The organisation is welcoming membership applications from the wider adviser community by introducing an associate membership package.
Broker introductions now represent around 15 per cent of the estimated £200 billion of commercial finance business negotiated each year in the SME market, up from around 5 per cent in 1995.NACFB’s new package will help ensure the organisation continues to represent, and share best practice initiatives with, the broadest spectrum of brokers operating in the commercial finance sector.
NACFB Associate Members will receive a range of benefits, including:
-Access to the products and preferential service of over 65 NACFB patrons, including all the major banks and niche lenders.
-The reputation and marketing benefits of operating within the NACFB’s widely recognised Code of Practice.
-Listing on NACFB’s register and search, accessed by businesses and individuals seeking approved brokers to deal with.
-A training and education programme developed with the Institute of Financial Services, including the newly launched Commercial Mortgage Certificate.
-Representation and protection of their interests with government, regulators and powerful interest groups
-A programme of national and regional member-patron networking events.
-Access to the specialist skills of commercial and asset finance brokers, eg venture finance, lease and motor vehicle, healthcare, licensed and leisure.
Keith Heron, chief executive of the NACFB, commented: “With margins squeezed across mainstream advice channels, many experienced advisers have turned to commercial finance as a supplementary, profitable source of business. Our associate membership package is designed to support these advisers both in their day to day deal-broking for clients and their ongoing professional training.”
Associate membership can be used by brokers as a step-up to full membership over time.
Heron concluded: “The NACFB, with the full backing of our influential patrons, is committed to improving professionalism throughout the sector, and to ensuring the end user is aware of the benefits of demanding an NACFB-member broker to meet their commercial finance needs.Our Code of Practice is recognised as a robust and successful example of self-regulation in action, and we aim to spread its reach and positive influence across the sector.”
