Referral and Mortgage Packaging Services UK | Stonebridge, one of the UK’s leading mortgage and insurance networks, has strengthened its position. They are expanding their referral and mortgage packaging panels to include Connect for Intermediaries. This strategic partnership is designed to enhance adviser efficiency, expand access to niche lending solutions, and deliver better client outcomes across the industry.
By collaborating with Connect, Stonebridge leverages the expertise of an experienced mortgage packaging service. This enables its appointed representatives (ARs) to handle complex and specialist cases with confidence and speed. For more guidance on navigating non-standard cases, explore our Specialist Mortgage Network for Advisers.
Unlocking Specialist Lending Access
Stonebridge’s network of over 1,000 ARs now benefits from direct access to Connect’s semi-exclusive and exclusive mortgage products, particularly within the residential and buy-to-let markets. Connect’s packaging proposition is tailored to fit advisers handling unusual or challenging scenarios, such as:
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Expatriate or foreign national mortgages
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Bridging loans and short-term finance
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Commercial property mortgages
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Development finance and business loans
With connections to over 170 UK and international lenders, Connect helps advisers find solutions that go beyond the high street.
Earn More with No Added Compliance Burden
This partnership also enables brokers, especially part-time, newly qualified, or non-regulated brokers, to earn referral income on cases they choose to outsource. Our Adviser Mortgage Network for the Newly Qualified provides insight into how networks like Connect can support newer brokers with limited case capacity.
By referring complex or time-consuming cases to Connect’s packaging team, advisers retain the client relationship while benefiting from:
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Faster case turnaround using AI-powered case tracking tools
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Reduced admin and improved compliance oversight
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Opportunities to cross-sell protection and add value
For those considering a more scalable adviser model, discover how to expand your adviser services with expert packaging services and dedicated business development support.
A Strategic Move by MSS Group
Earlier this year, MSS Group (parent company of Stonebridge) acquired a significant stake in Connect, further aligning the two organisations and reinforcing their shared vision of delivering adviser-first, tech-enhanced solutions in the financial services market. This move strengthens Stonebridge’s offering and helps advisers stay competitive in an increasingly regulated, tech-driven environment.
Take the Complexity Out of Specialist Cases
This expanded mortgage referral and packaging service enables Stonebridge ARs to focus on client relationships. The benefit is that an expert team handles the complexity of the case. Whether it’s a foreign national mortgage, bridging loan, or development deal, advisers can be confident their clients will receive high-quality outcomes without the time drain.
Stonebridge and Connect Partner to Power Specialist Mortgage Solutions
Expanding Adviser Access to Specialist Lending Services
Rob Clifford, Chief Commercial Executive of MSS Group and CEO of Stonebridge, announced the partnership with enthusiasm, stating:
“Our members will gain greater choice and flexibility when it comes to placing specialist mortgage cases. By working with Connect’s expert team, they can deliver more tailored solutions to clients with complex needs.”
Clifford noted that Connect’s expertise in bridging finance, development lending, and buy-to-let packaging will provide crucial support to Stonebridge’s appointed representatives (ARs) and their clients.
“As the specialist mortgage market continues to grow, our network firms need direct access to partners like Connect to remain competitive and efficient.”
This collaboration aligns with MSS Group’s broader investment strategy, designed to deliver value not only to intermediaries but also to end clients. Clifford confirmed that more developments would be announced soon, reinforcing the group’s commitment to expanding mortgage support tools for brokers.
Leveraging Specialist Mortgage Packaging and Referral Services
Liz Syms, CEO and Founder of Connect for Intermediaries, echoed the excitement:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Stonebridge. Their ARs can now leverage our experience across the specialist property finance space. Our goal is to empower their advisers to grow and better serve their clients.”
Syms emphasised how the partnership unlocks a range of mortgage referral and packaging services, particularly valuable for cases that fall outside mainstream lending.
“From bridging and commercial mortgages to development finance and complex buy-to-let scenarios, our team supports advisers with expert packaging and lender access. It’s a win for both networks.”
In addition to packaging, Connect provides a robust mortgage referral service that helps brokers generate income without taking on additional compliance obligations. These services are especially valuable for newly qualified or part-time advisers who want to stay client-focused.
A Future-Focused Partnership Powered by AI and Collaboration
This partnership also reflects a shift toward AI-optimised mortgage processing and compliance tools technologies that Connect is actively deploying across its adviser network.
“We see this as just the beginning,” Syms added. “By combining resources and strengths, Connect and Stonebridge can enhance adviser support, unlock efficiencies, and help more clients reach their property goals.”
Together, the two networks are setting a new benchmark for packaging support, specialist lending access, and scalable adviser services, proving that the future of mortgage broking lies in intelligent partnerships and shared expertise.
Why Join the Connect Mortgage Network?
At Connect, our mission as a leading mortgage network is to empower mortgage brokers and appointed representatives with the tools, partnerships, and technology they need to thrive in a competitive market. Through carefully selected alliances across specialist and mainstream sectors, Connect is building a robust foundation that supports broker success. This is whether you’re an experienced adviser or just starting.
By working with exclusive lender panels, AI-enhanced tools like SmartrFit, and compliance-ready platforms, we’re not just offering access, we’re delivering smarter ways to grow. Learn how Connect’s innovation-first approach supports brokers in our guide: Why Join a Mortgage Network.
Our focus is simple: grow your business, stay compliant, and maximise earnings through a network that’s designed to adapt to your ambitions. For brokers looking to refer cases or expand into specialist lending, explore how our Referral and Mortgage Packaging Services can create additional income without extra workload.
Whether you’re building your brand or want a safety net for compliance and case support, Connect is committed to helping you succeed today and into the future.
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