Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020

39 | Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020 Property Finance Experts of the Year 2020 Based in Staffordshire, Signature Financial Services Limited is an independent finance brokerage, specialising in all forms of property related funding. Following the firm’s well-deserved success in the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020, we got in touch with Managing Director, Dean Birks, to find out more. Whether you are looking for mortgage, insurance or commercial finance advice, the team at Signature Financial Services, let clients breathe easy by offering secure and personalised solutions. To begin, Dean provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into its typical client base. “Established in 2009, Signature Financial Services provide financial solutions that are tailored to the individuality of each client. Based upon our core values of honesty, integrity, innovation, commitment, service and accountability, our industry experts provide essential guidance each step of the way. With our head office in Staffordshire, we are able to service our client’s requirements nationally.” In the field of property finance the firm have regularly been challenged by several competitors, however as Dean goes on to explain, through FCA regulation and NACFB guidance in particular, the team has been able to distinguish itself with ease. “Naturally, our services are varied as they are quite detailed. FCA regulation, NACFB guidance and our code of practice has given us access to a broad range of varying lenders and products. These in turn, allow us to suitably source the most appropriate financial solutions for our client’s needs and give advice where necessary.” Regarding the internal culture in place at Signature Financial Services, training has played a crucial role in the firm’s attempts to remain at the forefront of the industry, as Dean informs us. “Team members are given appropriate training and support by the management team and work colleagues. The ability to be able to communicate in a friendly and confident manner is key to ensuring that advice is given, where appropriate and that transparency remains our watchword. Additionally, given that our role is to broker funding solutions for all manner of property related transactions, we subscribe and adhere to the guidance and regulation set Sep20836 out by the FCA and the NACFB. This ensures that we always remain compliant and offer the best service possible at all times, ensuring that the most appropriate funding solutions are sourced for each of our client’s unique, personal circumstances.” The outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year presented many challenges to the firm, in particular, as Dean goes on to explain the pandemic hugely affected consumers level of borrowing. “Certain lenders have reduced their risk position to the detriment of higher loan to value facilities. The impact of COVID-19 on certain lending areas such as HMO mortgages and commercial investment lending is far reaching. This in turn has made it more difficult for consumers to obtain the appropriate levels of borrowing required.” Since forming over a decade ago Signature Financial Services have dealt with many businesses across the nation. As Dean goes on to explain, the location of the business has arguably been the most telling factor in the firm’s success. “Being based in the Midlands has given us a geographical edge in terms of accessibility to other parts of the UK. However, that said, we have more recently embraced Zoom and many of our meetings now take place online due to COVID-19.” Bringing the interview to a close, Dean signs off by revealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for the firm as we begin to look ahead to 2021 and beyond. “Signature Financial Services has a long-term business plan for further growth. Regardless of certain external factors, we intend to remain on course to deliver this vision for the business in years to come. In the last two years, we have doubled in size and have recently offered two new employed positions which are due to start in late November. The future of Signature Financial Services is looking very bright indeed!” Company: Signature Financial Services Limited Contact: Dean Birks Web Address: www.signaturefs.com Whether you are looking for mortgage, insurance or commercial finance advice, the team at Signature Financial Services, let clients breathe easy by offering secure and personalised solutions.