The lender created the exclusive online platform in April, designed to make business transactions easier, faster and more efficient for its broker partners. 

Features include a real-time case tracker, file upload function, document database and a fully credit-searched online quote facility, all adding value to Shawbrook’s offering. 

Commenting on the hub, longstanding partner of the bank, David Tonks, Director of Advocate Finance Ltd, said Shawbrook had made a big improvement with the new hub.

“It navigates much quicker than the last version and its layout is more broker-friendly,” David commented.

“The option to upload and track documents allows us to avoid having to chase cases and ensures all the paperwork has been received safely. 

“The ability to do a credit search on each quote is also an excellent feature.” 

David also highlighted that the hub seemed to offer more than other competitors’ in terms of being able to quote for different plans and hold documents that the broker would need and important information such as contact details within the Shawbrook team.

Katie Goryl, Office Manager at Watts Commercial, agreed that the more intuitive design made the hub a useful tool when dealing with the lender. 

“The new hub is very simple and easy to use – there isn’t an excessive amount of questions or click-throughs and it’s really clear where all the tools and functions are,” Katie said.

The team at Watts Commercial has also seen improved efficiencies with transaction since the launch of the new hub, especially thanks to the case tracker, which allows brokers to see exactly who is dealing with each case and how it is progressing. 

Lucy Hodge, Director at Vantage Finance, described the hub as “quite unique in how it combines human input with technology.”

While systems can never replace excellent products and quality service in the commercial mortgage market, Shawbrook believes that technology can make it easier for brokers and intermediaries. 

Lucy added: “Anything that makes a process more streamlined and helps improve efficiency is going to have a positive impact on business. 

“I suspect in the future we won’t be able to remember how we worked without it.”