Tag Archives: mortgage

Awards, Business, FInance, News from Wales

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.

Business Expansion, Business News, FInance

Swansea Building Society expands Business Development team in England to drive strategic growth

In a move to boost its footprint in key English markets, Swansea Building Society has announced the expansion of its England Business Development Management (BDM) team. The enhanced team will focus on strengthening partnerships with mortgage intermediaries and supporting the Society’s growth objectives across England.

This expansion includes the promotion of Martin Lewis to Area Manager, England, along with the appointment of Jennet James as BDM, and two assistants, Lisa Lunness and Alex Hemingway. Together, this team will bring increased support and dedicated service to brokers and advisers across England.

Martin Lewis, who has been with Swansea Building Society since November 2012, has taken on the role of Area Manager, England. His new role will see him lead the intermediary help desk team based at the Society’s Head Office, supporting mortgage advisers and brokers across England. Prior to this promotion, Lewis was instrumental in developing the Society’s South East Wales business, leveraging his 13 years of experience in the intermediary mortgage industry with Stroud & Swindon Building Society (now Coventry Building Society), NatWest, and National & Provincial Building Society (now Santander).

Lewis’s new responsibilities include managing the BDM team in England. Part of his focus will be on supporting and expanding key relationships with mortgage networks and clubs, identified as crucial growth areas for the Society.

Jennet James joined Swansea Building Society in November 2018, starting in the mortgage processing department. She was promoted to Manager’s Assistant in May 2019, working closely with the East Wales Area Manager, Richard Miles, to oversee mortgage applications from inception to completion. With 30 years of experience in the banking industry, including roles in underwriting, mortgage advising, and branch management primarily with Halifax, James brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her new position as Business Development Manager, England.

Manager’s Assistant, Lisa Lunness, has been with Swansea Building Society for over ten years. Her background in financial services began in 2002 with roles at Bradford and Bingley, HSBC, and the Principality Building Society. Her broad experience in financial services enhances the Society’s commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on support for each mortgage case.

Alex Hemingway joined Swansea Building Society in March 2022. With a law degree and extensive experience in conveyancing, wills and probate, and family law at Peter Lynn and Partners, and Graham Evans and Partners, Hemingway transitioned to financial services as a mortgage administrator with the Mortgage Advice Bureau before joining the Society.

The expanded team reflects Swansea Building Society’s commitment to its “manual underwriting” approach, where each mortgage application is considered on its individual merits. The new team will work to further develop relationships with mortgage networks and clubs across England, ensuring brokers and advisers receive tailored support aligned with the Society’s ethos of exceptional customer service.

Martin Lewis, Area Manager, England, Swansea Building Society, said:

“This team expansion signals our dedication to providing accessible and personalised support to mortgage advisers across England. With Jennet, Lisa, and Alex bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge, we’re well-positioned to support our clients and strengthen our presence in key markets.”

Founded in 1923, Swansea Building Society is committed to delivering quality, customer-focused financial products and services to communities across South & West Wales and England. With a focus on traditional values and a hands-on approach to mortgage underwriting, the Society continues to support local communities while expanding its reach.

Business, Business Expansion, Business News, FInance

Sturgess Mortgage Solutions relocates to bigger office in Gorseinon amid rising client demand

In response to rising client demand and substantial growth, Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, a leading mortgage and financial advice firm, is pleased to announce the relocation of its headquarters to a spacious, high-profile office on Gorseinon High Street.

The new office, which offers twice the space of the firm’s previous location, provides a central high-street presence and reflects Sturgess Mortgage Solutions’ dedication to accessible, community-focused service. The expanded facilities will enhance the client experience, solidifying the firm’s commitment to Gorseinon and the greater Swansea region.

The Gorseinon office will serve as home to a team of four experienced advisers, supported by newly appointed Office Manager, Donna Hughes-Cook. With over 30 years of expertise in the property industry, particularly in the New Build sector, Donna will lead sales progression, ensuring seamless transactions and the continued high standard of client care that has become a Sturgess hallmark.

Founded by local entrepreneur Shaun Sturgess just three years ago, Sturgess Mortgage Solutions has quickly risen as a trusted, client-first provider of mortgage and financial advice. Shaun, an experienced mortgage adviser and property consultant, started the firm to offer bespoke advice with a deep understanding of the local market. In 2023, the firm was awarded Mortgage Broker of the Year – South Wales in the Welsh Enterprise Awards. Sturgess Mortgage Solutions has also received further recognition this year, winning the 2024 Mortgage Broker of the Year and Client Advisory awards for South Wales in the Welsh Enterprise Awards, underscoring its commitment to excellence in both service and client relationships.

