Scarborough Specialist Mortgages Urges Intermediaries To Get Connected

Press release published on 11 September 2006 by Scarborough Building Society

Scarborough Building Society has launched a dedicated website for its new specialist lending brand, Scarborough Specialist Mortgages (SSM).

Accessible via Scarborough’s existing broker site, www.scarboroughintermediaries.co.uk, the new site provides an opportunity for intermediaries to log their details in order to receive the latest news on developments regarding the launch of the new non-prime lending brand.

The site contains the latest available information, including the unique approach and service commitment which form the basis of the new lending brand – and what intermediaries can expect from it.

Those signing up for information will receive regular email alerts on progress towards SSM’s planned October launch, including product specifications and lending criteria.

The site also contains a blog, or online discussion forum, giving intermediaries the chance to take part in debates led by Scarborough’s Relationship Manager, Simon Evans, about developments within the specialist arena.

Post-launch, the website will provide intermediaries with access to products and other information related to Scarborough’s core and specialist brands, depending on the needs of their clients.

In the New Year, Scarborough will launch an online portal for online decisions, e-applications and case tracking.

Scarborough’s Head of Group Marketing, Tony Burdin, said: ‘As we gear up for our planned October launch date, we felt it was important to keep intermediaries fully informed with the very latest information about the ongoing development of our new specialist brand.

‘We are also keen to build further relationships with intermediaries, recognising that they will play a key distribution role with our new offering, and we felt that a dedicated website would be an ideal way of doing this.

‘We hope that intermediaries will take the time to have a look at the website and find out more about the exciting proposition we believe SSM will offer them – as well as registering to receive the latest information as it becomes available.’

Group Relationship Manager Simon Evans, who is responsible for developing Scarborough’s intermediary links, added: ‘There is currently a considerable amount of debate within the specialist lending arena – including discussion about the number of new entrants.

‘We think this is healthy in a mature sector which is undergoing a great deal of change in response to social and consumer demands. Therefore, we were keen to encourage the kind of debate which will help to move things forward – while also enabling us to get a further insight into the views of brokers and packagers and what they want to see offered by lenders such as ourselves.

‘We will take a close look at the input we receive, and look to responding accordingly.’

Background to Scarborough Specialist Mortgages

• Innovation Through Simplicity - Straightforward product structure, market leading criteria, competitive rates and attractive procuration fees
• Access To Experienced Underwriters – Commonsense underwriting and individual case management, backed by leading edge technology
• Intermediary Choice – Deal direct, via a network or mortgage club, or through a panel packager; the choice is yours; also, brokers can still access SBS products where appropriate
• Part Of the Growing Scarborough Group – a multi-brand business encompassing mortgage origination, asset trading and third party servicing

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