Yorkshire BS revamps Homes division to strengthen broker offering

Yorkshire Building Society has reorganised its Homes division to strengthen its broker offering.

The new-look division brings together residential, buy-to-let and commercial lending under a simpler operating model.

The Society is creating a new director of distribution role, responsible for strategic partnerships and all broker relationships via Accord Mortgages and YBS Commercial Mortgages, as well as direct advised customers.

They will work alongside dedicated senior leaders for residential, buy-to-let and commercial lending, with Angela Norman continuing to lead the commercial lending team.

Jeremy Duncombe, managing director of Accord Mortgages, will support the transition and when complete will retire to consider portfolio opportunities after a career spanning almost 40 years.

Jeremy has also made a significant contribution to the wider sector through his involvement with industry bodies, including the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association and the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries.

Tom Simpson (pictured), managing director of homes, said: “We recently sharpened our purpose – Real Help with Real Life – which means members coming together to make good homes possible for more people.

“Our purpose underpins everything we do. We understand the difference a good home can make to people’s wealth and wellbeing.

“We are proud of the service we already provide to brokers and customers. These changes are about building on our strengths and ensuring we are well-set to support brokers and customers now and in the future.

“Helping more people into good homes means recognising how the mortgage market is changing. Alongside familiar barriers like high house prices and cost-of-living pressures, we are seeing more complex borrower circumstances, income sources and lending needs.

“Buying a home is not straightforward and it’s one of the most important life decisions we make, both personally and financially.

“All this means good advice is crucial. Brokers play a vital role, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them and customers to make the right decisions, while providing the best service we can.

“During his eight years as managing director, Jeremy has taken Accord from strength to strength and been a passionate advocate for the broker community. I thank him for his commitment, leadership and dedication to the Society and the intermediary sector.

“It’s been a real privilege to lead Accord and work with so many talented and dedicated colleagues, fantastic brokers and strategic partners. These changes will further enhance how we support the intermediary market and I’m pleased to help a transition that positions Accord strongly for the future.”