Aimed at assisting brokers in sourcing alternate revenue streams to supplement their mortgage and insurance business, brokers were also updated on the latest regulatory developments and the various initiatives employed by the firm to mitigate against key risk areas such as fraud.
Hot topics of conversation included the latest stance being taken by the firm in relation to interest only mortgages, how well the broker really knows his client, and how the MMR is likely to affect the broker community going forward. Lead generation was also very much on the agenda with Ingard announcing some unique affiliation opportunities for its members.
Affirmative Finance have been running the Workshops with Ingard, focussing on how to develop professional introductions from the likes of letting agents, accountants, bookkeepers, architects, auction houses, builders, developers.
Roger Morris, sales and marketing director at Affirmative, said the response and enthusiasm was fantastic. “The guys know they have to change and embrace the new ideas with positivity. Ingard should be recognised as a proactive forward thinking network that is there to support and develop its ARs and make sure they are not dependant on purchased leads.”
Nikki Haworth, sales & marketing director at Ingard, commented, “As a network we have seen considerable growth both in member numbers and business levels. We are in a fluid market place at present, with lender and regulatory requirements continuously changing. It is now that we need to ensure we have robust yet broker friendly processes and procedures.
“At the same time we want to be proactive in helping the broker generate revenue in such a tough market place. Every one of our brokers is an individual most with a family and financial commitments. I feel we have a responsibility to provide them with as much support as is possible.”
