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Know Your BDM: Paul MacDuff, NatWest

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  • 06/10/2014
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Know Your BDM: Paul MacDuff, NatWest
Mortgage Solutions’ Know Your BDM series gives brokers the chance to get to know their local business development managers a little better.

We ask BDMs up and down the country for their answers to the following 10 questions. In this edition Paul MacDuff of NatWest Intermediary Solutions is under the spotlight.

How many brokers do you see in a week?
On average I have 16 appointments each week seeing 35 individual brokers – with a lot of firms I look after there are often two or more brokers I deal with in the same office so double-up on appointments. Having previously been a phone-based BDM I do manage to speak to many more on the phone discussing new business.

What issues come up time and time again?
Affordability and the different sources of income that we can accept are high up the list at the moment. Our affordability calculation is pretty straightforward and we use Office of National Statistics for normal expenditure so do not deduct things like pension contributions and childcare vouchers, which brokers seem to like.

Favourite part of your job?
Without a doubt it’s rewarding when you are successful in helping a broker to secure their customer the mortgage they need. I believe the role of a BDM is very important now in helping brokers place more business

Biggest challenge?
I do find it difficult to switch off my phone and laptop sometimes as I know there are always things that I can do to help my brokers.

Strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
I was once asked “Will you offer a mortgage for a flat in Sunderland?”. There was nothing unusual about the flat, it just happened to be in Sunderland so our answer was “Yes, of course!”.

I have also been asked “What does a fail on an AIP credit score mean?”. Er, it means it has failed our credit score.

What do you wish brokers understood about your job?
If they have an unusual case it’s always best to talk to me first before submitting. I can help them get all the packaging correct and to accompany the application with explanatory notes for the underwriters. We can also work out setting expectations for their customer.

Also, I cannot see credit scores and I’m not able to set rates on our products!

Last film you saw at the cinema?
Rio 2. I have 2 young daughters but I enjoyed it.

Least favourite sport?
Has to be snooker. Too many breaks and the players always needing a rest.

Current mobile phone?
Blackberry Curve.

Favourite biscuit?
Maryland cookie.

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