The Mortgage Business Expo (MBE) South 2024 experienced a notable rise in attendance compared to last year.
- Attendance at the event grew by 3%, highlighting its increasing popularity in the mortgage sector.
- Visitors dedicated an average of five hours to discussions, seminars, and networking, indicating a high level of engagement.
- A significant majority attended to forge new business connections, network, and fortify existing supplier relationships.
- Plans for the upcoming MBE North event in Manchester are actively underway, with anticipated success.
The Mortgage Business Expo (MBE) South 2024, held at the Business Design Centre in London, marked a 3% increase in attendee numbers over the previous year, underscoring its growing stature in the mortgage industry. This annual event drew a diverse array of participants, keen on delving into the intricacies of specialist property finance, residential mortgages, and the evolving buy-to-let market. Such gatherings are crucial as they provide a platform for sector professionals to exchange insights and explore new business avenues.
Visitors to MBE South were observed spending an average of five hours engaged in a plethora of activities ranging from discussions to seminars and networking opportunities. The programme, meticulously curated in collaboration with PR partner Square 1 Media, was designed to offer maximum value to all attendees. Saalik Haleem from Offa encapsulated the event’s essence, remarking, “Always a thoroughly invigorating and fun day meeting key industry participants and offering us a chance to showcase our proposition. One of the first dates marked off in the diary each year.”
A significant 84% of participants attended with the intent to establish new business contacts, while 74% aimed to network and a further 59% sought to bolster relationships with existing suppliers. This data signifies the expo’s pivotal role as a cornerstone event for stakeholders in the mortgage sector. Alex Coleman, a mortgage adviser, echoed these sentiments, noting the day as “very informative and enjoyable, providing great value and insight into the latest industry trends.”
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to MBE North, slated for 28th March 2025, at Manchester’s Central Convention Complex. Mike Mikunda, event director for MBE, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “We’re thrilled with the success of MBE South, and we’re already looking ahead to MBE North in Manchester next March. The event’s growing popularity, highlighted by increased attendance and longer visitor engagement, is a testament to the value we bring to the mortgage sector.”
Martin Reynolds, CEO of SimplyBiz Mortgages and FIBA chairman, highlighted the challenges surmounted by the sector, remarking, “The specialist property, buy-to-let, and residential mortgage markets have faced numerous challenges in recent years, and it’s fantastic to see how well the intermediary sector has adapted.” His observations underscore the expo’s importance in fostering dialogue and facilitating the adaptation to changing market conditions.
MBE South 2024’s success sets a promising precedent for future events, particularly the upcoming MBE North in Manchester.
