Category: Marketing

On March 28^th we held our Annual Conference at Twickenham Stadium, and it did not disappoint! From the buzzing Exhibition Hall to Martin Bayfield’s anecdotes, it wasn’t a Conference to forget. Our Head of Sales and Marketing, Sharon Mawby, gives you a run down of what happened and shares some photos from the day!

We had such a fantastic day at our Annual Conference and I’m so pleased with how it went. Twickenham was the perfect venue and right from kick off there was a buzz of excitement with a record breaking 256 advisers attending.

The Exhibition Hall was packed with lenders and providers engaging with brokers and early feedback from our brokers has suggested the 1-2-1 meetings were incredibly worthwhile as well as the masterclass streams.

This year we decided to bring back the panel debate which was one of the highlights of the day for me. It was great to see brokers getting the chance to direct some of their questions to industry experts on some of the current hot topics.

And what about the keynote speech from Martin Bayfield? He was great, and everyone found his stories incredibly funny!

Ultimately, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who attended or helped make our Conference so special. A huge thank you to our advisers, lenders and providers, and the Mortgage Intelligence team for making it one to remember!

Take a look through the picture gallery below and see if you can spot yourself!

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To become a member of our award-winning network or club contact us today on 0345 130 7446.

With 2019 just around the corner there’s no better time to start planning your marketing strategy and improve the way you do things. Our Senior Marketing Executive, Nick Terry, gives you his top five marketing tips to make your goals more achievable.

Know your audience

For me, my first marketing tip for advisers, or any business, is to know your audience and know where their attention is. You must recognise which platforms your customers and potential customers engage with but also find out what questions they’re asking, then you can try to answer those questions.

Add value with content

Producing regular content through a website or blog is a great way to grow your brand but it’s important to get this right. With your content you don’t want to oversell your business but rather give away your knowledge for free. Adding this value in advance means that people will trust you and think you’re credible.

I know that as brokers you’re busy and often don’t have the time to write your own content, which is why at Mortgage Intelligence we have articles ready to be downloaded and used. Just log in to Broker Zone and go to Services > Marketing > Content Marketing.

Don’t neglect existing customers

As advisers you may already have a big client bank. It’s always important that you make sure you don’t neglect your existing customers while chasing new ones – be sure to check in every so often with your existing customers to see if their circumstances have changed or to see if you can help them in any way.

Tell stories

People react to people. A big part of your marketing approach these days should be focused on demonstrating the successes of your clients. Call it a case study or a testimonial, but essentially, you’re telling a story, and in the process making your business relatable to a potential customer. For example, instead of a couple posting a photo of the inside of their new house in celebration of completing on a mortgage, a more powerful photo would be for them to take a selfie of themselves in the house. This way when you’re viewing the photo you’re already starting to create a story for them in your head, making the imagery more engaging.

Reviews and Feedback

One of the key things that can really help your marketing strategy is by getting feedback and reviews. Many potential customers now read online reviews that can heavily impact their buying decisions. Asking every customer to leave a review on google or your website (asking face to face always works best!) should slowly build up your reviews for new potential customers to read. This process, linking back to my first point, will also allow you get to know your customer better and what questions they’re asking!

We have many services available on Broker Zone to help you with your marketing proposition from content that will add value to promotional materials, all signed off by compliance and ready to use. Give our fantastic marketing team an email if you would like some more information marketing@experiencemi.co.uk.

Join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative, or become a member of our Mortgage Club, to start benefiting from our fantastic range of comprehensive services and support. Call the Broker Support Team on 0345 130 7446 (opt 1) to find out more.

Nathan Reilly spoke with Business Development Manager Andy Yates from Teachers Building Society to chat about what Teachers Building Society can teach the financial services industry, why he loves his job and his West Country roots.

Andy has over 30 years’ experience working in the financial services industry. Having worked with high street lenders, as an adviser, regulated trainer, T&C supervisor and regional manager he has a huge amount of knowledge about mortgages and the wider financial industry.

 How do you help both Network and Club members?

The recent broadening of our lending criteria means that we are now available to all occupations nationally, we’re like a new lender option for you. As a smaller regional building society you can quickly build a relationship with us as you have continuity of contact points with the broker team, we provide an excellent speed of service, access to in-house underwriters for decisions, strong affordability at higher LTV with our 5 times income cap available up to 90% LTV (95% LTV for teachers) and we’re also able to consider future contracts and probationary periods.

 What sectors do Teachers Building Society specialise in?

