The bank has an on-going commitment with intermediary channels which had led to over £1 billion being delivered to property experts via its professional network of broker partners.

The changes to the guidelines aim to clarify Shawbrook’s credit appetite for brokers and increase the level of transparency, allowing them to bring this clarity to existing and new customers.

B&C caught up with Sales and Marketing Director of Commercial Mortgages, Karen Bennett, to find out more about these changes. 

“The changes to our lending guidelines were designed with brokers and their clients in mind, and two key facets of this are the levels of experience Shawbrook require as standard across the client profile, alongside the retention of  flexibility we bring to these specialist transactions,” said Karen.

“Our personal case by case approach to lending remains unchanged and is a consistent factor throughout all elements of our lending activity.

“With this in mind, we would encourage brokers to ensure they complete any application form fully, and if there is anything to which they do not know the answer we would always recommend calling our Sales Desk for immediate assistance rather than taking a guess. 

“Including a good summary of the deal - painting the picture - will also help efficiency across the process. After all, brokers know their clients and why they have chosen Shawbrook as the lender - they should feel free to bring the transaction to life, positioning it in the best possible way to the decision maker.”

Karen said brokers formed a key part of business across several property investment markets and ‘changing the goalposts’ throughout the transaction on was something Shawbrook refused to do.

“Successful relationships are built on transparency and trust, and one of the most common complaints from brokers is with regard to those lenders that do not operate in this fashion. 

“Brokers rely on us to deliver for their clients and this is a responsibility that is taken very seriously by all staff at Shawbrook.”

Karen explained that the clarification of guidelines was a result of direct market feedback and that Shawbrook wanted to better the journey for broker and customer. 

“... Another key area of focus for Shawbrook has been to cement a robust risk framework throughout the business, giving customers confidence in the longevity of Shawbrook as a lending institution and in our dedication to a sustainable growth model. 

“This helps to ensure good customer outcomes and cements the relationship between broker and client. 

“On-going market improvement and more positive customer sentiment are factors that often drive lenders further up the risk curve, but Shawbrook feels strongly that customers should not be encouraged to overstretch themselves financially. 

“Let’s not forget that interest rates will rise and lenders must act responsibly by adequately stressing the clients’ payments to ensure they can service their debt.”