The Mortgage Conversation

Welcome to the first instalment of SFI (not so) LIVE from Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society. SFI LIVE is a hugely successful CPD webinar discussing products coming to market, advancements of products, underwriting Q&As and much more. SFI (not so) LIVE is an on-demand podcast that sees the same team, joined by a special guest each month, talking about the latest news that affects the mortgage, property and development markets. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales at Saffron Building Society & Holly Andrews, Intermediary Team Leader Special Guest: Michael Craig, Brilliant Solutions For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

In Decembers edition of the SFI (not so) LIVE podcast from Saffron Building Society, the panel had the pleasure of the company of Stephanie Daley, from Alexander Hall. In this episode, the panel – including host Jay Evans, Head of Business Development, Tony Hall and Intermediary Team Manager, Debby Tedder - discussed a range of current topics in the news - from decreasing rates, changes in stress rates, the "potential" house price crash and an important message "Don't beleive the hype in the mainstream media, focus on mortgage titles for a real representation of the industry. Finally - what would our panel like from Santa to fix the mortgage industry? Find out.

In November’s edition of the SFI (not so) LIVE podcast, the panel had the pleasure of the company of industry legend, Ray Boulger from John Charcol. With the ongoing economic uncertainty, it was a pleasure to have access to Ray’s extensive experience in our sector. And more importantly, his experience and knowledge of the markets and the role of the Bank of England added extra depth to the conversations. In this episode, the panel – including host Jay Evans, Head of Business Development, Tony Hall and Phil Lawford - discussed a range of current topics in the news - beginning with the news that variable rate products are now a cheaper alternative to fixed rate products. The panel reflects on a decade of reliance on fixed-rate products and information that variable rates offer a more affordable option for those who can mitigate the changing repayments.  The panel address the ongoing issues for first-time buyers - with news that suitable products are now re-entering the market and providing advice to brokers on how best to advise their applicants.  Finally, greenwashing - with the FCA announcing it is clamping down on green finance products ahead of the introduction of Consumer Duty in 2023.

SFI (not so) LIVE is a topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss news that 8 lenders have paused new business with brokers, the fall out of this as tensions rise between the lender and intermediaries and that the short and long term outlook is going to be for the industry in light of the cost-of-living crisis. Find out what the panel had to say about the 30% jump in property transactions in July 2022, the shortage of conveyancers and surveyors, and why the certain sectors beleive that first-time buyers need to temper the expectations for their first home. With increasing interest rates, how far could this go? Will we return to 1980/1990s rates? The panel give their view. -- Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales, Lesley Terry, Regional BDM and the newest BDM Lee Williams from Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guest: We were delighted to be joined by senior journalist from the FT Adviser, Ruby Hinchliffe. For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss recent news in the mortgage and property sectors with two key, leading industry professionals. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Phhil Lawford, BDM & Simon O'Donnell,  BDM for Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guests: Nick Morrey, from Coreco For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss recent news in the mortgage and property sectors with two key, leading industry professionals. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales & Simon O'Donnell, Field based BDM for Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guests: Rob Jupp, CEO at Brightstar For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss recent news in the mortgage and property sectors with two key, leading industry professionals.  Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales & Phil Lawford, Field based BDM for Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guests:  Ruby Hinchliffe, a journalist from FT Adviser &  Liz Syms, CEO of Connect Mortgages For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss recent news in the mortgage and property sectors, whilst digesting some of the news post the turn of a brand new year. What will 2022 bring for mortgage borrowers, lenders and brokers? Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales & Simon O'Donnell, Field based BDM for Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guest: Greg Cunnington, Director of Lender Relationships at Alexander Hall.  For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss technology in the mortgage sector whilst digesting some of the news post the Autumn Budget and the Bank of England freezing interest rates. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales & Simon O'Donnell, Field based BDM for Saffron for Intermediaries Special Guests: Nathan Reilly, Director of Lender Relationships at Twenty7Tec &> Alex Beavis, Proposition Director - Mortgages & Later Life at Sesame Bankhall Group For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society In this episode, the panel discuss the end of Furlough and the Stamp Duty Holiday, help for the Self Employed looking for a mortgage, self and custom building, green mortgages and so much more. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales & Holly Andrews, Intermediary Team Leader Special Guests: Samm Piper, Lender Account Executive at Legal and General Mortgage Club. For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society. In this episode, the panel discuss cladding issues, the lack of affordable homes, self-building as a solution and so much more. Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Holly Andrews, Intermediary Team Leader and Simon O'Donnell, Business Development Manager Special Guests: David Coleman, Regional Account Manager at Positive Lending. For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

