Mortgage and protection network HL Partnership has reported an increase from 19% to 30% in the number of online factfinds requested and completed by its members’ customers since the start of the lockdown. 

The (undisclosed) total number of factfinds being created by HLP members is also approaching pre-Covid levels the network claimed.

Shaun Almond (pictured), HLP’s managing director,  believes that while face to face meetings will still be the preferred method for customer meetings, the rise in popularity of factfinds being completed by customers in their own time is not going to be a short lived phenomenon.

He said: “HLP has invested hugely in its technology capability for members. That investment has paid off particularly in relation to the current crisis as every HLP member has access to the tools enabling them to continue offering a full service to customers.

“The option to send a factfind for the customer to complete online is becoming more popular each week and has proved to be a vital ingredient in helping advisers and their customers continue to engage during the lockdown.

“Having spoken to many of our members, I am convinced that its success is not just a result of the restrictions on face to face meetings. The use of online factfinds to capture customer data is here to stay and, apart from the convenience for customers who might not have time for a traditional meeting, the online form can be filled out at leisure with the information reflected immediately in the members’ CRM system. 

“I am delighted to report that HL Partnership’s members are reporting they are extremely busy, a fact backed up by the total number of factfinds created approaching pre-Covid levels. With the recently announced stamp duty amnesty, I am predicting a strong market for property buyers and sellers in which I know that our members are in the best possible position to help those seeking finance.”