The introduction of six new mortgage sales managers as an immediate point of contact for brokers is part of a strategic review aimed at building closer intermediary relations. The review will run alongside Chelsea’s branch network and is aimed to be fully up and running on 1 October 2005.
Tom Gurrie, intermediary sales controller at the Chelsea Building Society, explained that having one point of contact dedicated to brokers would speed up processes significantly as busy branch managers would no longer be involved.
He said: “In recognising the importance of broker business to future society growth plans we think brokers across our branch network need the benefit of a fully-focused intermediary force.
“With the fast-paced nature of the industry it is important to periodically review the way sales channels work in order to ensure that brokers get the optimum service.
“These changes have come as a result of a strategic review of the way we manage our intermediary relationships and they ensure our already successful business model is delivering the level of service that brokers need and desire.”
David Hollingworth, mortgage specialist at London & Country, said: “If it works well then it will speed up processes for brokers and create more business for Chelsea.”
But Noel Ranson, sole proprietor at NSR Finance, said: “I’ve always had good service from Chelsea and have found it easy to deal with but I’m sceptical about moving to a centralised process. In my experience moving from a localised to a central service can devalue standards.”
