Midlands Enterprise Awards 2021

48 | Midlands Enterprise Awards 2021 changed and our team, our business and our work have adapted to the ‘new normal’ and continue to do so.” Recently, Signature was awarded the prestigious accolade of Leading Experts in Property Finance 2021, for the second year running, and Ross and the team couldn’t be more delighted! “We’d like to thank everyone here at Signature Financial Services for all their hard work and commitments helping push the business forward. The individuals that have helped us achieve more success, to everyone who voted for us, and most importantly our wonderful clients - thank you to all of you who have allowed us to assist you in all your property needs, and for entrusting us to help - without you, we would not be where we are today.” Contact: Ross Howell Company: Signature Financial Services Web Address: www.signaturefs.com From the initial query to finding a client’s ideal financial solution, Signature Financial Services is committed to providing an exemplary service every step of the way. We speak to Ross Howell to find out more about the firm and how it was affected during Covid-19. Signature Financial Services (Signature) is an independent property finance brokerage specialising in bespoke property funding, tailored to suit its clients’ needs. From first time buyers, re-mortgages, bridging, limited companies, buy-to-lets, insurance and life cover, Signature can offer more than your average mortgage broker. Signature is able to offer its services nationwide, all whilst upholding the core values of honesty, integrity, innovation, commitment, service and accountability. Client Manager, Ross Howell, is one of the latest new recruits at Signature. With a career in hospitality and customer services, Ross has more than enough experience to ensure that clients receive the highest standards of customer care. “Every client and their case is unique,” Ross begins, speaking about the firm’s unique selling points and what it is that sets it aside from competitors. “Our brokers tailor everything to suit their needs and affordability. We go that extra mile to make sure they are met.” With its FCA regulation, NACFB guidance and code of practice, Signature has access to an extensive range of varying lenders and products to suit all clients’ cases. With its headquarters based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, being in the heart of the Midlands has real benefits for Signature and definitely gives it the geographical ‘edge’ in terms of accessibility to the rest of the UK. As well as having clients based locally in the surrounding regions, the firm also has clients from afar, such as London, Manchester and Scotland. The impact of Covid-19 was keenly felt within the finance industry, especially in certain lending areas such as HMO mortgages. Certain lenders have reduced their risk position to the detriment of higher loan to value facilities. This in turn has Leading Experts in Property Finance 2021 made it more difficult for consumers to obtain the appropriate levels of borrowing required. “We’ve also seen an increase in self-employed clients finding it difficult to secure funding for their property needs and goals, due to the impact of Covid-19 and those who applied for Government help from grants and the furlough scheme who are now being penalised by lenders for their previous year’s income,” Ross elaborates. “Our brokers have worked extremely hard to find the best rates for these clients facing this roadblock, in which lenders are now looking to balance this out to include the self-employed in their future products.” Over the last 12 months, Signature has adapted like many other businesses and has held appointments and client ‘visits’ with the use of Zoom and Skype calls, something which has been a game-changer for the ‘new normal world’ and has enabled the firm to carry on. Despite the last 18 months’ worth of turbulence, the team at Signature continues to grow and has actually tripled in size since last year, with new faces into the office as recently as the beginning of 2021. “With the uncertainty of the last year amid Covid-19, the property finance marker has Jul21149