10:00 – 10:15
Welcome and introduction
- Purpose and aims of today
- Running order and presentation topics
- Ways you can get involved and build your network of contacts
- Reflecting on the importance of the intermediary channel
Jonathan Stinton, chair, IMLA and head of intermediary relationships, Coventry for Intermediaries
10:15 – 10:45
What is IMLA and what do we do?
- What is IMLA and who are its members?
- What is it’s purpose and areas of activity?
- IMLA’s Inclusivity & Diversity Group
- Introducing the Working in Mortgages website
Kate Davies, executive director, IMLA
Steph Charman, chief executive, AMI
10:45 – 11:15
Mortgage valuations – exploring the evolving valuation landscape and valuation factors that impact lending decisions
- Explore the current valuation landscape, understanding its ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘what’
- Discuss how the current valuation landscape is evolving to reflect risk models and improved Automated Valuation Models (AVMs)
- Gain insights to confidently navigate diverse valuation scenarios
Will Hinds, head of real estate, OSB Group
11:45 – 12:15
Discussions and questions
Interact with your peers for an open discussion about the sessions you’ve heard so far. Share insights, exchange ideas and ask questions.
12:15 – 12:45
How do lenders price their mortgages and what does the interest rate outlook mean for the market outlook?
- Overview of the mortgage lending market
- How are mortgage products are priced
- Understand how recent economic events have impacted the mortgage market
Ben Smith, director of commercial, product and place, Newcastle Building Society
13:45 – 14:15
How is digital changing the homebuying process?
- Understand why the homebuying process is still one of the most stressful customer experiences
- Why do we need digital transformation to make it better?
- What government and industry are addressing in the short term
- Understand what the future of homebuying will look like
Mathew Hahn, head of estate agent partnerships, LMS
14:15 – 14:45
The UK Buy-to-Let Market: Scale, Regulation and the Path to Sustainability
- An overview of the size of the UK buy-to-let sector and its role within the wider housing market, highlighting its importance to rental supply and long-term investment.
- A brief retrospective on how the sector has evolved over the past decade, reflecting regulatory and behavioural shifts that have reshaped landlord activity.
- A forward-looking examination of upcoming changes, including the Renters’ Rights Bill, MEES compliance, and changes to EPC regulation, and what these mean for landlords and investors.
Steve Cox, chief commercial officer, Fleet Mortgages
Moderated by: Stephanie Charman, chief executive, AMI
14:45 – 15:15
Connections exchange: building your professional network
Your network can be one of the most valuable assets you build throughout your career. The people you meet today could become future colleagues, clients, business partners or trusted contacts in five or 10 years’ time.
Delegates will take part in five short networking conversations, with five minutes dedicated to each new connection. Conversation starters will be provided to help get discussions underway, with delegates encouraged to exchange contact details before moving on to their next conversation.
By the end of the session, every delegate should have made several new industry connections and identified people they can continue conversations with beyond the conference.
15:15 – 15:45
Building a career without a rulebook
Starting out in the mortgage industry can feel daunting. There is no single route in, no ready‑made career plan, and much of the learning happens by doing.
This session will share what real career progression looks like in practice.
15:45 – 15:55
Closing remarks
Jonathan Stinton, chair, IMLA and head of intermediary relationships, Coventry for Intermediaries
