Poll
In the Spotlight with Nick Jones of Blemain Finance
“We have some big news on the horizon”
Nick Jones, National Sales Manager at Blemain, caught up with Loan Talk to discuss the launch of its new broker portal, My Broker Venue…
1. How does Blemain Finance stand out in an overcrowded market?
I believe that only one area of the market is overcrowded and that is funding for prime cases but Blemain Finance offers funding facilities for the whole of the market. We can provide flexible funding for BTL and larger loans (£500,000), on top of our standard secured loan range.
Our common sense approach to lending is a real point of difference, as each case is handled by one of our case managers, not an automated computer system. This means we understand the specific requirements of our broker network and their clients on an individual basis. We don’t credit score and also have a roving underwriter facility in the office.
2. What has been the most successful product you have launched in the past six months?
We haven’t launched new products in that period, as we focus on our consistently successful products, such as residential secured loans. We develop our products to ensure they are continuing to meet the clients’ needs by taking the time to listen to our broker network.
3. What were your reasons for joining Blemain Finance?
I joined Blemain Finance 10 years ago and the things that attracted me back then still remain today, in that my role is a fast-paced one and I work on a great variety of cases, which keeps me on my toes.
Blemain Finance has a real appetite for lending and I love working with our broker network to deliver innovative funding solutions. The company also has an entrepreneurial spirit and we’re always looking into new avenues to explore, which makes it a great place to work. Plus I have an outstanding team around me that I work with every day.
4. What developments do we expect to see from Blemain Finance this year?
One of the big developments within the company is the launch of the new broker portal, My Broker Venue, which has been developed in line with feedback from brokers and again is tailored to suit their individual needs. We’ve integrated various platforms into the portal, such as Hometrack and Equifax, and we have some further improvements planned so that it will essentially allow full online application.
There are also some really exciting developments ahead in terms of the brand itself, so we have some big news on the horizon, but I can’t say too much at this stage.
5. Did you always want to work in finance?
It was only once I started working in finance that it got under my skin. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve fallen in love with the finance industry and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
6. What will be the biggest hurdle for the second charge market this year?
Getting prepared for regulation. It’s great that the industry is setting new standards but with this comes a lot of groundwork. There are many new ways of thinking coming into the marketplace due to regulation, for both brokers and lenders, and it is these developments which will be a huge challenge to all involved over the next 12 months.
7. What is your opinion on new lenders launching into an already crowded market?
The more the merrier I say - the industry needs more lenders. In my opinion new lenders entering the market need to offer brokers something different which allows them to grow and ultimately the industry to grow too.
8. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly…. No surprise the one difficulty in the role I have is the traffic and the travel. This superpower would certainly aid getting around the country and seeing more brokers!
9. How has Blemain Finance grown in the past years?
In 2014 we celebrated our 40th year in business with impressive results and the future looks very bright. We have a growing lending book and have invested heavily in infrastructure and our systems.
One of the factors that has contributed to that growth is that we take the time to understand the marketplace we are in – we believe in listening to brokers so that we can understand their clients’ needs, making it easy for them to work with us.
10. What is your favourite aspect of your role at Blemain Finance?
As much as I do love the administration side, for me it’s all about partnering with brokers. I love working with brokers to identify opportunities and supporting them whenever we can. There are so many different personalities and characters in our marketplace; it is certainly an industry which is second to none.
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