Shaun Sturgess, Managing Director of Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, said:

“Our new Gorseinon office is an important step forward for Sturgess Mortgage Solutions. This space allows us to serve more clients in an enhanced setting and is a testament to our commitment to Gorseinon’s growth and vitality. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing trusted financial advice to clients here and across the Swansea area.”

This strategic move marks an exciting chapter for Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, strengthening its role as a pillar in the local community and enhancing its capacity to serve clients with personalised, expert advice. The new office is open and welcoming clients seeking guidance for their mortgage and financial needs in a convenient, welcoming space.

Business, Business News, Finance News, Fintech

Swansea Building Society Integrates with Knowledge Bank for Streamlined Mortgage Criteria

In a pioneering move, Swansea Building Society has joined forces with Knowledge Bank. This partnership brings Knowledge Bank’s acclaimed criteria sourcing platform to mortgage intermediaries, enabling effortless, subscription-free access to Swansea Building Society’s wide-ranging mortgage criteria.

This integration allows intermediaries to effortlessly search and view Swansea Building Society’s comprehensive criteria across Residential, Buy to Let, and Self Build mortgages, all from a single, user-friendly interface. Swansea Building Society’s criteria, known for their breadth and inclusiveness, are meticulously maintained and updated through Knowledge Bank’s KB PRO access, ensuring that intermediaries always have the most current information at their fingertips. Access to the Knowledge Bank platform can also be found via the Swansea Building Society website.

The key benefits of this integration include comprehensive criteria access, allowing intermediaries to explore a wide range of criteria addressing all aspects of Swansea Building Society’s lending options. With the convenience of accessing all criteria in one place, intermediaries can streamline their research process, saving valuable time. Real-time updates ensure that any changes made by the lender are instantly reflected on both Knowledge Bank and the lender’s Interactive Criteria Guide, guaranteeing accuracy and reliability.

Swansea Building Society is recognised for offering some of the most extensive and sought-after criteria in the market, catering to a wide range of intermediary queries. The platform is also designed for optimal use on mobile and tablet devices, allowing intermediaries to access information on-the-go. Importantly, intermediaries can access Swansea Building Society’s criteria without needing a Knowledge Bank account.

Shane Chawatama, Sales Director at Knowledge Bank, said:

“We are thrilled that Swansea Building Society, a longstanding supporter of Knowledge Bank, has chosen to utilise our Interactive Criteria Guide. This integration not only enhances the accessibility of mortgage criteria available to intermediaries but also reinforces our commitment to providing innovative, user-centric solutions that drive efficiency and success in the mortgage industry.”

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

“Our partnership with Knowledge Bank reflects our commitment to enhancing the experience for mortgage intermediaries. By providing easy, real-time access to our comprehensive mortgage criteria, we are enabling intermediaries to make faster, more informed decisions. This collaboration underscores our dedication to supporting our customers with the best tools and resources available.”

Intermediaries are encouraged to explore this powerful new tool and experience the benefits of having extensive, up-to-date mortgage criteria readily available. With Swansea Building Society’s Interactive Criteria Guide, making informed and timely lending decisions has never been easier.

News

Financial planners welcome new staff and secure sponsorship deal with grassroots rugby club

A PROMINENT financial planning firm at the heart of a North Wales community has thrown its support behind a successful grassroots rugby club.

Celtic Financial Planning is the new sponsor of Mold RFC’s youth development squad, which is made up of two age grades (U18 and U17) and focused on preparing players for the senior set-up.

The company, based on the town’s Bromfield Industrial Estate, is renowned for its work across north east Wales and position as an employer with a strong community and social conscience.

A keen rugby fan, Director Rob Lewis was pleased to be able to supply the club with a financial boost, including new kits manufactured by Macron, supplier to Wrexham AFC and the Welsh Rugby Union team.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the youth squad and to help the club as it has such a huge history in this area while having a positive impact on the lives of so many people of all ages,” he said.

“This is an important time for us as we approach five years in business, so we look forward to making further announcements that will benefit our staff, the community and the environment – given our commitment to sustainability – in the months ahead.”

Rob added: “We wish the team all the best for this season and will be cheering them on from the sidelines.”

Rhys Hellen, lead coach for the youth side at Mold RFC – currently flying high in the North and Mid Wales Youth League – thanked the award-winning business for “making such a difference” on and off the pitch.

