Criteria & methodology

The British Specialist Lending Award winners are nominated by people from across the spectrum of the UK mortgage industry. The winners were selected using a transparent, robust, three-tier process designed to make selection as fair and independent as possible.

THE PROCESS

The first stage of the process is an invitation to the industry to nominate the individuals deemed worthy of recognition for their achievements over the last 12 months (please note that all nominations received from members of the public, including customers, will not be counted).

Once the first phase of the process is closed a shortlist is drawn up in each category based on the number and spread of nominations for a particular individual. A weighting system is applied to the overall number of nominations cast to ensure greater emphasis is placed on the relevant nominations cast from outside each nominee’s own business. Please note that there is a cap of

5 nominations received from within each nominee’s business.

Those nominees that make the shortlist of three in each category are then asked to submit a supporting testimonial based on the following questions:

QUESTION ONE

What key achievements have you delivered in the last 12 months?

This can include evidence of contribution to positive customer outcomes. This may include, but not be restricted to, new initiatives they have delivered in the last 12 months which have improved service levels, internal processes, or customer outcomes. It also includes any positive contributions they have made to the prosperity of the wider market beyond their own business performance.

QUESTION TWO

What evidence do you have to indicate successful business performance over the last 12 months?

This could be measured in growth in transaction volumes and/or profit versus the previous year. It could also, depending on the relevance of the category, include further performance indicators

such as an increase in positive feedback from either clients or lenders that demonstrates both the right customer outcomes and improved business partner relations, or an increase in business

won by recommendation, or increasing net promoter scores or reducing customer complaints. It could also evidence the delivery of any change and innovation that has had a positive effect on the

business beyond just financial results.

QUESTION THREE

Why should you win the award?

Nominees are invited to tell us in their own words about their achievements and why they think they should win.

A respected industry panel is used for the next stage of the process.

The judges are handpicked for their experience and knowledge of the market and are a representative sample of providers, distributors and supporting services who can give a reasoned and balanced view on each of the candidates on the shortlists.

Those on the shortlist in each category are invited to attend a 15-minute interview. The judges will use their market knowledge, the details from the submitted testimonials and the strength of the interview to determine the winners.