The average number of brokers who have attended TMA’s training sessions has increased by 129% compared to before the coronavirus outbreak.

The mortgage club says this is a result of the move to online, with training now more accessible to advisers working remotely across the UK.

TMA’s new virtual training sessions, otherwise known as High Intensity Interval Training or ‘HiiT’ sessions, were launched in April as the club continued to support advisers during the Covid-19 outbreak. TMA will be hosting a further five HiiT sessions for brokers over the coming weeks.

So far, the club has hosted a total of five classes. The next run of sessions will focus on the following topics:

• Fraud
• Taxation in the buy-to-let market
• Wills and trusts
• Moving into equity release
• Innovation and opportunities in the equity release market

The club’s HiiT sessions are aimed at DA firms across the UK looking for extra support in key areas such as protection and GI sales training, compliance and technology. Each session allows advisers to connect with industry peers and share best practices on a variety of topics including how to diversify revenue streams and make the most of technological support. The classes are each led by a senior member of the TMA team and advisers who attend receive a digital CPD certificate.

Lisa Martin (pictured), development director at TMA, said: “Taking our training sessions online during the coronavirus pandemic has enabled a far greater number of advisers to access the relevant support easily and quickly. Supporting DA firms is our top priority, and we are confident that the next run of HiiT sessions will assist even more advisers looking to hone their skills in specific market areas and ensure that more are better-equipped to keep up with consumer demand.”

The announcement follows the launch of TMA’s ‘Get Yourself Motivated’ (GYM) programme, which reinforces its ongoing commitment to ensuring that DA firms are able to work optimally throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. The new programme provides both new and existing members of the Club with a series of online support classes – including the HiiT sessions – as well as tools and guides to help them and their teams stay focused and motivated.

The GYM consists of six dedicated ‘zones’ that target and tone all aspects of an intermediary’s team and business. As part of this, advisers have access to an extensive timetable of remote CPD sessions and resources aimed to inspire mental health and wellbeing, which is particularly pertinent whilst employees are working from home. TMA members also have access to bespoke ‘personal training’ one-on-one sessions via Zoom with the Club’s Key Account Managers.

Martin added: “We are hearing from firms that they are particularly keen to learn how they can maintain their current business and come out even stronger on the other side. This was a key driver behind the decision to launch the GYM – so that brokers can focus on building a better business, both now and in the future. We have already had a great reception from our DA firms across the UK on the programme and are confident that this will continue as more advisers look to bolster their knowledge and skillset.”