Our lending is based on criteria rather than price, we can help FTB or First Time Movers requiring higher affordability at higher LTV. We are happy to consider an applicant’s future contract and those starting on a probationary period – useful where payslips are not yet available. We support the government Help to Buy schemes both purchase and re-mortgage and provide a 95% lending option for shared ownership clients. Specific teacher criteria include:  Newly Qualified Teachers on their first one year contract are treated as permanently employed and Supply Teachers can be considered once they have a track record of two academic terms.

What is it that surprises advisers when you talk to them?

That we have broadened our lending criteria to support all occupations – not just teachers! Our 5 times income multiple remains available up to 90% LTV … and 95% LTV if you are a teacher.

What’s the best part of your role as Business Development Manager?

Easy answer – the day to day contact with advisers and being able to provide a solution. I really enjoy the relationship side of the BDM role, its great working with established adviser relationships and as one of the smaller regional building societies, I enjoy the opportunity of presenting and meeting new broker firms.

 What can Teachers Building Society teach the financial services industry?

Good question – I’d say use our experience of the Teacher profession sector, future contracts, pension contributions, supply teachers etc. Every lender will aim for first class service levels and Teachers is no different – if you’ve not used us before give us a call.

 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I’m a West Country lad, so I would move back to the south west, somewhere on the coast like Shaldon – it’s a lovely spot with some great local pubs. The Shaldon car sticker I saw made me smile “A beautiful drinking village ruined by fishing.”

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Playing on my West Country roots, I’d opt for a pasty!

Join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative, or become a member of our Mortgage Club, to start benefiting from our fantastic range of comprehensive services and support. Call the Broker Support Team on 0345 130 7446 (opt 1) to find out more.

From webinars to our annual conference, here at MI we have a wide range of Business Development Events on offer for members of our network and club. It’s one of the areas that has seen huge growth within the company and an area that constantly receives fantastic feedback. Our head of Sales and Marketing, Sharon Mawby, gives you a run through of exactly what it is we do.

Conference

Get ready for our biggest conference yet! With plans underway 2019’s conference promises more exhibitors, live panel discussions, seminar streams and keynote speakers. Last year we were at the amazing Ascot for such an outstanding event. But this March we want to go bigger and better, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest clues, updates and info on our twitter and Linked In.

MI Live

Mortgage Intelligence hits the road twice a year with a series of informative half-day workshops. Each venue has a number of round table discussions with lenders and providers as well as guest speakers from industry experts. We received fantastic feedback from those who attended MI Live in June with comments like:

“Flawless as usual”, “Interesting, informative and intelligent”, “Adds value to my company”, “Perfect event as always”, “Excellent presentations in a relaxed, informal atmosphere”.

Our next set of MI Live roadshows are at the beginning of October where we will be heading to Wakefield, Watford and Bristol and you can get involved on twitter with #MILive18 and register on Broker Zone.

MI Online

If you want to experience our events but have a busy schedule then we cater for you too. MI Online is a series of interactive webinars and virtual events with some of our leading lenders, providers and selected business partners which offer you year round training and development without even having to leave your office.

In 2019 we aim to keep on growing our list of events and make our current ones even better – so stay tuned!

For more information on our Business Development Events or details on how to become a member of our fantastic mortgage network or club, call 0345 130 7446.

We love shouting about all the fantastic marketing services we offer advisers. This is one of the areas that has seen some of the biggest expansions and developments recently, and our advisers are grabbing the opportunity to build their business, advertise their brand, and stay in contact with their clients!

Promotional Materials

We offer both appointed representatives of Mortgage Intelligence and directly authorised advisers of Next Intelligence free and modern marketing designs to help promote and advertise their business.

All of our compliant marketing designs can be branded with your company logo and contact details free of charge!* We offer a full range of posters and datasheets in a variety of sizes from A2 to A5. Alternatively, we offer digital versions for use on a variety of social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter in order to maximise your reach.

*Printing costs are not covered, but a quote from our recommended printers can be provided

Consumer Newsletter**

One of our flagship marketing services is the free consumer newsletter. We send out a compliant newsletter featuring three articles every month to your clients that have agreed to receive marketing from you. Staying in touch with your client database post-appointment is imperative and a great way to engage with existing clients.

**Available for appointed representatives of Mortgage Intelligence only

Content Marketing

We provide a whole range of free compliant content that can be used for blogs, emails and for sharing on social media. Our stories cover a variety of subjects that you provide advice on, including mortgages, industry changes, and protection.

Letter Templates

Most recently we have introduced our easy to use letter and email templates for you to send to clients at the right time. It’s important to stay in touch with clients, and our range of letters will ensure you can keep up to date with your client’s current circumstances.