A topical podcast for those working in the mortgage and property industries, SFI (not so) LIVE is brought to you by Saffron for Intermediaries - part of Saffron Building Society. In this episode, the panel discuss the role of the BDM and how that is changing following the lifting of restrictions, the plight of the self-employed, the rise in rental interest in cities other than London as young people spike an opportunity for the buy-to-letters and self-building too.  Hosted by: Jay Evans Panel: Tony Hall, Head of Mortgage Sales at Saffron Building Society & Holly Andrews, Intermediary Team Leader Special Guests: Walter Avrili, Technical Director at Mortgage Force - and who spent decades as the MD of John Charcol and Phil Lawford, one of the newest editions to the Saffron team after decades as a BDM. For more information or to review the SFI LIVE series, please click here.

Joining host ⁠⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,  is ⁠ Lee Williams | LinkedIn⁠, ⁠ Jon Stones | LinkedIn⁠ & ⁠Sophie Waugh |LinkedIn⁠The panel discussed:Building a business from the ground upThe importance of professional adviceRecruiting and retaining quality mortgage advisorsThe biggest challenges facing mortgage business ownersCan lenders do more to support mortgage advisorsThe value of mentorsA look to what the market might look like in 5 years time⁠https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/opinion/blog-creativity-innovation-and-most-important-of-all-advice/⁠⁠WorkingIn Mortgages - Shaping the future⁠Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Saffron for Intermediaries National Account Manager Phil Lawford, Paradigm Mortgage Services Director of Mortgages Richard Howes and we welcome back a friend of the show Anna Sagar Deputy Editor for Mortgage Solutions The panel discussed: Loosening of Lending Criteria – we are seeing a lot of lender criteria amendments, particularly around affordability.  Are lenders doing enough and doing the right things to innovate the market?Will the changes to lending rules make a difference?Rate cuts – whilst it is generally seen as positive that lenders are reducing their rates, with some lenders cutting rates as frequently as three times in two weeks, is this causing disruption and instability to the market?Buy To Let – Despite doom and gloom consistently predicted for the BTL market, landlords are still growing their portfolios – the panel discussed their outlook for the BTL sector.The FCA’s Mortgage Rule Review - is still a cause of concern to brokers and distributors, could this lead topoorer customer outcomes?  Finally, market predictions were given for the second half of this year.Here is the link to register for a Mortgage Solutions account to read Anna’s informative articles, https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/account-registration/?src=banner  https://www.yourmoney.com/mortgages/lenders-allowed-to-breach-15-high-loan-to-income-ratio/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj0mny9pm2dohttps://www.mpamag.com/uk/mortgage-industry/market-trends/rate-cuts-a-market-boost-or-a-cause-of-market-instability/542093 https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/06/26/almost-three-quarters-of-landlords-plan-to-grow-their-portfolios/https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/06/13/fca-mortgage-rule-review-proposals-could-undermine-consumer-protections-and-marginalise-the-adviser-if-implemented-poorly-ami-ceo-says/https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2025/06/16/removing-advice-trigger-is-wrong-answer-to-a-totally-different-question-ami-chair-montlake-says/Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a followto keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Saffron for Intermediaries National Account Manager Phil Lawford, L&C Mortgages Head of High Net Worth Mortgages Rahul Nath and Independent James Principal James CarterThe panel discussed: One year on, is the UK Government starting to deliver on it's housing promises?Regulation, will the latest proposals to make it quicker and easier to get a mortgage?First Time Buyers- we are staring to see the return of the 100% mortgage. Is now the right time for this type of home loan?Are we doing enough to help young professionals into home ownership?https://mortgagesoup.co.uk/housing-promises-vs-reality-will-the-government-deliver-on-1-5-million-new-homes/https://mortgagesoup.co.uk/fca-wants-to-streamline-mortgage-rules-but-advice-still-matters-more-than-ever/https://theintermediary.co.uk/2025/06/rushed-cp25-11-undermines-advice-consumer-protection-and-market-fairness/https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jun/07/uk-mortgages-100-loans-are-back-will-they-work-for-youPlease leave us comments and a rating and give us a followto keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is Saffron for Intermediaries National Account Manager Phil Lawford, Advias MD Ed Checkley and Edwards Day MD Sam Day The panel discussed the recent Bank of England’sMPC decision to lower the base rate by 25bps. Complex Lending – are lenders doing enough tosupport this area of the market? Ed discussed how to use your pension to raise amortgageAffordability – the panel talked around the FCAannouncing plans to make it cheaper and faster to obtain home loans.  