"We covered a wide range of topics and I got the impression that there was still more to discuss. Plenty for the next debate."
Mortgage market experts agreed that the intermediary market will play a critical role in the future UK lending landscape during a session at at the inaugural Square 1 Media Mortgage Market Debate.
The first event recently took place in London 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 intermediary sales at HSBC, Dirk Bekker, director of DMFCO, Brian Pitt, CEO at Rockstead, and Jackie Bennett OBE, chair of the Bank of England Residential Property Forum and ex-director of mortgages at UK Finance.
The 90-minute panel debate covered a 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.
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 commented: “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 added: “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”.
