Intermediary market to play critical role in the future UK lending landscape

06 June 2023

Panellists at the inaugural Square 1 Media Mortgage Market Debate were united in highlighting the critical role mortgage intermediaries will play in the future UK lending landscape.

The Mortgage Market Debate is an exclusive, invite-only event hosted by PR and communications agency, Square 1 Media. The first event recently took place in the Great Room at The Royal Society of Arts in London in May and was sponsored by technology and design agency, MagiClick, and CRM system provider, One Mortgage System (OMS).

The aim of the Debate is to bring together senior leaders and stakeholders from across the mortgage industry and encourage frank and honest debate – under Chatham House rules - on a range of topics affecting the UK mortgage market today, and in the future.

Panellists included Richard Beardshaw, Head of Sales, Mortgage Intermediaries at HSBC plc, Dirk Bekker, Director of DMFCO, Jackie Bennett OBE, Chair, Bank of England Residential Property Forum and ex-Director of Mortgages at UK Finance and Brian Pitt, CEO at Rockstead. The debate was chaired by the highly-respected journalist and industry spokesperson, Paula John.

The 90-minute panel debate covered a wide range of topics including interest rates, house prices, the impact of the cost of living crisis, Consumer Duty and how this might change the intermediary/lender relationship, price-led competition, potential EPC legislation, acquisitions and consolidation, how to raise ESG standards, tackling the housing supply gap and the role of intermediaries in the future UK lending landscape.

Square 1 Media is planning to hold its next Mortgage Market Debate at the end of November 2023. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Paul Hunt, Managing Director at Square 1 Media, commented:
“The feedback from the event has been hugely positive and it was great to see so many people take the time out of their busy schedules to attend what proved to be a fascinating, insightful and highly enjoyable day.”

Jackie Bennett OBE, Chair, Bank of England Residential Property Forum and ex-Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, added:
“I was delighted to be part of the panel for the inaugural Mortgage Market Debate. We covered a wide range of topics and I got the impression that there was still more to discuss. Plenty for the next debate."

Brian Pitt, CEO at Rockstead, said:
“A quality event hosted by a quality team in a great venue. It’s always pleasing to get proper debate going with experienced people, who like me, have been in the market for a long time. I enjoyed our conversation and my thanks to the organisers, contributors and audience for an enjoyable day”.

For further information on Square 1 Media, please visit: www.square1media.co.uk