https://www.ft.com/content/b67ebebb-e118-4c8b-8c3d-b1fd4522ae32https://advias.co.uk/how-to-use-your-pension-to-raise-a-mortgage/Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Saffron for Intermediaries National Account Manager ⁠⁠⁠⁠Phil Lawford, Luke Loveridge – CEO and co-founder of Propflo and Dan Gracie - Specialist Lending Director Panthera Finance.The panel discussed:·  How the US trade tariffs may impact our market·  The new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) is out for consultation until 2nd of May.  What is it's main purpose? What does it mean for landlords?·   Is now the time to consider discount mortgages if rates are falling?·   What is the confidence factor like for the rest of the year? https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/boe-breeden-warns-tariff-chaos-will-hurt-uk-growth-as-rate-cut-bets-slip/https://www.mpamag.com/uk/mortgage-industry/market-trends/trumps-tariffs-spark-a-uk-mortgage-rate-war/531512MinimumEnergy Efficiency Standards (MEES)https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/ms-october-news-analysis-p-is-uk-rental-market-heading-towards-the-us-model/https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/ms-october-news-analysis-p-is-uk-rental-market-heading-towards-the-us-model/Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠⁠Tony Hall⁠⁠ is ⁠⁠Saffron for Intermediaries National Sales Manager ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lee Williams⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Matt Surridge - Interim Sales Director Primis / Director of Linear and Rebecca Shuttle  –  Award Winning Principal Owner and Mortgage and Protection Broker at MIMA Mortgage and Protection Advice.The panel discussed the concerns raised by the self-employed when looking for a mortgage and how the industry has developed to support them.The growth of the Challenger and specialist banks market share.Collaboration being the key to making the most of specialist opportunities.How will AI shape the future for the mortgage market.Will lenders try to claw back market share from brokers.Blog: The self-employed are being let down, but the opportunity is there – MortgageStrategyThe UK needs its self-employed, so why are we forgetting them? – Ward Challenger and specialist banks growing market share, report finds - Money AgeBlog: Collaboration is key to making the most of specialistopportunities – Mortgage StrategyLenders will try to claw back market share from brokers, Robert Sinclair warnsPlease leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Joining host ⁠Tony Hall⁠ is ⁠Saffron for Intermediaries, ⁠⁠Phil Lawford ⁠⁠, Nicola Goldie Deputy Chair, IMLA and Head of Strategic Partnerships, Aldermore Bank and Laura Smith, BDM Saffron for Intermediaries. The panel discusses the roles of the Working in Mortgages Group and IMLA. The AMI 2021 viewpoint report and how we have moved on. What are the benefits within our industry of embracing DE&I. Concluding with the panels views on the recent MPC decision to reduce the UK's key interest rate to 4.50% - was it the right call?https://workinginmortgages.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Final-Viewpoint-DI-Report.pdfhttps://workinginmortgages.org.uk/http://www.imla.org.uk/http://www.imla.org.uk/news/post.php?s=2024-12-23-imla-predicts-healthy-lending-growth-for-2025-greater-intermediary-business-and-more-remortgaging--Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month.--Don't forget to follow our social channels...⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠

Joining host Tony Hall is Saffron for Intermediaries, Phil Lawford and BDM Leah Kavanagh, and friend of the podcast and his first time on screen, Head of Marketing for John Charcol, Nicholas Mendes. The podcast starts with the performance of our new government, six months in. How have their policies and budget affected the market and what can we expect in the next six months? The panel discuss the latest report from Bank of England which has brokers up in arms. How achievable is net zero and how much is the housing market, and brokers, going to be responsible for the outcomes – the panel debate this from a homeowner and broker perspective. Finally, the panel discuss communication, and the role of AI in the sector. -- Please leave us comments and a rating and give us a follow to keep updated with future podcast releases, on the 1st of every month. -- Don't forget to follow our social channels... ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠BlueSky⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