Recap: FSExperience Birmingham

If you couldn’t make it, you missed a good one, but read on for all you missed.

An update on the economic state of the market, affordability, market trends and automation all kicked off the morning of the event. With the cost-of-living crisis and rising interest rates the country is facing now, the economic update required no exaggeration or introduction.

Following that, Brian Pitt of Rockstead Group delivered a succinct, well thought out and well-informed address. With stories of economic sorrow dominating the news-cycle, those in attendance needed no reminding of the current state of the economy, however, Brian presented the update through the lens of previous economic downturns that the country has faced, emphasising optimism, innovation and collaboration to get us through the hard times.

Analysis on broker-lender relationships came next, with Clare Beardmore of Legal & General and Paul Ratcliffe of MSF. Insightful discussions regarding what’s necessary in a modern relationship between brokers and lenders and how balance and communication are key to succeeded together in the modern industry.

Delving into how consumers are using digital tools for mortgage research in the modern age, Legal & General’s Jodie White gave us the details. Statistics breaking down exactly what consumers use to carry out mortgage research and what they do with that information. Internet came out on top, with more traditional mortgage advisors falling behind.

Rosalia Lazzara hosted a topical and important seminar on the importance of Gen Z as a market. Businesses often seem to treat Gen Z the same way they treat millennials in terms of marketing. Lazzara highlighted the individuality of Gen Z as their own bloc and broke down what means the most to them. Values and sustainability came top of the list, while using new social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat came equally important in reaching that specific market.

Overall, it was an enriching day. With insightful and informative topics and panels that led to much discussion and discourse.