Tag Archives: lender

Welsh Lender Event Celebrated as Major Success in Swansea

The Welsh Lender Event has been praised as a major success, uniting brokers, lenders, and key industry figures at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Wednesday, September 17. Attendees highlighted the event’s valuable networking opportunities and its role in strengthening collaboration across Wales’ financial services sector.

Held in Swansea for the first time – the event had previously only taken place in Cardiff – the Welsh Lender Event 2025 attracted mortgage professionals from across Wales and beyond. Attendees praised the calibre of speakers, the breadth of insights shared and the valuable opportunities to network with peers.

Hosted in partnership by Swansea Building Society, Monmouthshire Building Society, Principality Building Society and Hodge, the half-day conference featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and interactive sessions.

Paul Broadhead of the Building Societies Association (BSA) provided timely insights into the mortgage market, while Stephanie Charman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) explored the future of mortgage advice. Gethin Davies from Yellow Brick Mortgages inspired the audience with a fireside chat on a charity initiative. There was a lively BDM session with short presentations and an interactive quiz that kept delegates engaged. And rounding off the agenda an inspiring session from psychologist and author, Jon Dunckley, around the importance of purpose and connection in life.

Alongside the packed programme, attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to take a guided tour of the Swansea Building Society Arena.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are delighted with how successful this year’s Welsh Lender Event has been. Bringing the event to Swansea for the first time has allowed us to showcase our city as a centre of excellence for financial services, while offering brokers and industry leaders the opportunity to come together, learn, and make connections that will benefit the sector for years to come. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have played our part in hosting such a dynamic and forward-looking event.”

The Welsh Lender Event has become an annual highlight in the industry calendar, and organisers have confirmed that plans are already underway for next year’s gathering.

Knowledge Bank names Swansea Building Society as Criteria Champion 2024

Swansea Building Society has been recognised as Criteria Champion 2024 by Knowledge Bank. This award underscores the Society’s dedication to supporting mortgage brokers and its expertise in overcoming the toughest client challenges.

The award, which is voted for by brokers across the UK, highlights lenders that consistently deliver an extensive and flexible range of criteria to meet the diverse needs of clients. Swansea Building Society stood out for its dedication to providing tailored solutions and its proactive efforts to share these with brokers nationwide.

The Society’s participation in eight Criteria Clinics annually for the past three years has been a key factor in its recognition. These clinics, hosted by Knowledge Bank, are designed to ensure brokers are fully informed of the innovative and bespoke options available to their clients. Swansea Building Society’s consistent presence in these events demonstrates its dedication to empowering brokers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

In addition, the Society was also a finalist in the Legendary Lender category. Winning one category and being named as a finalist in another is a significant achievement, recognising the impact Swansea Building Society has had on Knowledge Bank’s brokers and the wider market.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are honoured to receive the Criteria Champion 2024 award. At Swansea Building Society, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to brokers and their clients, ensuring we offer solutions that cater to even the most complex scenarios. Being recognised by Knowledge Bank and the broker community for this commitment is a fantastic achievement for our entire team.”

Nicola Firth, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Bank, added:

“Swansea Building Society exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for brokers. Their active engagement in Criteria Clinics and their innovative approach to solving client challenges make them a deserving winner of this award.”

This achievement underscores Swansea Building Society’s reputation as a trusted partner for brokers, combining its commitment to service excellence with a deep understanding of the ever-evolving mortgage market.