Almost two-thirds of brokers will adopt a hybrid mix of remote and face-to-face working despite the lifting of pandemic restrictions, according to the TMA Club survey.

The broker network says 64% of advisors will carry out this method of working, which highlights “the necessity of effective tech in our new environments”.

It adds 9% of brokers say they plan to continue working entirely remotely “for the foreseeable future”, while 27% are planning a full return to the office.  

The club says: “Tech will be essential for businesses to continue to conduct work in and out of the office – including client meetings, remote ID & verification systems, and due diligence processes.”

It says since the beginning of lockdown restrictions last March, brokers have had to upgrade their tech systems to respond to new ways of working.

The survey says 14% of brokers, revealed they lost a client at the beginning of the pandemic due to unsuitable tech, with half of advisors adding that they had to “make complete changes to their tech to retain clients while remote working”.

Only 32% of intermediaries already had systems in place that were suitable to ensure a seamless transition to remote working without the loss of any clients.   

TMA Club development director Lisa Martin, says: “Today’s results confirm the necessity of adopting a slick tech platform for brokers who are dragging their heels. 

“We understand that many of our brokers will feel more comfortable working remotely, and many offices are recommending a staggered return to the office to ensure maximum safety for employees during this time. 

“Brokers need to ensure they can provide a seamless experience whether in or out of the office.

“In addition to facilitating remote work through video conferencing tools, remote ID verification or due diligence, an up-to-date tech platform can give brokers the ability to automate administrative tasks, keep on top of fixed-term product deadlines and strengthen their compliance processes.

Martin adds: “As we look ahead to the rest of 2021 and beyond, our results show that the majority of brokers will continue using a hybrid work model, providing advice to their clients both from the office and from home, which makes seamless and secure access to documents from any location essential. 

“TMA will continue to support brokers by providing webinars and assistance to educate and consult directly authorised brokers on how tech can enhance their business in the new norm of flexible working.”

Earlier this week, Coventry for intermediaries says its business development managers will begin meeting brokers face-to-face following the easing of lockdown restrictions, “as long as everyone’s comfortable to meet in person”. 

The TMA Club says the poll was conducted on 6 August at its ‘Technology HIIT Session’, attended by 40 mortgage intermediaries.