The Intermediary – May 2025 - Flipbook - Page 37
RESIDENTIAL
Opinion
A beautiful
friendship
I
n the bustling heart of Covent
Garden, the red carpet was
ceremoniously rolled out and
the road fiingly closed – this
may or may not have coincided
with a star-studded musical
premier – as Santander welcomed
a number, but by no means an
exhaustive list, of ‘who’s whos’ from
across the intermediary industry. The
event: an opportunity to break bread
together, hosted by our new head of
homes, David Morris.
David spoke passionately about his
vision and strategy for Santander.
He wanted the aendees to know
that, since joining Santander for
Intermediaries (SFI) a short six
months ago, he’s listened to the
voices of the ones doing the doing
in this industry. This feedback –
good, bad and ugly – has helped
shape the strategy for 2025, and is
genuinely priceless!
The bar was set earlier this year
as Santander’s Broker Pledges were
released to market:
We won’t dual price. Period.
We will give at least 24 hours’ notice
on product withdrawals. Always.
We will improve our product
transfer (PT) proposition.
Consistently.
We took the evening as an
opportunity to further pledge that
we would continue to be loud, proud
and disruptive, not simply follow the
pack. It’s not just talk; we’ve proven
ways in which we will walk the walk
already in Q1 by being the first lender
to introduce a sub-4% rate and take
decisive, swi action on the Financial
Conduct Authority’s (FCA) clarity
around affordability rates.
The subtext: Santander is the
broker’s friend – we care, we are
listening and we’re back with a
vengeance! David also vowed that the
strategic approach will see a sustained
and strong drip of positive change
with consistent enhancements that
help our brokers help their clients.
Actions speak louder than pledges,
and what was evident from feedback
was that this is being felt by the
market. The topics raised on the
AIMEE-JO SHUTT
is key account manager
at Santander
night ranged from ways we can
work together to shape the future of
mortgage regulation, upcoming FCA
consultations, and the benefits of the
new affordability calculations. We
heard some expected questions around
procuration fees, as well as clubs and
networks, and discussed the more
unexpected topics of shark aacks and
viral YouTube sensations – and that
was just on my table! I know I don’t
just speak for myself when I say the
evening felt less like a networking
event and more like a reunion of old
friends and a creation of new ones.
To end on a quote, handsomely
borrowed from Casablanca – they
don’t make them like that anymore –
our host David said: “This is the start
of a beautiful friendship.” How true!
A friendship that is demonstrated by
trust, communication, consistency
and collaboration. ●
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