He said: “The new jerseys and sponsorship they have provided makes a massive difference to the whole squad and who we play against.

“The new sizing was provided with the current squad in mind so immediately the boys feel more comfortable and ready for the games.

“Our old shirts did not fit correctly, and some players had to wear alternative jerseys which doesn’t portray the club or the squad in a positive way.

“It may be a little thing to some people, but it has given the squad a huge lift and other clubs have commented on how good our kits look.

“Not only does the branding and sponsorship hopefully help Rob and the team, but clearly it makes an impact wider than just Mold RFC.”

Meanwhile, Celtic Financial Planning continues to grow, with mortgage adviser Sammy Jo-Peace the latest to join their 13-strong workforce.

Plans are still in motion for a new north west Wales office – adding to their sites in Mold and London – and last year they won the Micro Firm Financial Adviser of the Year title at the illustrious MoneyAge Awards.

For more information on Celtic Financial Planning, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

Alternatively, you can attend the company’s latest client seminar on June 15 from 6.30pm at Saughton Hall, Sychdyn.

News

New face at award-winning financial planners with expansion on the horizon

AWARD-WINNING financial planners will continue with expansion and open their third office due to a surge in client demand and new staff.

Mold and London-based Celtic Financial Planning is identifying locations in north west Wales – Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey – given the growth of their customer base in those areas.

The latest recruit to join the firm is Jamie Hughes, who has spent more than 13 years in the sector.

A chartered financial adviser, Jamie – who lives in Prestatyn with wife Alex and sons Lucas and Dylan – is looking forward to being part of a burgeoning business with sustainability and community at its core.

“I have seen the way the company operates and its sense of place and culture, which really appealed to me,” said the Bangor University graduate.

“They have plans to grow further and I’m excited to be a part of that, it’s refreshing to be joining an organisation which is fresh and dynamic, which is not always the case in what can be a very corporate industry.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and delighted I can play a part in the firm’s continued long-term success.”

Celtic Financial Planning director Rob Lewis is looking at different locations and confident they will be even better placed to serve their clients in the west as they target £100m in managed funds from this year onwards having last week won the Micro Firm Financial Adviser of the Year title for 2022 at the illustrious MoneyAge Awards.

“We already have offices in Mold and London, so the natural next step given the amount of business we now have in that area – and with Jamie joining our diverse, principled team – is to have a presence there,” said Rob.

“The team and I are very passionate about North Wales and delivering sound financial advice across the region, so to have Jamie on board and be able to deliver an even better service to new and existing clients is heartening.

“There are a lot of opportunities for us to do even more along the coast and into those rural areas and we will be looking to capitalise on that in the coming months.”

He added: “We do have clients travel to us from as far away as Anglesey and Caernarfon, but we want to make life easier for them, and the long-term aim will be for Jamie – an experienced and talented financial adviser – to be based there.

“We now have 12 staff, which demonstrates the commitment we have to our fantastic, loyal clients, and that will only increase in the years ahead.”

For more information, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

Law, News, North of England

North East lockdown legal start-up celebrates centenary milestone

A start-up Independent Legal Advice business based in the North-East is celebrating reaching a centenary milestone this month, after receiving its 100th instruction.

Founded by North-East based solicitor, Joe Phelan, during the Coronavirus pandemic in late 2020, the legal start-up – Phelan Independent – has since been working with solicitors’ firms and commercial finance brokers across the country to offer their clients expert, fast and affordable independent legal advice on a range of matters.

With the pandemic acting as a catalyst for many businesses to embrace new ways of working, Phelan Independent seized the opportunity to disrupt the often slow, expensive, and cumbersome status quo by offering Independent Legal Advice, delivered by senior solicitors, via online platforms including Microsoft Teams and Whatsapp within 48 hours of instruction.

Receiving its 100th instruction is testament to the start-up’s ability to accelerate the turnaround times associated with multiple commercial transactions, where independent legal advice is required prior to individuals separately signing documents, such as personal guarantees or occupier waiver forms.

Joe Phelan explains the significance of the milestone, along with his plans for the future:

“Setting up a new business can be a tough decision at the best of times but pressing ahead with launching Phelan Independent during a global pandemic was certainly a daunting prospect. That said, having worked as a solicitor for many years I knew first-hand how hard it can be for clients to obtain high quality Independent Legal Advice quickly and affordably.

