The system allows intermediaries to upload documents, such as utility bills or yearly statements from lenders, to support a mortgage application, which are then stored so they can be viewed later on in the sales process.
The firm has claimed it is the first network to offer such a facility and insisted it would save brokers time as the document is sent electronically to GHL, rather than faxed or by post.
Neville Sharman, operations director of GHL Group, said: “We are very excited about the launch of this document upload service, which will dramatically change how quickly and efficiently we process our packaged mortgage business. It is, as far as we know, unique to our network, and a testament to the time and money we are investing in raising the level of e-commerce within our company to new heights.”
The system has been designed to make it as easy to use as possible, with the ability to save files in a variety of formats and a help button to assist new users.
As documents are stored electronically, they can also be quickly sent between the group’s Maidstone and Warmington bases, thereby speeding up the application process further.
Sharman added: “We firmly believe that the future of packaging, and indeed of our network, relies heavily on leading the way with such technology and to that end, we remain committed to achieving this aim both now and in the years ahead.”
Kevin Morgan, managing director of Consilium Financial Planning, said unique service propositions were becoming more common in the market. “Everyone’s looking for areas that will give them a unique selling point and this is GHL’s way of getting that. These things can be a good idea, but it’s whether anyone uses them. Ultimately, brokers are looking for an effective, simple and accurate system so if GHL can build on this, it has to be good.”
