Adam Tyler, chief executive of the Association, said: “The last two years have been very difficult for the market, but the Association has seen an increase in the number of experienced and established commercial brokers joining. But times are likely to remain tough for the coming year so many members are still struggling. In recognition of this, the decision has been taken not to raise subscriptions for the next twelve months. Full members, associate members and Patrons will see no increase in their fees in 2010.”
Adam Tyler continued: “We are also looking to support our members by offering additional business opportunities for them. We have been in discussions with various market leading suppliers of general insurance and other protection products, who are happy to pay our members for introductions to their clients.
“For the last 12 months we have been working on a superb back office customer relationship management system, CommercialKeeper, which was launched to members in June of this year. This is the only system designed especially for commercial finance brokers, and it allows members to keep the details of all their clients and deals in an easy to use system.
“If a client looking to complete a deal needs, for example, buildings insurance before the loan can be agreed, the CommercialKeeper system can take the relevant details and upload it to the insurance company – all at the press of one button. The insurance company then contacts the client directly to arrange the details and the broker earns commission for the introduction. ”
