Complete FS has claimed that smaller regional expos are more popular among brokers than larger national events.

The south coast based packager, which has run its own Expo for the past 13 years in Hampshire, claims that from the reception and reaction they have had from brokers over the past few years to their own event, brokers prefer a more intimate event, closer to home or work, which allows greater opportunities for personal interaction with lenders and service providers.

Complete FS hosts its 14th annual Specialist Lender Expo at the Meon Valley & Country Club, near Southampton on 21 September.

This year’s event has a ‘Circus Big Top’ theme, with over 30 specialist lenders in attendance. After lunch, delegates can then take part in the afternoon’s activities which include golf, sailing and use of the Meon Valley’s leisure facilities.

This year’s keynote speech is being given by Stephen Johnson, CEO of Shawbrook Bank, this year’s main sponsor, discussing the effect of Brexit on the specialist lending arena.

Tony Salentino (pictured), director at Complete FS, argues that many brokers do not have the time to travel to national events where they only want to engage with a fraction of the exhibitors specific to them.

He said: “The fact is that many brokers no longer have the luxury of taking a day out of the office to attend an Expo. Our event which focuses purely on specialist lending gives brokers the opportunity to hear from and engage with more than 20 lenders and service providers over a concentrated three/four hour period. They can then choose to stay and have lunch with us and take part in the activities such as golf and sailing we have organised or go back to work.

“Smaller more focussed Expos are definitely the way forward and after 13 years running ours the growing popularity of bespoke events, concentrating on specific areas of interest to brokers that allow them to interact with all of the exhibitors, is proving to be increasingly popular.”