“Because the requirement for Independent Legal Advice typically only becomes evident shortly before deals are ready to complete, it’s common for transactions to become delayed, while separate representation is sourced, instructed and the advice provided. Keen to complete, clients are often forced to accept high fees and less than desirable turnaround times. I wanted to change all of that and, spurred on by the pandemic, set up Phelan Independent to meet increasing demand for remote provision of Independent Legal Advice delivered quickly and by a qualified solicitor.

Joe continues: “Growth has been steady since we established the company and we’re proud to now be securing repeat business with local, regional, and national law firms, as well as from members of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers; an organisation that represents just under 2000 brokers across the UK and which appointed Phelan Independent an associate patron last year. Reaching 100 instructions feels like a big achievement and one that we’re keen to build on in the coming months and years as we continue to serve as ‘deal enablers’ to law firms, brokers and clients alike.”

News

Welsh financial advice firm continues boom with London expansion

A THRIVING financial planning business centred on ethical investment and sustainability has expanded its London operation.

Mold-based Celtic Financial Planning won new clients and increased its capital management portfolio throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

And now the award-winning organisation – led by director Rob Lewis – has added a talented chartered financial planner to their team in Canary Wharf, one of the leading finance sectors in the UK.

Victoria Nabarro joins Cleona Lira in driving the company’s customer base in the City’s bustling business district; both are committed to encouraging the next generation of females into a traditionally male-dominated industry, and delivering sound, principled guidance and advice.

Victoria became one of the youngest women to ever qualify for Chartered Financial Planner status at just 24 years of age.

Now 27, she is delighted to join Celtic – named in the Citywire New Model Advertiser top 100 financial advice firms – and looks forward to a bright future with the organisation.

“I’m really excited to be part of this fantastic family-run organisation,” said Victoria, originally from Leeds and a former student at the University of Manchester.

“That was a big attraction for me, and the systems, skill and experience they have in place, all of which is second to none.

“It’s a great place to be at a pivotal time for this sector, so I hope to make a big impact.”

After graduating from university Victoria worked for a leading wealth management company while achieving her CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Fellowship.

An “ambitious and driven” individual, she is one of the industry’s brightest stars and plans to follow in the footsteps of Cleona – a finalist in the Woman of the Year – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advice category at the 2021 Women in Financial Advice Awards – in offering a first-class service built on trust and purpose.

“I initially represented a broad range of clients, but my specialities are ethical investment, working with female investors and executive level leaders, and ultra-high net worth investors,” said Victoria.

“With this base you can really make a difference because they are looking at the bigger picture rather than just making more money. There is a drive to do good for future generations, for their communities and the environment, which is a breath of fresh air.”

She added: “I’m passionate about what I do but also in being a role model to young girls who might want a career in financial advice and the investment arena.

“It is not a role that women are traditionally encouraged to pursue, but that has to change, especially given the rising demand for candidates.

“It is more important than ever that people are stable and secure and flourishing financially, and it’s vital we communicate that, especially to younger people.

“The archetypal view is that financial advice is for those who are middle aged and above, that it’s inaccessible, especially for women – Celtic Financial Planning is trying to change that, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Rob is proud to have Victoria join their 12-strong team and believes she can help them to achieve their target of £100m in managed funds from 2022.

“We are building a strong, diverse and principled group which is delivering for clients and at the forefront of advances in this industry,” he added.

“Victoria is a very talented, motivated financial planner who shares our core values – we are thrilled to have her onboard.”

For more information, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

FInance, Finance and Banking

Positive outlook for Welsh finance business following North West acquisition

A TRUSTED financial advisory firm is expanding into the North West and looking to grow its workforce following a successful acquisition.

In less than three years, Celtic Financial Planning has gone from three to nine staff delivering independent financial advice on a wide range of themes, from mortgages and insurance to pensions and investment strategies.

Led by directors Rob Lewis and Nigel Dale, the multi award-winning Mold company serves North Wales but has clients across the UK, from London to the Isle of Arran.

And in past weeks they have completed the takeover of the financial advisory arm of Widnes-based Halton Insurance Services, a move that will bring a further £20m of funds and up to 100 customers under their management.

Rob and wife Ella – also part of the team – wanted to bring a “family feel” to what is a traditionally antiquated arena, a point reinforced by alarming new figures revealing more than half of independent financial advisers operating in the UK today will retire within the next 10 years.

They have done that while securing 250% growth since launching in 2018, and there is still more to come.

“We always wanted to do things differently, to be a breath of fresh air in this industry with a more digital, technological approach,” said Rob.

“We have done that, but also retained our core beliefs, which is in treating clients the way they deserve to be treated, with honesty and transparency, as if they were a part of the family.”