Websites

Create the perfect website to represent you and your company through an approved partner, specialised intermediary Websites and Website Plug-ins. Choosing from mortgage calculators, plug-ins, Best Buy tables and consumer mortgage sourcing, they’ll take you through the process from start to finish or help you to simply enhance your current site and transform your online marketing strategy.

Social media support

Social media has revolutionised the way we do business. Each platform can help reach new customers, engage with existing clients, increase traffic to your website, and best of all, has no direct costs to worry about. As well as the digital marketing designs we offer, we also have social media guidelines to help ensure you post and engage with clients compliantly.

Event Support

As an expert in your industry, we think it’s a great idea to host a mortgage and protection clinic in your area. Our events support include a Quick Start Guide, an Introductory Letter, a Pack Template to help promote your event, and a template to thank attendees. Plus recommended supplier links for print and design.

For more information on our marketing material and details on how to become a member of our fantastic mortgage network or club, call 0345 130 7446.

Head of Sales and Marketing Sharon Mawby rounds up another fantastic year of award-winning support and services for appointed representatives

What a year 2017 was! We have made plenty of great changes and expanded our services across all our departments. We have put a big focus on making things simple and useful, and adviser satisfaction and success has been our reward. We listen to the feedback of appointed representatives and respond to their needs, which means we always deliver the most useful and relevant services.

So what have we been doing for appointed representatives in 2017?

The Sales Team

The phones on the desk are always ringing with advisers looking for guidance and time-saving support. The Broker Support Team keep up to date on criteria, to help answer complicated questions regarding industry changes.

With many big industry moves and lenders added to panel in 2017, our experts on the desk have been receiving lender training all year round, and sit with lender representatives to work through criteria and USPs.

The Protection Helpdesk has been a big part of the protection success for advisers in 2017. Many appointed representatives find the time-saving initiatives provided by the desk simply invaluable. They call the underwriters to find the most accurate indication of terms, to save appointed representatives crucial time to spend with their clients.

Relationship Development Consultant Nicole Smith has been on hand to work with appointed representatives on building business and dealing with issues. Nicole troubleshoots problems, points advisers towards suitable services and supports recruitment and business development.

The Marketing Team

We launched a new suite of promotional materials at the start of 2017, and so many appointed representatives have embraced the new range. We have worked on bringing modern and relevant marketing options to advisers, such as posters and sales aids to use with clients. It’s so satisfying to see our new designs used everywhere from office windows to social media pages.

Plenty of appointed representatives have also been taking advantage of the fantastic free client newsletter service, which sends out three relevant stories directly to clients once a month. This now goes out to over 20,000 clients and appointed representatives often receive leads as a result.

Our free adviser magazine Insight has also been developed in 2017, to bring even more stories, interviews and adviser tips. After listening to appointed representative feedback, we also now offer the magazine as a digital download.

Commissions Team

The Commissions Team have been developing automation and processes to help deliver faster payments, whilst maintaining the highest level of accuracy. We know how important cash flow is for appointed representatives, and our express payment service is an essential part of that. We therefore ensure the entire team is well trained in processing all the different types of payments.

Working closely with the IT Team, the Commissions Team have transformed the way that statements are processed, to ensure an even more water-tight system. The Commissions Team never stop looking for innovative ways to ensure appointed representatives get their fees quickly, without deviating from our very high service standards.

Product Development Team

One of the busiest departments in 2017, the Product Development Team have been adding even more lenders and providers to panel. This includes mainstream and specialist lenders, to give appointed representatives plenty of options with which to help clients. The team has also developed a number of exclusives designed for the needs of appointed representatives and their clients.

With so many new additions to panel and industry changes, we knew how important this year’s events were going to be. That’s why the team have delivered plenty of webinars and workshops, as well as a brand new Specialist Lending Event, to ensure engaging and insightful support for appointed representatives.

After listening to appointed representative feedback and analysing the market, the protection panel proposition has also been refreshed. This includes the development and expansion of two new panels, and the implementation of protection portal software SolutionBuilder.

The IT Team

Working behind the scenes to bring the best technological solutions to appointed representatives, the IT Team have been developing several in-house systems and integrated a range of new software. The Team also work to help appointed representatives in their day to day business, by developing the adviser website Broker Zone, helping it run smoothly and work for appointed representatives at all times.

SolutionBuilder has also been developed to support client protection conversations. This new addition means that appointed representatives now have the ability to research, quote and compare protection needs. This has now been integrated with our point of sale system, and supports single and multi-benefited products.

The Business Assurance Team and Authorisations

The Business Assurance Team have continued to focus on case quality in 2017, by educating appointed representatives on systems and processes. Many appointed representatives were invited in to visit the office in 2017 and spend time with the team, to give them the opportunity to see a case being assessed from our perspective.

