"There’s still brokers out there who refuse to see BDMs. The marketing emails and sourcing systems are good, but it is beneficial to meet with BDMs to discuss the offering in full."
This week, we spoke to Louise Roderick-Smith, senior business manager at Keystone Property Finance, about why all brokers should make time to see BDMs and who she would nominate in the WRAs.
FR: What area do you cover?
I cover the Midlands strip which includes most of the West and East Midlands plus most of Norfolk.
FR: If you had one ‘top tip’ for life as a BDM, what would it be?
Try your best to learn and use the application submission system that your company uses. It isn’t always easy when out on the road, but it can benefit the BDM with seeing what business their brokers are submitting and for also keeping the office updated with any particular updates on cases.
FR: How do you pass the time on the road - books, podcasts, audiobooks?
My time at the moment is taken with intensely listening to the SatNav so I can get familiar to the area. It is my saviour! Otherwise it is listening to the radio and I must admit I try to catch the music quiz on BBC Radio 2 in the morning.
FR: What’s one thing you wish all brokers knew?
I appreciate brokers time is precious, but it is worthwhile to make some time to see BDMs to gain a better understanding of what is being offered by the particular lenders. There’s still brokers out there who refuse to see BDMs. The marketing emails and sourcing systems are good, but it is beneficial to meet with BDMs to discuss the offering in full.
FR: A quick email on Monday or a phone call in the afternoons - how can brokers contact you?
Emails or phone calls are fine with me. I will try and get back to brokers between meetings during the day and if not, it will be later when I have finished my meetings. I always tell brokers that the internal BDMs in the office, who do a great job, can assist with anything that needs a quick answer as I don’t want to delay a response.
FR: What’s your favourite place to stop for a coffee when you’re between meetings?
I seem to have a magnet which attracts me to McDonalds and Subway! I tend to stop though at the Corley services on the way home where I’ll have a break from the delightful M6 50mph average speed restrictions and will have a look through emails.
FR: Financial Reporter has recently launched its second Women’s Recognition Awards – who would you nominate and why?
I would nominate Clare Jupp, people development director at Brightstar. I have never met Clare but from what I read she is doing a lot to assist with the development of others and is achieving a lot. I wish someone like Clare had been available when I started out.
To nominate either yourself or someone who deserves to be recognised in their field, visit http://www.frwra.co.uk/.
