PRofile will be formally launched on 1 July and is the first service of its kind to be unveiled by a mortgage network in the UK. The service is free of charge. PRofile will also be offered to members who sign up to the Principal scheme recently unveiled by networkone’s parent company Next Generation Mortgages (NGM).
PRofile’s aim is to strengthen the business relationship between networkone, NGM and the intermediary community by providing key support to partners who are selling financial products to greater numbers of customers at a local and regional level. Key features of the service – which will be led by new marketing and business development director Tony Yorke – include:
- The provision of ongoing consultancy support and advice to ensure members develop closer relationships with the media. The goal is to build the reputations of members enabling them to become organisations that are trusted by the public.
- Practical design and media-buying support to ensure advertising campaigns undertaken by members produce positive and cost-effective results.
- The delivery of strategic communications advice to ensure members have a credible plan of action in order to achieve their sales targets.
- Regular participation in a series of interactive workshops across the UK that will address a wide range of communications and sales-led issues and needs.
“We’re delighted to be the first mortgage network to be able to launch a service that addresses the communications needs of members,” commented Terry Markham, networkone’s managing director. “PRofile involves networkone personnel acting in a true consultancy capacity. This means that we will spend time getting to know and understand the needs and dynamics of our members’ businesses – and then offer them advice and support that is appropriate to their short and long-term sales needs.
“This could involve ensuring members get closer to the media by meeting journalists and having stories about their businesses and products printed in newspapers and magazines. It may also mean physically creating bespoke advertising campaigns – and artwork – for members to use to attract new business. Whatever our members’ needs, the goal of PRofile is to provide them with an appropriate communications solution.”
The launch of PRofile follows a successful period in the development of networkone. The network, which opened for business in November 2003, has signed up 80 per cent of its target quota of AR members. In addition, the network has also formed several major strategic alliances with key industry organisations, which has strengthened its overall network proposition. NGM, meanwhile, has recently launched a Principal offering targeting 150 members, which is generating strong interest and support among companies seeking directly authorised status from the FSA.
“It’s an exciting time to be associated with networkone, NGM and the wider mortgage industry,” added Terry Markham. “And it’s our view that things can only get better for those members who subscribe to PRofile and are committed to adopting a proactive approach to building their businesses and reputations at a local, regional and national level.”
