<
p>NACFB’s ‘speed-dating’ format gained speed last week after its trial in February. The London workshop marked their third function in this innovative form.
The ‘speed-dating’ format was trialled at the NACFB Bristol workshop in February earlier this year.
On commenting on the speed-dating workshop layout, the NACFB said they had glowing feedback from attendees of the Bristol event. They added: “As the new format worked so well we will run all Workshops in 2013 in the same way.”
The format grouped brokers together and gave them a set time to spend at each lender’s table. When the horn sounded, the brokers ‘date’ with the lender had ended and they moved on to the next table.
The workshop saw 12 exhibitors at the event which included Bridgebank Capital, Precise Mortgages, United Trust Bank and Aldermore.
When asked about the new format, CEO of Regentsmead, James Bloom said:”It is an excellent format and works very well, this is our second event of this type and we find it works very well as we get to speak to all brokers present and we have sufficient time to get a basic understanding of their business and inform them about ours.”
Bloom said the event allowed Regentsmead to consider new options and gain useful feedback on both products and market. He added: “As with all NACFB events it was well organised and well attended and as the leading provider of development finance in the market we are delighted to be associated with these events and with the NACFB generally. Well done to the NACFB team for another very successful day.”
Roger Morris, Director of Sales at Precise Mortgages, said these sort of events help brokers understand lenders, which is important with the UK currently having the highest level of BTL lenders in history. He said: “Attending any network or organised event when you simply have a stand and a table waiting for brokers to come and ask you what you do is pointless, brokers are too busy chatting. “
When commenting on the NACFB’s speed-dating events, he added: “The length of the time given is perfect and it allows us to engage with small groups of brokers to bring alive our products and services. This can only be done under this format unless speaking to the audience as a group. I think NACFB have really understood this and make the event very worthwhile attending.”
Business Development Director of Funding Circle, Laura McMullen said: “It was a well organised and important event for the industry. “ She added: “It was a great opportunity to speak with individual brokers one-on-one and discuss their specific requirements as well as go through specific deals.”
Aldermore’s Property Development Manager, Simon Green said the day was productive although he wished for a higher volume of brokers. He said: “The speed dating event was useful as it gives me a great opportunity to meet a lot of people in my target market in a relatively short space of time.”
On the productivity of the workshop, Platform Black’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Louise Beaumont said: “Brokers were highly enthusiastic about Platform Black’s crowd-funding invoice finance solution – light bulbs sparked into life, ideas were kicked around, and client situations discussed.”
Barclays were scheduled to appear at the event but did not attend.
The format was created to fuse networking with the old presentation format. The event, which took place on September the 19th, was free of charge to attend and was located in Hamilton House, London.
The NACFB has run four workshops under the ‘speed-dating’ format this year, including one yesterday in Manchester.
NACFB's 'speed-dating' format gained speed last week after its trial in February. The London workshop marked their third function in this innovative form.
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