This further establishes the MAB franchise network in the Midlands and provides a firm footing for expansion across the region. Hunters and Taylors add 14 branches to the MAB network. MAB now has over 200 outlets.
Taylors’ Managing Director Geoff Taylor commented: “We were searching for a high profile company that shared our business vision. Mortgage Advice Bureau is a market leader and will provide invaluable support to our agency. As we are a strong company in the process of expansion, we felt that Mortgage Advice Bureau could provide the excellent service we need to support our customers. We previously dealt with a firm of local advisers, but we feel that, with the presence of Mortgage Advice Bureau, we are moving into a new league.
“The West Midlands has seen a sharp pick up in the property market since the traditional Christmas lull and we were impressed with the speed with which the market bounced back. There is a glut of new purchasers registering with us, particularly workers commuting to Birmingham. March has seen the market go into top gear, with positive prospects for the year ahead. The market in the area is solid and sustainable.”
John Ozwell, the Chairman of Hunters, commented: “With the FSA regulation coming into effect later this year we were searching for a company to help us fulfil our obligations. Mortgage Advice Bureau is a successful company that ranks highly in the league tables, and has the ability to help us with training, motivation and recruitment.
“The market in the West Midlands is stronger than last year, with a 20% increase across the board. Prices have been rising at a rate of around 1-2% a month with no signs of a slowdown in the near future. We expect to see the market in the Midlands remain buoyant in 2004.”
Peter Brodnicki, CEO of Mortgage Advice Bureau, commented: “This is an excellent opportunity for Mortgage Advice Bureau to strengthen its network in the Midlands. Hunters and Taylors are high quality agencies and we are delighted to be working with them. We aim to further expand our business across England and Wales and these new additions indicate a positive start to 2004.”
