Surveys conducted at Primis Kick Off events in the North East and North West of England found 86% of respondents also described themselves either as ‘optimistic’ or ‘somewhat optimistic’ about the year ahead.

Confidence is similarly high for protection business, with 86% also anticipating increased volumes this year.

However, brokers highlighted several key challenges for the year ahead, with economic uncertainty and employment concerns topping the list for just under a third of respondents.

Customer affordability pressures were cited by 30%, while 29% pointed to regulation and compliance as potential hurdles.

When asked where opportunities lie for the year ahead, almost half (47%) of brokers in the North identified remortgaging as the biggest growth driver.

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First-time buyer mortgages and income protection were joint second, each being cited by 15% of respondents.

Expectations around interest rates further evidence brokers’ confidence. The majority (89%) of respondents expect the Bank of England base rate to fall during 2026, reinforcing optimism that affordability and market activity may improve as the year progresses.

Neil Hoare, sales director at LSL Financial Services (pictured above), commented: “That nine in ten brokers in the North expect to write more business this year than last reflects strong confidence in the market.

“It also surpasses the levels of optimism we have seen in Wales, the South and the Midlands across previous surveys, too.

“Expectations that interest rates will fall this year, combined with a large volume of refinance opportunities, pave the way for new business in the remortgage market while also providing a reason to have a conversation and review protection needs with customers.”