He added: “That has served us well; in the beginning it was just Nigel, Ella and myself, and now we have a dynamic team of nine.

“With the exciting acquisition of what is a reputable, established firm in the North West, we are recruiting for two new members of staff and will look to hopefully add two more later in the year.”

Rob, 33, had dreams of becoming an architect as a young boy, but after joining a mortgage lender straight out of high school he designed and built an alternative career for himself.

Now marking 15 years in the financial sector, he gives back to the community as part of the North Wales Social platform and is the driving force behind the Celtic Community Network, bringing businesspeople together to share best practice, advice, and guidance, while promoting each other’s services.

Celtic Financial Planning is also key sponsor of the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society, and, during the first Coronavirus lockdown, purchased a 3D printer and began manufacturing and distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) to local schools and frontline workers.

With further expansion plans in the pipeline, he says they will continue to work through the pandemic as safely and securely as possible, while trying to support other companies when they need it most.

“Like every other industry we have had our challenges, but you just have to keep going, think outside the box and do the best you can,” he said.

“That way of thinking is going to be needed in the future, which is why we are working with others in this field to try and attract and educate the next generation of financial advisers.

“Over the next 10 years, more than half of current IFAs will be retiring; demand for advice is going up and the number of people giving advice is going down, so it’s a real crisis.”

For more information from Celtic Financial Planning, visit www.celticfp.co.uk and follow them on social media at @celtic_FP.

Data, News, Technology

Video chat for customer services sees 89% growth in UK

Webhelp, a leading global customer experience and business solutions provider, has today released new research regarding consumer preferences towards video chat. The research conducted during the pandemic found that, whilst COVID-19 has resulted in an uptick in the use of video calls across both personal and professional lives, consumer preferences for the use of video calling in a customer service setting have dramatically increased at 89%. This data is underlined by the increased opportunities that Webhelp is seeing to support its clients and their customers effectively with video chat as a new channel.

The research, which polled over six thousand consumers across the UK, France and Germany, found that prior to the pandemic, only 19% of British consumers had used video-calling in a customer service setting; however, since COVID-19, that number has grown substantially. The research highlighted that 36% of consumers are now using video to interact with brands; either the same amount or more, since the pandemic started. And when asked whether they would use video calls to contact businesses after the pandemic had subsided, 34% of consumers revealed they would likely use it the same, if not more.

Vincent Tachet, Group CIO of Webhelp, comments on the findings:
“As we go into 2021, consumer behaviours are understandably continuing to change dramatically as a direct result of the pandemic. Alongside improvements in technology, this is making video chat more accessible for consumers and more successful for brands, if used in the right context. Video chat makes full use of the capabilities of the technology devices now available to consumers and agents. The interaction itself can take many forms. For example, customers can share their cameras to help identify technical issues, or agents can co-browse with the user to show product features or benefits. This can help reduce overall contact time and therefore cost-to-serve or increase the opportunity for sales conversion and additional revenue – whilst also helping take the experience to the next level for brands. Even if it is not going to be appropriate for every customer interaction, we are seeing great success in high value sales, insurance claims, and during complex or critical customer service conversations. Similarly, for our clients who are looking for new and innovative ways to market their services, video has provided some real added value and set them apart from their competitors.”

Other key findings from the Webhelp research, conducted by OnePoll, include:

• Social networking and speaking to family were the most commonly adopted use cases for video-calling, both pre and post COVID-19.
• Customers were more likely to want to use video when dealing with insurance claims, accessing hardware and technical support and when entering into high value sales and mortgage conversations.
• 25% of British consumers said they would switch to a different brand if that brand offered video chat as an additional channel for sales and customer service.
• Citizens between 25-34 years old, and people who have used video chat when contacting organizations, are more likely to express a preference for this channel.
• 24% of UK consumers expect they will keep using video as much as they do now, whilst 10% predict that they will actually use it more after the pandemic.

Helen Murray, Chief Client Solutions Officer, at Webhelp in the UK says:
“We are far from out of the danger zone when it comes to COVID-19, but given the roll out of the vaccine, we wanted to look at the impact of video calling in a post pandemic world. Our results are certainly a timely reminder that video chat is here to stay. We’re always looking at emerging channels here at Webhelp and video is fast becoming a way for our clients to differentiate themselves from their competitors. If done well and used in the right context, brands can not only improve their customer services, but also their sales too. Video calling could well give a brand a competitive advantage both now and in the future. This is certainly something we have been seeing across the brands we partner with who are already bringing this innovative channel into their customer experience journey armoury.”