A bridging loan is a short-term financing solution designed to "bridge the gap" between purchasing a property and securing a long-term financial option. The repayment strategy (or "exit plan") may involve selling the property, refinancing to a standard mortgage, or a combination of both to pay off the loan.

Bridging loans typically last for a 12-month term. While many lenders don't charge early repayment fees after the first few months, most require a minimum of three months' interest payments. This means that if the loan is repaid within the first three months, the borrower is still liable for the full three months' interest. After this period, interest is charged only for the time the loan is outstanding.

A common feature of bridging finance is rolled-up interest, where interest payments are added to the loan balance each month and paid in full at the end of the term. This structure eliminates monthly payments, easing cash flow, but the total repayable amount will include accumulated interest. Typically, lenders cap the total loan amount, including rolled-up interest, at 70-75% of the property's value, although some lenders may go higher.

When reviewing applications, bridging lenders focus on two key factors:

• The value of the security
  The loan amount is based on the value of the property or asset used as security.‍
• The exit/repayment plan
  Lenders need assurance that the borrower has a clear and viable plan to repay the loan, whether through property sale or refinancing.

Bridging loans are commonly used in situations such as purchasing a new property while waiting for the sale of an existing one, funding property refurbishments that wouldn’t qualify for a standard mortgage due to the property's condition, buying at auction to later refinance onto a standard mortgage, or even property "flipping."

This makes bridging finance a valuable tool for investors, developers, and homeowners who need fast and flexible funding solutions.

Development finance is a short-term funding solution, typically available for 6 to 24 months, designed to support residential and commercial development projects. It helps cover both purchase costs and build costs, making it a vital option for developers working on new builds, conversions, or refurbishments—from single-unit projects to large-scale, multiphase developments.

How Does Development Finance Work?‍

A development loan is typically structured in two key stages:

• Site Purchase
  The initial portion of the loan is used to assist with acquiring the development site. This could be land for new builds or an existing property in need of refurbishment or conversion.
• Build Costs
  The second stage of funding covers construction and renovation expenses. Rather than being released in full at the outset, funds are typically drawn down in stages as the project progresses. These staged payments, often made monthly, are based on completed work and verified through site inspections.

Key Considerations for Lenders‍

When assessing a development finance application, lenders focus on several factors:

• Project Viability
  Lenders review the development's potential profitability, considering market demand, projected sales or rental values, and build costs.
• Experience of the Developer
  While first-time developers can secure funding, those with a proven track record of successful projects are often viewed more favourably.
• Exit Strategy
  A clear plan for repaying the loan is crucial. This could be through selling completed units, refinancing onto a long-term mortgage, or a combination of both.
• Loan-to-Gross Development Value (LTGDV)
  Lenders typically provide funding based on a percentage of the project's expected final value, usually up to 65-75% of the GDV.

Who Can Benefit from Development Finance?

Development finance is commonly used by property developers, investors, and builders who need access to flexible, structured funding. It is ideal for those looking to acquire land, refurbish existing properties, or undertake large-scale construction projects that may not qualify for standard mortgage financing.

By providing staged funding and tailored repayment structures, development finance ensures that capital is available as needed, helping developers manage cash flow effectively while bringing projects to completion.

A trading business mortgage is designed to finance the purchase or refinancing of properties used as business premises. This form of mortgage enables business owners to secure the property or land needed for their operations by borrowing funds from high street banks or specialist lenders. Similar in structure to a residential mortgage, it is repaid in monthly instalments.

How Does a Trading Business Mortgage Work?‍

Trading business mortgages are versatile and can be used not only to purchase new business premises but also to remortgage existing ones. Remortgaging is often an attractive option when a business’s performance improves, as lenders may then offer more favourable terms by perceiving the borrower as a lower risk. In both cases, the borrowing process involves a thorough assessment of the business’s financial health, performance history, and future prospects.

Key Considerations

• Purpose and Flexibility
  These mortgages provide a flexible funding solution tailored for properties that support business operations, whether acquiring new premises or refinancing current assets for better terms.
• Repayment Structure
  Borrowed funds are repaid over a set period through fixed monthly instalments, which cover both the principal and the interest. This structure offers predictability and helps businesses manage cash flow effectively.
• Risk Assessment
  As with residential mortgages, lenders assess the risk associated with the loan. Improved business performance can result in more competitive rates, reflecting a reduced risk profile.

Overall, trading business mortgages offer a strategic financing option that supports business growth by enabling access to essential property assets. They not only facilitate the purchase of business premises but also provide an opportunity to secure better lending terms as a business matures, ensuring that capital requirements are met efficiently while supporting long-term operational stability.

Portfolio finance, often referred to as a portfolio mortgage, enables landlords to consolidate multiple buy-to-let mortgages into a single finance facility. By treating an entire property portfolio as one account, rather than managing separate mortgages for each property, this approach simplifies financial administration and streamlines monthly repayments.

Typically, the portfolio is registered as a limited company, meaning that all finances and expenditures are managed according to standard business practices. Although the term “property portfolio” commonly implies ownership of at least four properties, some arrangements may involve fewer. However, most lenders consider four properties as the minimum threshold for qualifying as a robust portfolio.

The primary advantage of portfolio finance is its simplicity. Rather than juggling multiple mortgage statements and payments, landlords benefit from a single monthly statement and one consolidated payment. This unified approach not only makes budgeting and cash flow management more straightforward but also provides lenders with a clearer overall picture of the borrower’s risk profile.

