Mortgage and Surveying Solutions (MSS), a leading property services group in the UK, has announced a strategic acquisition. The company has secured a significant ownership interest in Connect IFA, a well-known brokerage firm and mortgage network.
This move represents a key milestone for MSS, enhancing its presence within the financial services industry. Moreover, it strengthens the company’s ability to deliver a wide range of solutions to clients navigating the dynamic property market.
The collaboration is anticipated to bring together the unique strengths of both organisations. Additionally, it is set to unlock fresh opportunities for growth and innovation in the ever-changing UK mortgage and property sectors.
By combining resources, the partnership aims to improve efficiency while fostering innovation. This alignment reflects a shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge services and exceptional client experiences. It also positions MSS to effectively address the evolving needs of the Mortgage Network UK industry.
This strategic step highlights the increasing importance of integrated financial and property services solutions. MSS and Connect IFA are poised to remain at the forefront of industry developments as the market evolves.
Mortgage network UK | What the future holds
Pending regulatory approval, the forthcoming agreement aims to boost MSS-supported mortgage advisers to an impressive total of 1,450. The MSS Group, which oversees the Stonebridge mortgage network, views this investment as a pivotal growth opportunity. Consequently, it is expected to strengthen Connect’s financial foundation, enabling improved services and broader nationwide reach.
Currently, Connect supports over 250 appointed representative (AR) advisers, with plans to expand these numbers progressively. This strategic capital injection from MSS, combined with enhanced collaboration within the Connect group, is set to amplify its influence. As a result, Connect is likely to achieve greater scale in the lending, insurance, and surveying sectors.
Leadership continuity remains assured, ensuring stability during this growth phase. Liz Syms will continue as CEO, supported by Kevin Thomson as Sales Director and Jane Benjamin as Director of Mortgages. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise to drive Connect’s development and long-term success.
This strategic move highlights MSS’s commitment to advancing its position within the UK mortgage market while fostering innovation and growth across the sector.
MSS representatives
Noteworthy is the inclusion of MSS representatives on the Connect board, who have contributed valuable expertise in a non-executive role. Furthermore, this strategic collaboration is set to transform the mortgage advisory sector by fostering innovation and long-term growth.
The initiative prioritises expanding the UK mortgage network, improving its development and market outreach. Moreover, it aims to enhance the network’s reach across the United Kingdom, bolstering its presence in an increasingly competitive market.
Another key objective is optimising operational efficiency to streamline processes and maximise productivity. By doing so, the initiative seeks to improve customer satisfaction, ensuring borrowers experience seamless service throughout the mortgage process.
Additionally, exploring innovative approaches is central to elevating the network’s position in the UK mortgage market. This includes embracing cutting-edge technologies and new strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
Ultimately, these efforts aim to ensure the UK mortgage network’s sustained success in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Meet the people
Liz Syms (pictured), Connect’s chief executive, said: “This marks the next step in Connect’s evolution and will enhance our position as a major player in the specialist mortgage network UK market. The operations of both groups overlap without competing, and by working together, we can secure additional benefits and operating efficiencies.
“We are looking forward to working with the MSS team with an impressive background in supporting business growth. The financial stability and l
logistical support provided by MSS will enable us to develop our already market-leading proposition further so that we are able to continue the significant growth
we have achieved over the past two years.”
Rob Clifford, chief commercial executive at MSS Group and chief executive at Stonebridge, added: “Liz Syms and her team have done a hugely impressive job of building a
fantastic business at Connect, which we have admired for years. We are really looking forward to working with them to help support their growth plans.
“MSS already has extensive relationships with mortgage lenders as a surveying and valuations partner. We intend to extend the group’s reach by aggregating mortgage lending and building deeper relationships with those lenders.
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