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Lenders exiting the market has caused much debate and whether or when they will return causes even more conversation. Some of the exits have been high profile, while others just temporary blips.

It is fair to assume we will continue to see fewer lenders for the moment. Even if we start to see lenders entering back into the market they will almost certainly be with new criteria and policies.

It must be acknowledged that withdrawing a product range does not automatically mean a complete exit from lending.

It was inevitable with fewer players in the market to choose from many lenders saw an increase in applications, which of course had a knock-on effect on the service levels they could offer.

We, like many other lenders made no secret of the fact we were not prepared to let our level of service suffer and so made some short-term exits allowing more manageable business levels. Exiting completely was never on our horizon.

Throughout this period our commitment to introduced lending remained as strong as ever, in fact it was our commitment to our advisers that prompted our decision.

There are fewer lenders than there was 12 months ago but there are still plenty of competitive deals to choose from. The net result is fewer, but more financially strong lenders. Is that such a bad thing?

Vicki O'Connell is public and media relations manager for Chelsea Building Society