Since the turn of the year, GHL Group has focused on delivering an unrivalled quality of service to its brokers, combined with the very best products, facilities and e-commerce solutions currently available.
Established in November 2005, GHL Group was born from the merger of two well-respected companies, Genesis Home Loans based in East Midlands and Guaranteed HomeLoans based in Kent.
Ten months on and GHL Group is now widely recognised as one of the country’s biggest mortgage networks with over 200 registered Appointed Representatives and over 60 Satellite Packagers. With this multi-channel approach to business, the group is also one of the UK’s premier mortgage distribution companies.
A strong emphasis is placed on ensuring that both the broker and their clients receive the highest quality of service possible, in a professional, personal and friendly manner. This has become something of a GHL Group mission statement and one that is reflected in the commitment and resources invested in providing the ongoing development of both their staff and the group website.
Throughout 2006, this has witnessed the unveiling of a number of e-commerce facilities which include real time case tracking, an online Decision In Principle (DIP), Life and GI Insurance services as well as a ‘Lender Zone’ providing product and lender related information and documents.
The online DIP service allows brokers to send a general mortgage enquiry to the GHL Placements Team, or to apply for a specific decision from one of fifteen lenders on the group’s packaged panel. A DIP response is provided within four hours, and details three of the most suitable options available. Once received by the broker, the website also provides the ability to convert this DIP into a full application online.
Since its initial launch via the GHL Group website, the level of online DIPs submitted has grown significantly as has the number of packaged mortgage applications received. As a result, GHL’s Maidstone office now process in excess of 2,000 DIPs a month.
Other broker benefits
Earlier this year, GHL Group made a number of key enhancements to its proposition for both Appointed Representatives and Directly Authorised brokers. One of these was to remove (lender permitting) the ‘top slicing’ of procuration fees on its direct submission panel. This change was made to ensure that brokers received wherever possible, all of the commission payable for their direct business (subject to a nominal transaction charge) whilst at the same time, helping to promote transparency amongst the group.
The direct submission panel offers brokers access to over 55 lenders who provide products in all sectors of the market and include many regional and specialist providers. This panel is ‘representative of whole of market’ and includes many highly regarded lenders such as BM Solutions, Cheltenham & Gloucester, Halifax, Nationwide and Northern Rock.
Additional enhancements made include the launch of a secured lending facility, which offers an online DIP service and a panel of providers including Southern Pacific (SPPL) and GE Money, as well a solicitor referral scheme in association with Goldsmith Williams.
Key Account Packagers
GHL Group recently selected and invited, five of its packagers to become new Key Accounts. These were chosen based on their desire and ability to develop their business within the GHL Group Network and will receive the highest level of support in order to do so.
As part of this exclusive group, they will be able to package for all panel lenders (where licence can be obtained) as well as have access to a range services designed to generate increased levels of new business. This is achieved by ensuring they receive market exposure whilst at the same time providing them with a full training programme aimed at enabling them to tie-in their own distribution channels.
The future
The remainder of 2006 will see the GHL Group Network continue to focus on enhancing current working relationships, whilst at the same time, recruiting new Appointed Representatives, Directly Authorised brokers and Satellite Packagers.
This will be achieved by a combination of key features, that are all underpinned by highly experienced staff dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and service possible.
These key features include the provision of a substantial and varied panel of lenders and products, payment of some of the highest procuration fees in the market, and access to a highly innovative and functional website with numerous interactive features.
Beyond 2006, the aim is simple. Continue to develop GHL Group into one of the foremost networks in the country.
