Mortgage Insider

In recent times, there’s been much talk around the financial challenges facing the UK population. However, it’s important to remember that financial circumstances can also improve.

Additional, and often unexpected, funds can come in differing forms such as inheritance, insurance payout(s) or even winning the lottery. With inheritance being the most likely scenario, and paying off a mortgage high on the financial planning agenda of many homeowners, this often leads to the question - should I use this inheritance to pay off my mortgage?

The answer to this important question is one of the key talking points in the latest instalment of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast which sees host Phil Spencer joined by mortgage broker Carly Cheeseman and content creator, financial adviser and partnership development manager at The Openwork Partnership, Robyn Allen.

This discussion evaluates the options available to people when it comes to planning their financial future, the importance of the advice process, the strength of client relationships and the value of honest communication. It also focuses on the impact of Consumer Duty, how to adopt a more holistic approach and the benefits of attached to offset mortgages.

All with the intention of helping clients to look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on a small window.

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The buy-to-let market has undergone some major challenges and changes in recent years, all of which have impacted landlords and property investors to varying degrees.

Rental yield has long been a vital component within landlord calculations but another increasingly important consideration in recent times has been whether to set up a limited company.

To incorporate or not to incorporate is one of the key talking points in the latest episode of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast. This discussion on the nuances of the current buy-to-let market sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Emily Mays, founder of The Mortgage Stuff and Gina Peters, partner and head of landlord and tenant law at Dutton Gregory Solicitors.

Within this, the trio focus on the stamp duty surcharge, the Renters Reform Bill, opportunities for property investors, short-term and holiday lets, ongoing tax implications, rent-to-rent, how brokers can help buy-to-let clients in 2024 and where to aim their advice.

All of which demonstrates the additional thoughts and planning required by landlords and property investors, as well as the value attached to the advice process in such a complex and fast-paced sector.

This episode was recorded on 22nd November 2023.

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For almost 10 years, the Help to Buy scheme proved incredibly successful in helping over a quarter of a million borrowers across the UK to buy a home. But, with this scheme now having ended in England and Scotland, this leads to the question of what – if anything – can replace it.

In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Mobeen Akram, New Homes Director at the Mortgage Advice Bureau and Mitch Atkins, director at Michael Usher Mortgage Services as they delve into the history of Help to Buy, why it worked, why it ended, alternative buying schemes and the challenges facing young house buyers.

The conversation also highlights some of the government-backed and private schemes currently available to help first-time buyers, including Lifetime ISA’s, the First Homes Scheme and shared ownership. It also touches on individual mortgage products such as Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor, the increasingly prominent role being played by the Bank of Mum and Dad, intergenerational lending and the Barclays Springboard mortgage.

So, what might replace Help to Buy in the future?

This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023 prior to the Autumn Statement and the latest Bank of England base rate decision.

Mortgage Insider is a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter and Sophie Devonport from Barclays. 

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The mortgage market is currently experiencing growing demand for long-term mortgages – otherwise known as marathon mortgages - with some lenders even offering up to 40-year terms to help attract more young buyers onto the property ladder.

So, will marathon mortgages be THE 2024 trend for first-time buyers? Or, with mortgage rates falling, is it simply a passing phase?

To answer these questions and more, James Tucker, CEO at Twenty7Tec and Lewis Shaw, owner of Shaw Financial Services join host and property expert Phil Spencer in the latest instalment of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast - now brought to you on a monthly basis.

This discussion delves into attitudes towards longer-term mortgages from within the UK and overseas, lending approaches from a risk perspective, the ability for such a product to prop up the housing market and how vital it is for borrowers to fully understand the potential implications.

It also examines the impact of age, occupation and conditions best suited to working beyond potential retirement age. And focuses on how crucial it is for any borrower contemplating such a product to seek ongoing support from advisers to ensure they are making the right decision for both their present, and future, needs.

This episode was recorded on 22nd November 2023.

It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays. 

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The past few years have seen the relentless rise of the Bank of England base rate dominate lending and borrowing decisions across the mortgage market. This significant uplift has led to an even more complicated picture around affordability, stress testing, the influence of mortgage swap rates and generated a flurry of future interest rate forecasts amid some lingering economic uncertainty.

To add some clarity to these shifting market dynamics, the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Charles Roe, director of mortgages at UK Finance.

