Confidence is high among Primis brokers across the North of England, with nine in 10 expecting to write more business in 2026.
Surveys conducted at Primis Kick Off events, in the North East and North West of England, found 86% of respondents also described themselves either as ‘optimistic’ or ‘somewhat optimistic’ about the year ahead.
Confidence is similarly strong for protection business, with 86% also anticipating increased volumes this year.
However, brokers highlighted several key challenges for the year ahead, with economic uncertainty and employment concerns topping the list for just under one in three (32%) of respondents.
Customer affordability pressures were cited by 30%, while 29% pointed to regulation and compliance as potential hurdles.
When asked where opportunities lie for the year ahead, almost half (47%) of brokers in the North identified remortgaging as the biggest growth driver.
First-time buyer mortgages and income protection were joint second, each cited by 15% of respondents.
Expectations around interest rates further evidence brokers’ confidence. The majority (89%) of respondents expect the Bank of England base rate to fall during 2026, reinforcing optimism that affordability and market activity may improve as the year progresses.
Despite ongoing industry debate around the FCA’s removal of the ‘advice trigger’, sentiment among northern brokers was broadly unconcerned.
Over half (56%) said they were not worried about a potential rise in non-advised sales, although 38% said they were somewhat concerned.
LSL Financial Services sales director Neil Hoare says: “That nine in ten brokers in the North expect to write more business this year than last reflects strong confidence in the market. It also surpasses the levels of optimism we have seen in Wales, the South, and the Midlands across previous surveys, too.”
“Expectations that interest rates will fall this year, combined with a large volume of refinance opportunities, paves the way for new business in the remortgage market while also providing a reason to have a conversation and review protection needs with customers.”
Elsewhere, Primis brokers in Wales and the South are upbeat about prospects for 2026, with 79% expecting to write more business this year than last.
