The remaining 4% chose to describe their 2021 outlook as ‘worrying’.
The survey was carried out in the second week of December 2020.
Over two thirds (69%) of brokers also indicated that moving forward they intend to be more mindful of work/life balance once life returns to some normality with nearly half (49%) wishing to increase their work from home flexibility.
Increased investment in the digitisation of application and back-office processes also featured highly on the list of areas in which brokers intend to invest, as did a greater focus on team building and developing a strong workplace culture.
Harley Kagan, chief executive officer at United Trust Bank, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenge and uncertainty but it’s encouraging to see that 44% of property and commercial finance brokers achieved or exceeded their 2020 targets and many are looking forward to this year with enthusiasm.
The top fixed bond rate this week continued to be offered by Shawbrook Bank, which pays 1.35% gross on anniversary on its 7 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 6. This account requires a £1,000 minimum deposit to open and must be opened online. Once opened, it can be managed online and by phone. There is a version of this account that pays interest monthly at a slightly lower gross rate of 1.34%.
Four providers offered the top-paying five year fixed bond rate this week. Shawbrook Bank pays 1.25% gross on anniversary on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 33. A £1,000 minimum deposit is needed to open this account. It must be opened online, but can then be managed online and by phone. There is a version of this account that pays interest monthly at a slightly lower gross rate of 1.24%. UBL UK pays a gross rate of 1.28% on maturity on its 5 Year Fixed Term Deposit, but also offers versions of this account that pays 1.25% gross on anniversary and 1.24% gross monthly. All versions require a
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United Trust Bank has become the latest firm to join the Mortgage Market Alliance (MMA).
The MMA launched earlier this year to provide a collaborative voice for the mortgage industry in promoting the availability of mortgage lending and the value of professional advice.
The Alliance will focus on communicating to customers that the mortgage market is open for business, has a strong appetite to lend, is increasing its reach and is highly competitive. As a call to action, customers are encouraged to seek professional, independent advice as the best way to access the most appropriate options for their circumstances.
Buster Tolfree (pictured), commercial director – mortgages at United Trust Bank, said: “At UTB we believe that a diverse mortgage market is great for consumers, brokers and the industry as a whole. We understand that a growing number of people need a more flexible and pragmatic approach to lending than can generally be found on the High Street and whilst many borrow
Did you miss it? You can catch up on the ceremony below.
The winners of the awards were as followed:
Private Bank of the Year – sponsored by Phoebus Software
Winner: Coutts
Winner: HSBC UK for Intermediaries
Bridging Lender of the Year – sponsored by Movin’ Legal
Winner: Precise Mortgages
Winner: Landbay
Winner: Legal & General
Winner: United Trust Bank
Winner: Precise Mortgages
Winner: lendCo
Winner: Legal & General
Winner: Movin’ Legal
Winner: Gateway Surveyors
Winner: Legal & General
Winner: Twenty7Tec
Winner: Barclays
Winner: Dynamo
Winner: Brightstar Financial
Winner: Legal & General Mortgage Club
Mortgage Network of the Year – sponsored by Uinsure
Winner: PRIMIS Mortgage Network