The consolidation into the two centres, based in Bristol and Solihull, spells the end of its distributed mortgage processing units. B&W has taken this decision in an effort to boost its processing service and enhance its capacity in line with current business growth.
Roland McCormack, head of Bristol & West Mortgages, said: “We are looking forward to growing our market share in 2006. This consolidation will move us toward the efficiency and preparation for growth that we are anticipating. During the programme we will be open for business as usual.”
B&W said it has announced this venture early in an effort to ensure smooth transitions for brokers and to allow a timescale to meet its set targets.
However, Thomas Dickson, partner at Dickson Lishman Prince, was concerned that business levels for some could be affected. He said: “It’s the same with a lot of things in life. I appreciate that to move forward companies need to re-organise and consolidate.
“I expect there will be short-term pain for hopefully long-term gain, but knowing how most large office moves go I doubt it will be smooth and I would probably avoid placing any time-sensitive cases with B&W during the middle of next year.”
The lender has also announced that during its business consolidation it plans to upgrade its broker website through a ‘significant investment’ in technology.
