AOBP announces UK-wide broker Roadshow

They will be holding a week-long Roadshow in five locations across the country from 17-21 September 2012.

Aimed at introducers of all kinds, the AOBP is hitting the road to extend its knowledge and influence as a trade body to the wider community. The Roadshow is open to those who are already signed-up as Associates, as well as brokers who simply want to find out a bit more about bridging and short term finance from leading figures within the industry.

The five locations were decided after lenders and packagers identified particular areas with very real business potential but where, perhaps, there is less awareness amongst intermediaries. London is notably absent from the list as it was agreed that, with the majority of bridging deals still originating from within the M25, it was best for the AOBP to focus its attention elsewhere.

Jonathan Newman, Chairman of the AOBP and senior partner at Brightstone Law, says:

“For a while there has been a suggestion that the bridging industry is too London-centric. Whilst many of the most active participants are based in or around London, the AOBP network is spread far and wide.

“We recognise the time and cost expense to those members who are not based in London in having to travel – and so we have launched this initiative to include and involve non-London brokers, members and non-members, in our next phase of events.”

During the two daily sessions, attendees will be treated to presentations by AOBP Affiliate Lenders and certain Executive Committee members. The idea is that the groups will be small enough to encourage one-on-one discussions, with importance placed on transferring the knowledge that intermediaries really want from the lenders and packagers present.

AOBP Affiliate Lender Cheval Bridging Finance will be attending and addressing attendees at certain locations during the Roadshow.

Gavin Diamond, Finance director of Cheval, commented:

“We are proud to support the event. Any reputable initiative to promote short-term lending and educate intermediaries as to how it can be used can only be a positive move.”

The locations are as follows and registration is due to open by the end of this week:

- Newcastle – Monday, 17 September 2012

- Manchester – Tuesday, 18 September 2012

- Birmingham – Wednesday, 19 September 2012

- Bristol – Thursday, 20 September 2012

- Southampton – Friday, 21 September 2012