Allsop joins the ASTL; FOLK2FOLK becomes member of FIBA – round-up

Allsop, which was established in 1906, is an independent property consultancy, as well as the UK’s largest property auction house.

Stuart Gayer, partner at Allsop, said: “At Allsop, we have an open approach to developing successful partnerships, and this has helped us to build a market-leading reputation.

“This approach also aligns closely with the ASTL’s values of transparency and customer focus, and we are delighted to join the association as associate members.”

Vic Jannels (pictured), CEO of the ASTL, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Allsop as the latest professional organisation to become an associate member of the ASTL. Short-term lending is a vital cog in the property industry, providing a funding solution for a wide variety of circumstances.

“The reputation of our sector is built on all of the businesses involved, which is why associate members are so important to the ASTL, and our growing membership reflects the increasing number of like-minded businesses that want to demonstrate a commitment to high standards and focus on the end customer.”

At the end of February, Mortgage Solutions reported that the ASTL had set the date for its second annual conference for 9 November and will return to RSA House in Central London.

At last year’s conference, ASTL confirmed that it would launch a specialist property finance education programme with the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) and Financial Intermediary and Broker Association (FIBA).

FOLK2FOLK joins FIBA as a lender partner

Speaking of FIBA, peer-to-peer platform FOLK2FOLK has announced that it has joined the association.

FOLK2FOLK offers secured lending for businesses via what it calls “a simple loan product”. It claims to be the largest lending platform within its sector in terms of cumulative lending, having loaned more than £593m to small businesses.

FIBA executive chairman, Adam Tyler, said: “The addition of FOLK2FOLK will be well received by the membership and offers more choice for brokers. I have been impressed with their sensible no-nonsense approach to products and service provision and the team at FIBA looks forward to working with their team in support of our members.”

Roy Warren, managing director of FOLK2FOLK said: “We are looking forward to working closely with FIBA members; helping to broaden understanding of the secured lending options available and providing helpful financial support to them and their clients.

“We’re keen to develop new relationships with like-minded brokers and we invite FIBA members to come and meet us at the FIBA annual conference to find out what we can do for them.”

The FIBA annual conference will take place in Manchester on 21 March.