UK Enterprise Awards 2021

201 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Most Client-Focused Mortgage & Insurance Services Business - Midlands An oft daunting process, finding a mortgage can be challenging and complicated. However, Zen Mortgages works to lighten the load by providing expert guidance and support from people you can trust. Working with first time buyers, as well as next time buyers and clients looking to save money or release equity through re-mortgaging, Zen Mortgages can help people who have credit file issues, have been affected by CCJs, defaults or past bankruptcy, and also specialises in helping self-employed clients achieve their maximum borrowing potential. Zen Mortgages understands the complexities of self-employed income and has years of experience of lending underwriting to ensure that clients are placed with the best lender for their circumstances. “We pride ourselves on the service we provide to ensure our clients are kept up to date throughout with a point of context from start to finish, and no call centres to deal with,” explains Director, Elizabeth Davis. “Zen handles the whole process, liaising with lenders, solicitors and estate agents, leaving our clients to get on with their busy lives with the knowledge that their mortgage is being handled by professionals.” With more than 20 years’ experience providing specialist mortgage and protection advice, including placing cases where others have failed, Zen Mortgages has access to lenders available on the high street and even to more specialist lenders, should they be required for a complex client. “We’ve saved people thousands by providing the right advice,” continues Elizabeth. “For example, a mother and daughter who had planned to purchase a property jointly for the daughter to live in realised they could save over £15,000 by applying as a joint borrower sole proprietor following speaking to a Zen advisor. Another of our clients saved over £500 per month by receiving debt consolidation advice when they were struggling financially with their unsecured debts.” Client service and respect is at the heart of Zen Mortgages’ internal culture, with honesty, integrity, professionalism and a client-focused mindset being desirable qualities when recruiting new staff members. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, lending for those with limited deposit funds became impossible and lending criteria became stricter than ever. Zen Mortgages worked closely with lenders and clients to provide the best solutions during these times. As the pandemic has progressed, lending criteria has eased for the majority, however it continues to remain strict for 5% deposit borrowers and the self-employed. “For our self-employed clients, we understand it is important to receive the right advice as lenders have introduced lending criteria policies around SEISS grants, bounce back loans and furlough income.” Speaking to a Zen Mortgages broker ensures the right lender is recommended to fit with the client’s recent experiences of the pandemic and their current situation. Regarding the future, Zen Mortgages continues to grow as a business through its reputation and client referrals, and it is this which has also helped the company clinch the coveted title of Most Client-Focused Mortgage & Insurance Services Business – Midlands. “We believe this is a great indication we’re doing things right!” Contact: Liz Davis Company: Zen Mortgages Ltd Web Address: www.zenmortgages.com Zen Mortgages, based in Stoke on Trent, is committed to providing impartial advice and helping purchasers secure the funds to purchase their dream homes. We speak to Elizabeth Davis and find out more about the firm and its strong customer-centric ethos. May21437