A thread titled ‘How is everyone doing?’ generated a number of responses and allowed people to discuss events taking place in their personal and professional lives.
Brokers also reacted to comments made by financial journalist Paul Lewis, who last year said: “The way to get the best possible deal is to go to one of the big, national, independent mortgage brokers – don’t find a mortgage broker over the local cab shop in the high street.”
Advisers disagreed with this statement and pointed out that Lewis did not hold a CeMAP qualification and was probably not best placed to suggest how people seek a mortgage.
The site received more than 35,000 unique visitors in 2023.
A ‘hospitable and informative’ place on the internet
Donna Hopton, director at Cherry, said: “Cherry is a wonderful community for intermediaries and there is always someone on hand to offer advice and support whether the query relates to mortgages, pensions, investments, general insurance, tax. – anything at all really. And, for advisers, being able to share both professional and personal journeys is incredibly powerful and informative. Cherry is very much business focussed but is also like a big family – and just as families sometimes argue and have differences of opinion, cherry ‘family’ members are also keen to offer support when others are struggling.
“I’d like to thank our members for creating such a hospitable and informative place on the internet for themselves and their industry colleagues. Professionalism is, of course, really key, but with this in mind it’s great that members feel able to express themselves no matter how they feel. It’s equally wonderful that others can rally round and offer emotional as well as professional support. The thread serves as a great reminder of this.
“More and more people are choosing to use Cherry daily and some are moving to browsing and commenting via their phones and tablets outside of business hours. Anyone with concerns or subjects for debate who wishes to contribute constructively and professionally will be welcomed into the fold with open arms.”