To continue to support case quality in 2017, the Business Assurance Team have launched a useful catalogue of videos, which show appointed representatives exactly what a case checker reviews on each section of an assessment.

The Business Assurance Team and Managers have been working closely to ensure a consistent message is delivered to appointed representatives. The Business Assurance Team are there to both protect and support advisers, and the team regularly consult with advisers on presenting cases and documentation requirements.

Authorisations has been moved back in-house, allowing more control on timescales and developing relationships with new appointed representatives coming on board. This has enabled them to work on the smooth transition from application to authorised adviser, and be the first port of call for appointed representatives when they join the Network.

The Compliance Team

The Compliance Team have been providing more than just telephone-based support for appointed representatives. They also write policies, processes and create material to promote positive consumer outcomes to further protect appointed representatives. The team also produce and control risk logs, implement FCA rule changes and deal with consumer complaints.

The team’s regular bulletins are a really important way to get messages through to advisers, as well as the Compliance Resources page on Broker Zone, which is always being updated to support appointed representatives on a daily basis. With many industry changes and new rules in 2017, the team have ensured they are getting the messages out to appointed representatives and keeping them updated.

Join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative, or become a member of our Mortgage Club, to start benefiting from our fantastic range of comprehensive services and support. Call the Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446 (opt 1) to find out more.

Head of Sales and Marketing Sharon Mawby discusses all the benefits that Appointed Representatives of Mortgage Intelligence receive as a part of the network.

Marketing

Consumer newsletter

The consumer newsletter is a completely free email marketing service for Appointed Representative advisers. The newsletter features three mortgage and protection articles which we send out once a month to your clients on your behalf. They are branded to reflect your company and include contact details as well as links to your website and social media channels. Advisers find them excellent touchpoints for clients and have received leads directly from the communications.

Promotional materials

The new range of contemporary promotional materials are available to all our Appointed Representatives. The range includes posters, datasheets and digital advertising material – everything you need to help you engage your customers. They can be customised to include your company logo and contact details. All of the promotional materials are free to order, you just have to cover the cost if you want to print them!

Content marketing

A range of compliant and relevant articles are available for all Appointed Representatives to download free of charge on our broker website, Broker Zone. They are great to use as blogs on your website and can be shared via social media and email.

Training and development

Mortgage Intelligence Events

Mortgage Intelligence Online is where you can sign up to upcoming webinars and catch up on webinars you may have missed. The virtual events offer training and development to gain CPD hours without the need to leave your office.

We also host a range of events which you can attend throughout the year including workshops and an annual conference. Our informative events are attended by leading lenders, providers and selected business partners.

Monthly magazine

All our Appointed Representatives receive an issue of our monthly magazine, Insight. The magazine includes a variety of product and criteria news from lenders and providers, industry articles to keep you posted on the market as well as all the latest network updates.

Protection support

Our National Account Manager for Protection is in place to support Appointed Representatives with internal, on-site protection training to give you the skills and knowledge to boost your protection sales.

Business Assurance Manager

As an Appointed Representative you will also receive a dedicated Business Assurance Manager (BAM). Your BAM will be a great point of contact for support and will monitor the quality of your business to ensure you are giving the best advice possible. This should help you retain and gain new business.

Broker Support Team

Broker Support Desk

The Broker Support Desk can help you with hard to place mortgage enquiries. They have knowledge of criteria from all of the 50+ lenders that are on panel. The team regularly receive specialist training to ensure you are getting the best support possible.

Protection Help Desk

The Protection Help Desk can call around your panel to give you an indication of any premium loadings that may be applied. This helps you get the best deal for your clients and saves you the time of calling around providers.

Relationship Development Consultant

Appointed Representatives are also supported by a Relationship Development Consultant (RDC). Your dedicated RDC is there to ensure that as one of our Appointed Representatives you are aware of the benefits available to you. They are also the first point of contact if you have any lender or provider issues that require assistance.

If you want to enjoy all the services that we offer our Appointed Representatives, then call our Broker Support Team on 0345 130 7446 (option 1) to find out more!

We have created a range of promotional materials that all Mortgage Intelligence appointed representative and directly authorised advisers can order free of charge. They can be customised to include the firm’s company logo and contact details. The range includes posters, datasheets and digital materials; everything that is needed to engage customers.

See how our advisers have been using the promotional materials!

Posters and Datasheets

One of advisers has been making great use of the posters and datasheets to brighten up their office and window!

Digital Materials

Lots of our advisers have been busy sharing their new digital materials on social media.

The digital materials look great when scrolling through LinkedIn on a mobile.

