London estate and letting agency, Portico, has launched Portico Finance, a mortgage broker and protection service.

The property group has 17 estate and letting agency branches across zones 1-4 in London and opened in Liverpool and Manchester in February.

Portico Finance is headed up by Paul Tait (pictured). He has worked for a range of high street names, such as RBS, Barclays and Savills Private Finance, and has launched mortgage brokerages. He was part of the original team that setup online mortgage broker, Habito.

Its panel of mortgage lenders is formed of more than 50 companies, ranging from banks and building societies to more specialist buy-to-let firms for portfolio landlords and landlords with special requirements.

The team consists of experienced mortgage brokers who can advise clients on their mortgage and protection requirements, including life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, landlord insurance, building and contents, and accident, sickness and unemployment insurance.

Tait said: “Whether a client is a first-time buyer, an experienced buy to let landlord looking to refinance a portfolio, or someone looking to remortgage, our team will review client’s circumstances and provide advice on the most suitable options.

“Our team of brokers are based in Fulham, and can provide a face-to-face or telephone service, elements of which are also digital.”

“We are always looking for ways to evolve and improve our proposition and the launch of Portico Finance will give clients the opportunity to speak with a mortgage and protection expert in-house”, added Robert Nichols, CEO of Portico.

“It is great to have someone of Paul’s calibre leading our new mortgage broker and protection service. We are very excited about bringing this provision to the market and we look forward to helping clients with their financial requirements both now and in the future.”