With a huge number of moving parts involved in the lending and advice process,

Charles carefully evaluates the different funding mechanisms, outlines the subtle variations between traditional building society and banking models and explains the impact of Consumer Duty.

He also broaches the current Table Mountain interest rate approach as opposed to the more recent Matterhorn effect, emphasises the importance of the relationship between lenders and the intermediary market in generating good outcomes and highlights what brokers should be watching out for in 2024.

All of which makes for a detailed and illuminating analysis of past, present and future lending conditions.

This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023 prior to the Autumn Statement and the latest Bank of England base rate decision.

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The UK's housing market remains in a state of flux. Interest rates are at their highest level for 15 years, house prices are faltering, and the UK economy is still feeling the lingering aftermath of last year’s mini-budget.

On a more positive note, following a period of swap rate turbulence, mortgage rates are slowly but steadily coming down, inflation is falling and we continue to see a very different regional picture, especially in and around the London housing market.

This all leads to ongoing uncertainty. So, to help lift the lid on the UK housing melting pot, the latest instalment of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast sees Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank join host and property expert Phil Spencer to evaluate some of the most prominent influencing factors.

The episode focusses on topics such as ongoing affordability issues, transaction volumes, the performance of the buy-to-let sector, new build and the impact of a changing political landscape.  The discussion also tackles the complex world of mortgage swap rates to determine why they are so important to the housing market, how brokers can better support their clients over the coming weeks and what they should be keeping an eye on going forward.

Meaning there is plenty to digest and dissect.

This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023. 

It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays. 

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The UK economy continues to dominate conversations across the country in the wake of the transition to a higher interest rate environment, rising cost of living pressures, an increased focus on unemployment figures and shifts in the labour market.

In a bid to unpick the current economic position and help us understand what it all means for the intermediary mortgage market, the latest season of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast kicks off with host and property expert Phil Spencer being joined by regular guest and Chief Investment Officer, Barclays Private Bank & Wealth Management, Will Hobbs.

In his own unique style, Will highlights the importance attached to positive real wage growth, how historic interest rate conditions relate to the current economic climate and the ongoing performance of European and US markets. He also tackles the question of whether interest rates have peaked and outlines why he remains so optimistic about UK economic conditions.

This in-depth discussion offers some exclusive insights and indicators into what mortgage brokers should, and shouldn’t, be paying attention to and how to avoid the doom narrative around the UK economy.

This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023.  

It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays. 

References

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Returning soon, a new series Mortgage Insider, Barclays' award-winning podcast for mortgage brokers.

Hosted by TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, the new series will see leading industry experts, brokers and Barclays’ own team of experts continue to delve deep into the pressing issues that are shaping the mortgage and housing markets.

The conversations will cover topics such as the performance of the UK economy, the intricate processes behind rate-setting and potential alternatives for the help to buy scheme.

The new series returns on the 14th November so hit follow now so you don’t miss any future episode.  

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Despite the need for financial advice growing exponentially in an increasingly complex economic landscape, many perceived barriers remain for all too many people across the UK.

The final episode in Season 4 of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast evaluates where these barriers appear, the progress being made by the mortgage industry to overcome them and what more brokers can be doing to make the advice they offer more inclusive, more accessible and easier to understand.

Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Jodi Spreadbury, Senior Mortgage & Protection Adviser at The Mortgage Broker Ltd,  Sidney Wager, Mortgage Intermediary Partnership Director at Barclays and media commentator, financial adviser and author of ‘Get Your Money Right’ Emmanuel Asuquo.

They dissect a plethora of topics including the perils of unregulated advice, how to identify vulnerable clients, the influence – both negative and positive – of social media, Consumer Duty, breaking perceptions around the advice process, the importance of financial education and what it feels like to be excluded.

It certainly proves to be an authentic, enlightening and inspirational discussion.

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Following on from episodes which have focused on why buying a house is so complicated and the changing role of the mortgage broker, the latest instalment in the award-winning Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast dusts off its crystal ball to predict the homebuying and selling journey of the future, what’s going on behind the scenes to make this happen and the future role of the mortgage broker.

Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Maria Harris, Chair of the Home Buying & Selling Technology Group and John Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer and founder of Coadjute as they offer their thoughts on what the homebuying process might look like in 5, 10 or even 20 years’ time and how the intermediary mortgage market can keep up with any digital transformation.

