In terms of its mortgage business, Just Retirement has focused on making sure brokers have relevant training so they can do their jobs better, said David Cooper, director of marketing of Just Retirement.
The company has offered training in the equity release mortgage product. “We are continually encouraging IFAs to enter the equity release market and we think it will grow in the future,” Mr Cooper said.
The company also does extensive surveys, with more than 12,000 new customers being asked about the service they received.
And Mr Cooper said it was important that IFAs and brokers know that Just Retirement is an active player in the market.
“Underpinning all of that, we maintain a constant competitive position so advisers are never unsure about whether we are in the market or not,” Mr Cooper said. The company also has also doubled the size of its sales team.
“They are knowledgeable, helpful and always getting things right,” he said.
Halifax
One of the top priorities for Halifax this year has been in improving technology, said Ian Wilson, its head of sales.
“We’re really conscious not to make changes and use technology for the sake of it – only when it makes a real difference to brokers’ day-to-day lives,” Mr Wilson explained. “I’m confident that we’ve achieved that balance with the new online application system.” That is because the company called in brokers who were very involved in the development of the online system. “It was designed by brokers for brokers. It’s addressing the things that matter to them,” he said. Among the things that the online system now allows for is greater control, increased functionality, real-time communication, among other aspects Mr Wilson outlined. Especially in this challenging time Halifax remains “absolutely committed to intermediaries”. He said: “We want to make sure that brokers have access to the products and services that allow them to provide their own clients with outstanding service.”
