2024: Another year of lending collaboration and connection  

By Hema Patel, BDM – North of England & Scotland 

Over the years we’ve talked to our broker partners about the importance of human interaction, finance with heart, collaboration and education in lending. We’re big believers in practising what we preach. Priding ourselves on working in open, inclusive environments and leading the way for others to build networks across the industry.   

In 2024 the Hodge Mortgage team covered thousands of miles across the UK to see our peers in the industry, face to face. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed attending nationwide events, championing education in specialist areas like later life lending and discussing better ways to support brokers as we navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to build on these successes and continue driving collaboration across the industry.   

Creating impact across the UK  

This year, we’ve hosted and participated in a wide range of broker and lender events, delivering meaningful connections and actionable insights for all involved. Our regional events spanned from Bolton to Aberdeen, creating spaces for brokers to connect with national and local lenders without needing to travel far.   

Later Life Lending Collaboration is the first later life collaboration of its kind, initiated and organised by Hodge. The events are interactive workshops where brokers and lenders discuss the challenges facing borrowers lending into retirement and the opportunities in the later life lending space.  

This collaboration breaks down the silos across the later life market offering a shared, local space for later life and life time lenders. From shifting customer demographics, intergenerational lending and divorce after 50, these conversations provided actionable advice that brokers could take straight to their clients.   

The Hodge team have held over 50 events across the UK in 2024, welcoming hundreds of brokers to thought-provoking sessions. The consistent feedback we’ve received, especially from brokers who’ve successfully placed cases after attending, underscores the impact of these events.   

Jon Dunckley of About Consulting Group, a keynote speaker at the collaboration events, called the initiative “a breath of fresh air” and a true example of Consumer Duty in action. His praise reminds us of the importance of working together—not just within our own teams but across the entire industry.   

Why collaboration matters   

In a competitive market, collaboration might seem like an unlikely priority. But at Hodge, we believe that coming together ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone – most importantly, for customers.   

By sharing ideas, we create opportunities and empower brokers with the education and connections they need to grow their businesses.   

Looking ahead to 2025   

As we move into 2025, we’re committed to continuing this journey of collaboration. Our calendar is already filling up with events designed to bring together brokers and lenders across the UK. These sessions will continue to focus on specialist areas like later life lending while introducing new topics to reflect the evolving market.   

Whether it’s through industry-leading initiatives like the Later Life Lending Collaboration or our regional broker sessions, we’ll keep leading by example and creating spaces for professionals to connect, learn and grow.   

Make sure you’re in the diary  

A special thanks to all the brokers who’ve attended these events and the lenders who are working closely together to make them a success. 

We’d love to see familiar and new faces at our upcoming events. Together, we can strengthen our industry and deliver the best possible outcomes for customers.

Follow us on LinkedIn to find out when the next events will be.