The Association of Bridging Professionals (AOBP) has announced the details of its first members’ event for 2012, which will be a departure from the norm when it comes to industry gatherings.

Christened the AOBP Quarterly Forum, it will take place on Thursday, March 8th at a somewhat unusual venue – The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. 

Following a successful 2011 for the AOBP, which saw membership numbers grow to around the 400-mark, the Association’s latest event is aimed at bringing bridging lenders, brokers and the professional service sector closer in understanding.

A carefully selected complement of packagers, valuers, solicitors and short term lenders will form a panel that will face the Blue intermediary Associate ‘audience’.  Brokers are encouraged to ask the panel anything relating to the bridging loan process and to get the clarification they need to start utilising, on behalf of their clients, what is ultimately quite a complex form of finance.

Alan Margolis, Affiliate Lender and Head of Bridging at United Trust Bank, commented: “The event is a good idea and a great opportunity for brokers to ask questions and achieve a greater understanding of what we do.

“I am a firm believer in the traditional way of doing things, i.e. face to face. Those who attend are likely to be familiar with bridging products but want clarification on specific issues. For those that are new to bridging, this type of occasion should increase awareness and business opportunities for all.”

Commencing at 10am, breakfast and refreshments will be served and attendees will have the chance to network with fellow AOBP members.  From 11am, the floor will be open to the brokers with the aid of a suite of suggested topics for discussion, prepared by the Executive Committee.

Another Affiliate lender who is looking forward to the event is Jonathan Rubins, Joint Managing Director of Alternative Bridging Solutions. “We are very supportive of anything which can improve the understanding between brokers and lenders.  This is an excellent idea for a forum which will better foster relationships between these two groups,” he said.

AOBP Chairman, Jonathan Newman, said of the initiative: “This is an exciting initiative which offers attendees a true opportunity to interact with the very people they connect with, or wish to connect with, in business. It offers tremendous networking and business development opportunity. The panel will include key players in the market.”