asset Management Department, where she seized the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects in the department and gained a sound understanding of credit processes.

Sarah then moved on to the Customer Services Department primarily to gain a general understanding of how the department operates, dealing with customers of Blemain Finance. It is in this department she excelled, becoming involved in a large regulatory project and playing a pivotal role in setting up, and eventually managing a fully functional Customer Service Department. Sarah was involved in developing procedures and policy documents, training new staff and liaising with senior management to establish a new direction for the department.

As a result of her excellent work, Sarah was offered a full time position as the Administration Manager, and then she was promoted to Manager for the whole Blemain Group Customer Service Department.

Annabel joined the Blemain Group Graduate Management Scheme. Her first rotation was in Insurance Management providing service and support to Blemain Finance on insurable risk. She then moved on to the Commercial Lending Department, dealing with Lancashire Mortgage Corporation applications. Annabel's final rotation was in the Group Customer Relations Department.

Annabel advises new graduates to show an interest in the business by arranging to meet and talk with some of the key people, she said, "This will give you the opportunity to learn about the different areas within the business and has the beneficial effect of raising your profile". She added that new graduates should express their ideas, "We want people to express their opinions and produce ideas, so don't be afraid to ask questions and say what you think."

Lorraine joined the Blemain Graduate Management Scheme; her first rotation was in the Marketing Department, working with the marketing team to implement marketing campaigns and communications through a wide variety of media. She then moved on to the Customer Services Department, working with both internal and external customers for the Blemain Group. Her final rotation was in the Change Management Department contributing to the future development of Blemain Finance and Lancashire Mortgage Corporation.

Lorraine believes it's important for new graduates to get involved in as many ways as possible, she said, "Don't be afraid to take on new challenges; it's the best way of realising your strengths and putting them to good use." She also emphasises the importance of networking within the organisation, "This helps to facilitate the transition between departments as you rotate around the business". Lorraine added, "The key is to learn as much as you can and to enjoy it!"

Matt's first rotation on the Blemain Graduate Management Scheme was in Compliance, followed by a 6 month rotation in the Commercial Lending Department. His final rotation was in the Asset Management Department. It was in his final rotation where he excelled, and he was offered the position of Assistant Manager of the Asset Management Department.

Matt advises new graduates to develop a sound understanding of the business in the first few months, he said, "Have the confidence to approach people and ask questions whether it be one of us on the scheme, a colleague in your department or a company Director. Everyone will be happy to help you and aid your development."

Mohamed’s first rotation was in the Marketing Department, working as part of a dynamic team to develop, implement and analyse marketing campaigns through a wide variety of media to both an internal and external audience. He then moved to the Broker Sales Team, where he developed targeted plans for the team through continuous analysis of sales and marketing campaigns.

Mohamed took a keen interest in the analytical side of sales and marketing, and further developed this in the next graduate rotation in the Product Design Department. During this rotation, he attained the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt qualification and successfully managed and delivered a market gap analysis project, which is essential to future business development and governance.

Furthermore, Mohamed acts as the PR Officer for the Supporting the Community Committee. This involves liaising with external PR companies regarding press releases, as well as working closely with the Marketing Department for internal promotion of all the Committee's activities.

Mohamed believes it’s important for new graduates to look past their own departments and seniority levels and try to learn as much about the business as possible, “Don’t be afraid to ask to sit with someone to explain how an area of the business works. Also, approach senior management and learn as much as you can during the graduate rotations”

Rachel joined the Blemain Group in September 2010 and her first rotation was in the Customer Service Department where she worked on a wide variety of projects and gained a sound understanding of the department’s processes.

Rachel then moved onto the Corporate Development Department where she became involved in a large regulatory project. With the companies support Rachel went on to complete professional qualifications including her CeMAP and Lean Six Sigma qualification, this developed both her industry knowledge and improved her technical ability. Alongside her rotations Rachel has become heavily involved with networking in the local professional community and is an integral member of the Supporting the Community Committee.

Rachel is now based in the Finance Department and is thoroughly enjoying the challenge. Rachel says, “I certainly feel that the business values its graduates. In terms of exposure to the industry, the experience you get is second to none. This coupled with the variety the scheme offers, I know I’m in the right place.”

Jo’s first rotation was in the Commercial Underwriting Department where she created a staff training and competency scheme as well as developing policy and procedures, whilst working closely with the Head of Department. Her rotation was extended to enable her to undertake challenging professional training, in which she completed a large compliance project for the business and gained accreditation from the British Standards Institute as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Her next rotation was in the Residential Underwriting Department looking at operational efficiency. She has since rejoined Commercial Underwriting to complete a new Lean Six Sigma project, whilst actively being involved in Business Development and external Networking for all of the commercial lending companies.

Jo advises new graduates to get involved in as many opportunities as possible. She has a place on the Company Values Committee and sits as vice-chair on the Supporting the Community Committee, both of which have gained her exposure around the business and developed her skills outside of her departmental specific repertoire.