This illuminating analysis charts the impact of AI, the importance of good data, open banking and the steps required to create a seamless end-to-end property transaction. It also includes a call to action for brokers to demand more from their tech providers, seek better connectivity and to continue pushing the tech boundaries.

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Following his appearances on Series 1, 2 and 3 of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, William Hobbs, Chief Investment Officer at Barclays Wealth & Investments, is back by popular demand to help make sense of current economic conditions in his own inimitable style.

Will joins regular host and property expert Phil Spencer to carefully plot his way through what remains a mixed economic picture. Within the podcast, he outlines the ramifications of recent economic shocks, the role played by the media, interest rates projections, inflationary challenges and how technology can help regenerate the UK economy.

He also addresses fears of a new banking crisis, how the government can manage debt burdens accumulated over the pandemic and outlines the key areas for mortgage brokers to focus on in their daily business activities and throughout the advice process.

This episode offers some fascinating insights into the complex nature of the UK economy and how it reacts to domestic and world events.

This episode was recorded on 19th May.

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Evolving and adapting to meet ever-changing lending and borrowing needs is second nature to mortgage brokers. Which leads to the question - how are they doing business differently in 2023?

In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by two mortgage brokers - Helen Pierson, director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, New Homes and Neil Ryner, director of Ryner and Partners - to discuss shifting client needs and the impact on the advice process.

Within this discussion, they tackle a range of topics ranging from how to advise a generation of borrowers who haven't experienced an interest rate rise through to the importance of realigning business practices and marketing efforts to align with current market conditions.

The trio also address the pace of change throughout the mortgage industry, the difference between information and advice, the ongoing need for education and training, the impact of consumer duty, and the difficulties of identifying and servicing the needs of vulnerable clients.

This offers a fantastic insight into the life of a mortgage broker and the demands faced by themselves and their clients in the current economic climate.

This episode was recorded on 11th April.

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Buying a house remains one of life’s most stressful events but is the methodology too onerous, lengthy and overly complex?

This is the question, amongst many others, which was posed to representatives of three of the most prominent components in the homebuying process - the mortgage broker, the estate agent and the conveyancer.

Episode 8 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast sees mortgage broker Tom Jackson, managing director at Cooper Associates, Peter May, sales director at estate agency Location, Location and Suman Dally, head of conveyancing at law firm Shoosmiths join regular host and property expert Phil Spencer to provide an in-depth overview of the homebuying and selling journey.

This discussion includes their individual takes on the procedures involved in this journey, the importance of preparation and education for buyers and sellers, the reliance on government and trade bodies, the impact and limitations of technology, and how to speed up the transition from offer to exchange.

It’s vital for all links in the homebuying chain to find better ways to improve the customer experience and this podcast offers a great starting point to help transform what can be a sometimes archaic process.

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The UK mortgage market has always generated a huge variety of ways to help people achieve their homeownership goals and, despite operating in a higher interest rate and inflationary environment which is placing additional pressure on affordability, an array of mortgage products remain available to meet individual borrowing needs.

In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, regular host and property expert Phil Spencer chats with Rebekah Commane, Group Editor of Mortgage Strategy and Mortgage Finance Gazette and Michael Clarke, Product, Policy and Regulatory manager at Barclays to evaluate the many different types of mortgages currently on offer.

The discussion transitions from the multiple options available for first-time buyers through to the nuances of the Offset mortgage. It includes an in-depth look at Barclays Family Springboard mortgage, the Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor option, the appeal of tracker mortgages and a number of government and lender-led ways to bridge the gap left by the closure of the Help to Buy scheme.

This comprehensive overview of the current product arena also focuses on how to integrate a range of offerings into the advice process and how to think differently about mortgages in 2023.

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Mortgage brokers have always been on hand to support and deliver solutions for a variety of borrowers on what remains one of the largest and most emotive financial decisions they are ever likely to make. But how has the mortgage advice process changed following a string of events which have put personal and household finances under even greater scrutiny and resulted in an increasingly complex housing and mortgage market?

Host and property expert Phil Spencer speaks to Andrew Montlake, managing director of Coreco and chairman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) and Charlotte Bates, co-founder of BatesWilcox Mortgage Solutions about the evolution of the mortgage advice process, how people are looking to receive this advice in the modern age and the challenges and opportunities facing mortgage brokers in the current market.

