Mortgage Network UK | Mortgage and Surveying Solutions (MSS), one of the UK’s leading property services groups, has announced a major development within the Mortgage Network UK market. The business has acquired a substantial ownership stake in Connect IFA, a respected mortgage brokerage and well-established national network.
This strategic investment marks an important step forward for MSS as it expands its footprint across the financial services sector. The partnership strengthens MSS’s ability to provide a broader range of solutions to advisers and clients navigating the fast-moving UK property and mortgage landscape.
By joining forces, both organisations will combine their specialist expertise to create new avenues for growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. The collaboration is expected to enhance service delivery, streamline processes, and support advisers with modern, technology-led tools that reflect today’s evolving market demands.
The alignment also highlights a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused services across the entire mortgage journey. With MSS’s extensive property services capabilities and Connect IFA’s strong adviser network, the partnership is well-positioned to respond to the changing needs of the Mortgage Network UK sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, this move reinforces the growing importance of integrated financial and property solutions. Together, MSS and Connect IFA are poised to remain at the forefront of market developments, offering advisers and clients greater value, improved support, and access to innovative resources designed for long-term success.
Mortgage network UK | What the future holds
Pending regulatory approval, this new investment is expected to increase the number of MSS-supported mortgage advisers to around 1,450. The MSS Group, which oversees the Stonebridge mortgage network, has identified this partnership as a major opportunity to accelerate long-term growth. The move is set to strengthen Connect’s financial position and support the expansion of its services across the UK mortgage market.
Connect currently works with more than 250 appointed representative advisers, and this number is forecast to rise steadily as the network continues to expand. The capital investment from MSS, combined with closer collaboration within the wider Connect group, is expected to increase operational capacity and elevate its influence across the lending, protection, and surveying sectors. This aligns with Connect’s long-term focus on scaling its mortgage network and enhancing adviser support.
Stable leadership remains central to this growth phase. Liz Syms will continue to lead the business as CEO, supported by Kevin Thomson as Sales Director and Jane Benjamin as Director of Mortgages. Their collective experience is expected to drive strategic development and ensure the network continues to deliver strong results for advisers and clients.
This strategic partnership demonstrates MSS’s commitment to strengthening its position in the UK mortgage industry and supporting innovation across the broker community.
MSS representation on the Connect board
The addition of MSS representatives to the Connect board has already provided valuable insight at a non-executive level. This collaboration will play a key role in modernising the mortgage advisory landscape and guiding long-term sector growth.
The initiative reinforces the aim of expanding the UK mortgage network and improving market engagement. It also supports Connect’s commitment to expanding its nationwide reach, helping advisers grow in an increasingly competitive environment.
Another major priority is improving operational efficiency, enabling advisers to work more productively and deliver a smoother client experience. Streamlined processes, enhanced case management, and stronger compliance support are expected to improve customer satisfaction throughout the mortgage journey.
Innovation also remains at the centre of this partnership. Exploring new technology and adopting modern tools will help the network maintain a strong position in the UK mortgage market. This includes future enhancements to Connect’s technology platform and adviser tools, which support case management, compliance, and sourcing.
Ultimately, these combined efforts aim to secure the long-term success of the UK mortgage network and ensure it continues to grow in a fast-evolving financial services environment.
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 from MSS will enable us to develop our already market-leading proposition further, so we can continue our 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.
Mortgage Network UK | Why Join Connect Network
If you’re exploring the idea of joining a mortgage network in the UK, there has never been a better moment, and Connect Network is the ideal place to build and grow your business.
The recent announcement confirming that Mortgage and Surveying Solutions (MSS) has secured a substantial ownership stake in Connect IFA marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter. As part of one of the UK’s leading property services groups, Connect Network is now even stronger, offering advisers enhanced support, broader resources, and access to a wide range of mortgage and protection solutions.
This partnership unites the experience and innovation of two major industry organisations. It strengthens operational efficiency, expands lender relationships, and reinforces our commitment to progress within the UK mortgage market. As the industry continues to evolve, Connect Network remains focused on providing advisers with advanced technology solutions, dedicated regulatory and compliance support, and a business structure built for long-term success.
Whether you are an established adviser ready to scale your business, a firm considering a move to a more supportive network, or a newly qualified broker looking for guidance and growth, Connect Network provides the tools, flexibility, and expert support you need to succeed.
Now is the perfect time to become part of something bigger. Join Connect Network today and secure your future in a fast-moving, continually evolving market.
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