Bringing bridging to brokers

I was privileged enough last week to be asked to co-present an invitation-only seminar for brokers, who are interested in learning more about the many opportunities offered by bridging.

Organised and hosted by our good friends at First4Bridging (F4B), the event was held at their offices in Basil Street, Knightsbridge. My co-presenter was Lorenzo from Lancashire Mortgage Corporation – a sensible choice, as it provided a sense of geographical balance and wider broker appeal.

The turnout was excellent - a testament to F4B’s careful and thoughtful targeting of brokers. This made our job as presenters much easier, as we were talking to people who actually wanted to listen. That may sound odd, but I’ve attended plenty of similar events in the past where the main reason for being there was the free lunch!

As a leading distributor of short term finance, F4B continues to see positive opportunities for further growth, and influence among brokers and introducers. This encourages me because – as I said in last week’s blog – I’m beginning to see the first stirrings of a mainstream sector finally emerging from its deep coma. Securing distribution now will help ensure future success.

I won’t bore you by recapitulating my full presentation. It would suffice to say, it focused on how specialist short term lenders are successfully delivering liquidity to a wide range of borrowers.  This is for a wide array of purposes: from property investment and development, to lifestyle and capital raising. Many among the audience were pleasantly surprised to learn that bridging, properly applied, can be a truly flexible solution.

After some intelligent and thought-provoking questions, we engaged in the usual ritual of swapping business cards and a promise to keep in touch. If just one such promise is fulfilled, and results in a single successful deal, then my time will be more than compensated for. That wasn’t the only reason for me being there, more importantly, I was there to support our business partner – F4B – and to be an intrinsic part of its expansionary vision. For this, my sincere thanks to Myles Williams and his ever-excellent team.

I also need to thank all the intermediaries who put a cross in the box for Omni Capital for an award at the forthcoming Bridging & Commercial Awards 2013. As you may already have seen, we are shortlisted in three categories: Best Bridging Proposition; Service Excellence; and BDM of the Year (step forward, Jim Nash).

It is a huge accolade regardless of the final outcome, the fact enough brokers and packagers voted to get us on the shortlists is hugely satisfying alone. Of course we want to win, but industry recognition is an achievement in itself.

So to all our supporters, I say a heartfelt and appreciative thank you! I look forward to seeing many of you when the results are announced at the B&C Masquerade Ball on June 20th.