The latest episode in series 4 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast also sees the trio discuss the impact of technology, explore how to develop relationships with clients remotely, the use of social media, mental health and well-being in addition to how the industry is embracing diversity, inclusion and equality.

They also offer their predictions for the rest of 2023 and beyond as brokers, borrowers and lenders adjust to the new interest norm.

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With awareness rising over the environmental and cost implications generated by greater levels of energy efficiency within our homes, it’s little wonder that potential buyers are exploring the benefits of purchasing a new build property.
In Episode 5 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast, Matt Aston, Head of New Build at Barclays and James Holmear, Group Sales Director at Redrow join host and property expert Phil Spencer to gauge the temperature of the new build sector.

They evaluate how an increased consumer focus on energy efficiency is positively impacting the sector, the cost differentials between running a new home compared to older property types, retrofitting, sustainability, financing and the benefits attached to purchasers working with a broker for new builds. Topics which make for a wide-ranging and highly engaging discussion.

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The buy-to-let mortgage market has experienced many highs and some lows over the years but in the wake of speculation around a potential great buy-to-let property sell-off, what impact are recent events having on landlords and mortgage brokers?

The latest instalment in Series 4 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer canvass the opinion of Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at Hamptons International and Michelle Leyland, specialist BTL mortgage broker at South Yorkshire Money on the current and future state of the buy-to-let sector.

This discussion includes a focus on the rise of the limited company structure, the impact of a higher interest rate environment, the changing landlord profile, Build to Rent and the types of conversations advisers need to be having with their landlord clients.

With landlords needing more guidance than ever before and additional support with their scenario planning, this is an episode which mortgage advisers and landlords can’t afford to miss

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The value of mortgage advice continues to rise in line with the number of challenges facing a variety of homeowners and potential buyers across the UK housing market. Challenges which are generating a host of difficult conversations between clients and mortgage advisers.

Episode 3 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer sit down with two highly respected and experienced mortgage advisers - Jane King, mortgage adviser at Ash-Ridge Private Finance and Sonya Matharu, senior mortgage broker at The Mortgage Mum - to explore how their client engagement has changed in recent times and how they are addressing some difficult conversations.

The trio cover a range of topics including the impact of the media, how to better prepare for such conversations, the importance of knowing your client as well as offering some examples of tricky exchanges and financial revelations which potential buyers have and haven’t made.

This proves to be an eye-opening and enlightening discussion.

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Consumer Duty is currently the hottest topic across the mortgage market and, with new rules coming into force on 31 July 2023, it’s an area that no business can afford to ignore.

In the latest episode of the award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer carefully navigates this complex issue with the help Richard Merrett, director of strategic relationships at SimplyBiz Mortgages and Melanie Spencer, head of finova Payment and Mortgage Services.

The trio discuss the main principles of Consumer Duty, its impact on the intermediary market, how to better engage with individual clients and the importance of reviewing pre and post-sale processes. They also offer a host of practical tips and examples of good practice to help brokers document and deliver good consumer outcomes.

This proves to be a highly insightful discussion into what the FCA has described as a ‘paradigm shift’ in what it expects from firms.

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We are thrilled to open the highly anticipated Series 4 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast with a focus on the UK housing market through the eyes of our brand new host, the one and only Phil Spencer.

This first instalment in the 12-episode series sees property expert Phil joined by one of the country's most respected housing market commentators Lucian Cook, Head of Residential Research at Savills, to discuss the current performance and potential of the UK housing market.

In addition to discussing the current state of play in the UK sales market, this high-level housing conversation also covers a plethora of key topics including the impact of rising mortgage rates, how housebuilders are faring, the challenges facing first-time buyers, the future of buy-to-let and the reasons why mortgage brokers should remain optimistic.

This really is a must listen for anyone working in and around the housing and mortgage markets, and even for those who aren’t.

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The award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast - brought to you by Barclays Bank – is back and it’s even bigger and better than ever. Hosted by renowned TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, Series 4 takes you beyond the headlines to explore the challenges, changes and opportunities on offer across the UK housing and mortgage markets.

In the latest series, Phil grills leading industry experts from the world of financial services on topics such as business development, the performance and potential of the housing market, the evolving role of the mortgage broker and the outlook for the UK economy.