If you are a member they are available for you to order!

How to order:

• Visit Broker Zone – https://brokerzone.experiencemi.co.uk/services/marketingsupport/promotionalmaterials/
• Browse all the materials available
• Fill in the form at the bottom of the page with your order
• The Marketing team will then be in contact to send you your promotional materials
• Please be aware we don’t cover printing costs

Any questions?

Call marketing on 0845 130 7446 (option 7) for further marketing support.

If you would like to know more about how to join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, call our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.

Head of Sales and Marketing Sharon Mawby spoke to Content Marketing Executive Ross Shapland, who is officially the biggest nerd at Mortgage Intelligence … and that includes the IT department!

Ross has been with Mortgage Intelligence for nearly 5 years and worked on the Commissions Team before fulfilling his passion for content writing by joining the Marketing Team. Ross also has 5 years of previous experience within the financial industry and a degree in English Literature from the University of Southampton.

Tell us more about your role as Content Marketing Executive at Mortgage Intelligence…

“My role mainly involves coordinating our monthly publication, Insight. I also spend a lot of time researching and writing content for Insight and the consumer newsletters, which is a free marketing service we offer Appointed Representatives of Mortgage Intelligence.”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“As I write the magazine articles along with the consumer facing articles, I enjoy the challenge of adopting different writing styles and techniques depending on the content I need to produce.”

At MI we love to celebrate the success of employees, what has been your biggest achievement at the company so far?

“I am very proud of how far Insight has come since I started working on it in 2015. It has had a complete overhaul since I moved to the marketing team. The design is now much cleaner and in line with our brand and there are more editorials and useful content to help advisers stay up to date on what is going on in the industry.”

What other beneficial marketing support does Mortgage Intelligence offer advisers?

“The Marketing Team has recently redesigned all the promotional materials content available for advisers to order, including posters, datasheets and digital materials. They are great because advisers can have them personalised with their details and company logo.”

Here at the MI head office you are well known as a film enthusiast, what is your all-time favourite film?

“It has to be There Will Be Blood! I have a lot of favourites but it’s the only non-sci-fi film to make my list. For what is essentially a historical drama, I find it genuinely enthralling.”

You are also known for some of your quirky hobbies…

“Ahh yes, I assume you are talking about my design hobbies! I have recently taken to creating my own personalised Monopoly boards and trump cards.”

And finally, as always we have to talk about food! Where is your favourite place to grab lunch in town?

“Five Guys at the moment. The crispy bacon topping on their burgers is absolutely phenomenal!”

If you would like to know more about how to join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, call our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.

Marketing Assistant Emily Watts talks about how much she has progressed since joining Mortgage Intelligence, and how proud she is to have helped transform the marketing services for advisers…

Straight off the back of her degree in Business Studies and Marketing, Emily has brought a host of new ideas and relevant skills to the company since joining Mortgage Intelligence. Emily has completely transformed and refreshed the promotional materials, creating contemporary and relevant designs for both traditional and digital advertising.

What have you found the most challenging thing about your role?

“It is a steep learning curve for any new team members who are unfamiliar with the industry. This has meant working closely with other teams such as products and especially compliance, to give me a better understanding on how to help brokers keep within the guidelines, as well as attract new clients.”

What do you find advisers currently need the most support in?

“We have found that more advisers want to reach out to clients through social media. That is why we now offer a whole new range of digital advertising. This gives potential clients an idea about how the adviser can help them find the right mortgage and protect their finances. Advisers are responding really well to the new designs and we have had plenty of orders to keep the team busy!”

What are you most proud of so far in your role?

“Apart from creating all the new promotional materials, I am proud of how much I have grown as a marketing professional in such as a short time. Working on the marketing team means delivering a range of services to advisers. This includes running webinars, updating Broker Zone, creating newsflashes, designing marketing materials and delivering guidance and support to advisers. I am very lucky to be so multi-skilled already and I am proud to be developing and accomplishing so much.”

Where would be your dream holiday destination?

“That’s a hard question! I guess for me Fiji would be top of my list. But as long as there is sun, palm trees and cocktails I am happy.”

What do you miss the most about university?

“I am ashamed to admit I miss spending the afternoon watching Gossip Girl when I should be studying.”

With so much choice of cuisine in Bournemouth, what is currently your favourite restaurant to eat at?

“That question is easier for me, it has to be Koh Thai! I have always liked Thai food, so I feel lucky to have plenty of restaurants to choose from around Bournemouth!”

If you would like to know more about how to join our award-winning Mortgage Network as an appointed representative or becoming a member of our Mortgage Club, call our Broker Support Team on 0845 130 7446, option 1.