Mortgage Solutions polled brokers on whether their Christmas parties will be bigger than last year’s, with 40.2% of brokers saying it will be the same, 20.5% replied negatively.
However, around 12% confirmed their party will be bigger, and a further 15.4% of brokers said that it will be bigger as it has been their best year so far, whilst 12% said that it is a jolly do for one as usual.
Jonathan Clark, mortgage partner at Chadney Bulgin, revealed that his Christmas party will be bigger as a reflection of his business.
“This year has been good, we hired two more people, and I am sure that next year will be challenging for us.”
Dominick Lipnicki, director of Your Mortgage Decisions, said that it has been a challenging year but the best so far.
“In April, we launched Access Equity Release, traded under Your Mortgage Decisions, hiring 15 external advisers who are fully qualified to provide advice on equity release plans.
“In 2019, we are expecting to double Access Equity Release and to recruit further 15 advisers for both.”
However, Lipnicki admitted that he has some concerns around Brexit.
“With Brexit we may face the same financial crisis we experienced between 2008 and 2009.
“However, I cannot imagine that the UK will be leaving the European Union with no deal. I think that there is still a chance for a second referendum.”
Technology will open opportunities for brokers next year
Ray Boulger, technical senior manager at John Charcol, said that whether the Christmas parties will be bigger or not, may depend on the number of employees that companies have hired this year as part of their growth plans.
Greg Cunnington, director of lender relationships and new homes at Alexander Hall, said the result is not surprising as it is a reflection of the brokers’ performance.
“This year the mortgage lending has grown slightly to £270bn compared to 2017. However, next year will be exciting as the technology innovation will open up more opportunities for brokers.”