You can’t afford to miss it.

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From pushing a trolley at Asda to embarking upon a business journey that led him from unpaid investment banking intern to become one of the youngest Vice Presidents at Goldman Sachs, Ying Tan has a fascinating personal story. However, an entrepreneur at heart he left the banking world to build one of the leading mortgage brokers in the UK. In the latest episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, Barclays BDM Claire MacPhail talks to mortgage industry stalwart, entrepreneur, author and angel investor Ying Tan about his experiences of founding and exiting such a highly successful and well-respected business, his personal challenges, his motivations and what the future holds for him and his new ventures.

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In the latest Mortgage Insider Podcast, Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba - authors of the 2021 business book of the year and best start-up/scale up book award 2021, The Unfair Advantage - discuss how brokers can apply their unfair advantage to help bolster their business.

Drawing on over two decades of hands-on experience, including being the first Marketing Director of Just Eat (a start-up now worth over £5 billion), the pair of highly successful entrepreneurs, strategists and mentors talk to Barclays BDM Claire MacPhail about levelling the playing field and explore the importance of money, intelligence, insight, location, education, expertise, status and luck in the journey to success.

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House prices continue to generate debate and speculation across the UK following a period which saw record levels of activity. To uncover the economic dynamics and stimulus behind this growth, we spoke to Andrew Wishart, senior property economist at Capital Economics. This discussion also analyses the impact of the pandemic, the influence of the rise in hybrid working and what the future holds for the UK housing market. He even shares his mortgage rate and house price forecasts for the next two years.

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The art of self-promotion can be a daunting prospect for many businesses and individuals. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider Podcast, business owner Stacey Campbell - Campbell & Horseman Mortgages - and Lucy Werner, founder of The Wern and author of the book Hype Yourself: A no-nonsense PR toolkit for small businesses outline their thoughts and experiences on a range of topics including PR, branding and social media for intermediary firms, new and old.

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In the latest instalment of the Mortgage Insider Podcast, we continue exploring new trends and success stories by speaking to Patrick Glennon of Patrick James Solutions, a brokerage specialising in providing advice to the Armed Forces, both current serving and veterans. Patrick shares his journey from the military into civvy street, his experience of starting a brokerage from scratch, how it has since evolved and what’s next for the business.

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In the wake of the highest inflation figures for 30 years, rising interest rates, soaring energy prices and a devastating war in Ukraine, Chief Investment Officer at Barclays Wealth & Investment Solutions, William Hobbs speaks to Claire and Tony about how global events are currently affecting the UK economy, historic precedents and the potential impact on the housing market.

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Best-selling author and one of the world’s most respected thought leaders on the subject of workplace culture and the future of work, Bruce Daisley joins regular hosts Claire MacPhail and Tony Rimmer as they evaluate the impact of the pandemic and explore how intermediary firms and advisers can improve their working practices in a post-pandemic world.

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To celebrate International Women’s Day, the latest Mortgage Insider Podcast features Sarah Tucker and Jamie Lewis, co-founders of The Mortgage Mum, who chat openly around the company’s values, ideals and outline how having open, honest conversations has allowed the business to grow so quickly and effectively. They also explore the role of social media, their blueprint for flexible working and how challenging the perceived ‘norm’ can help businesses overcome the fear factor.

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In this episode, we explore how brokers can develop and expand their business as we emerge from the pandemic. Claire and Tony speak to Monica Bradley, managing director and founder of MB Associates and Daniel Payne, Managing Director at Fluent Money about the lessons they have learnt over the past few years, how their businesses have evolved, their attitudes towards recruitment and the importance of building the right company culture.

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To kick off Season 3 of the Mortgage Insider podcast, we’re focusing on one of the industry’s hottest topics – Green Mortgages. Claudia Zambon, Director for mortgage products and Erika Moreira Baker, Senior product manager at Barclays navigate the intricacies of the market, evaluate the criteria for borrowers and explore what this space might look like in the future.

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Barclays brings you Series 3 of the Mortgage Insider podcast to help you make sense of the big issues and trends facing an ever-evolving industry.

Join Business Development Managers Claire MacPhail and Tony Rimmer as they chat with experts and thought leaders on a range of subjects. They’ll discuss ways to build your broking business, hear from company founders with a niche, and look at navigating ‘the new normal’.

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