Lenders introduced portfolio mortgages to offer greater clarity and efficiency in managing buy-to-let finances. Consolidating mortgages under one account can potentially lead to more competitive lending terms, as the lender assesses the portfolio as a whole rather than on a property-by-property basis. Despite these benefits, opting for a portfolio mortgage is entirely optional. Landlords may choose to retain separate mortgages if that better aligns with their individual financial strategies or operational preferences.

Overall, portfolio finance is a strategic solution for landlords aiming to optimise property investment management. It reduces administrative burdens, simplifies payment processes, and can enhance financial clarity—allowing property investors to focus on growing and managing their portfolios effectively.

A semi-commercial mortgage is a property-backed loan designed for assets that combine both residential and commercial elements. These financing solutions are ideal for properties featuring living accommodations alongside commercial space, catering to investors or owner-occupiers who require a versatile property setup. Semi-commercial mortgages are available for a broad range of properties and can be used either to purchase a new asset or to remortgage an existing one.

How Does a Semi-Commercial Mortgage Work?‍

Typically funded by commercial mortgage lenders, semi-commercial mortgages are treated in much the same way as traditional commercial loans. Lenders conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire property, evaluating both its residential and commercial components. This dual appraisal helps determine the overall market value, income potential, and risk profile of the asset. The terms of the loan—such as interest rates and deposit requirements—are often influenced by the balance between residential and commercial space. In many cases, properties that meet specific criteria regarding the ratio of living to business areas may qualify for lower interest rates compared to fully commercial properties.

Key Considerations

• Property Composition
  To qualify as semi-commercial, a property must incorporate both commercial elements and residential living space. Lenders may require a defined ratio of residential to commercial space to offer more competitive lending terms.
• Access and Occupancy
  Properties that feature a single access point—potentially limiting occupancy to a single tenant or business owner—may not meet the eligibility criteria for lower rates. In such cases, lenders often apply full commercial mortgage rates.
• Lending Terms and Flexibility
  Semi-commercial mortgages provide a flexible financing solution by merging aspects of residential and commercial lending. This versatility can result in attractive rates and terms for properties that successfully demonstrate a balanced use, ultimately supporting diversified income streams and enhanced asset value.

By consolidating the unique features of both residential and commercial properties into a single financing package, semi-commercial mortgages offer borrowers a streamlined, efficient option for capitalising on mixed-use investments.

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A commercial investment mortgage is a loan used to purchase or refinance commercial or semi-commercial properties that are let to tenants. These mortgages function similarly to residential buy-to-let loans but are tailored for properties used for business purposes. Interest rates and fees are typically higher than those for owner-occupied commercial mortgages due to the additional risk associated with investment properties.

When assessing an application, lenders focus on three key factors: the applicant, the property, and the lease.

• The Applicant
  Lenders evaluate the borrower’s credit history, financial position, and experience in letting both residential and commercial properties. Meeting the lender’s criteria in these areas is essential for approval.
• The Property
  A strong investment property is one with good rental demand or resale potential. Lenders rely on a surveyor’s valuation, which assesses market demand and overall asset stability to determine the loan’s viability.
• The Lease and Tenant Strength
  A secure lease with several years remaining and a financially stable tenant is crucial. Lenders consider both the lease terms and the tenant’s financial standing, as a tenant at risk of insolvency may jeopardise the investment’s reliability.

Commercial investment mortgages provide a valuable financing solution for landlords and investors seeking long-term rental income from commercial properties. By ensuring a strong tenant and lease structure, borrowers can secure better terms and enhance the sustainability of their investment.

‍

Residential investment finance is specifically tailored for property investors and landlords who acquire residential properties to generate rental income and achieve long-term capital growth. Unlike owner-occupied mortgages, these financing solutions are designed for investment purposes, providing a means to expand and diversify a property portfolio.

How Does Residential Investment Finance Work?

Residential investment mortgages share several features with traditional mortgages; however, they are structured to address the higher risk associated with investment properties. Due to this increased risk profile, lenders generally require a larger initial deposit and impose higher interest rates compared to standard residential or owner-occupied mortgages. When assessing an application, lenders examine the applicant’s credit history, financial stability, and experience in managing rental properties. They also evaluate the property’s market position, focusing on factors such as rental demand, location, and future appreciation potential.

Individual and Corporate Structures‍

Investors have the option to secure residential investment finance either personally or through a limited company structure. This distinction is important, as the terms and conditions may vary between individual and corporate arrangements, reflecting different risk assessments and regulatory considerations.

Key Considerations‍

Residential investment finance is often more expensive than a regular mortgage due to the inherent risks of investment properties. Lenders scrutinise elements such as property location, market dynamics, and tenant reliability to determine appropriate lending terms. Despite the higher costs, this form of finance enables investors to leverage their capital, build robust property portfolios, and capitalise on attractive rental yields and long-term value growth.

Overall, residential investment finance offers a strategic funding solution for investors aiming to expand their property holdings and achieve sustained financial returns through well-structured, investment-focused mortgage products.

Asset finance is a flexible funding solution that allows businesses to acquire essential equipment without the significant upfront cost of purchasing outright. Instead, businesses make regular payments over an agreed term to use the asset, preserving cash flow and reducing financial strain. This type of financing is commonly used for acquiring vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, technology, and even aircraft.

One of the key benefits of asset finance is that the funding is secured against the asset itself, rather than requiring additional collateral or personal guarantees. This can make it a more accessible option for businesses compared to traditional loans. Additionally, asset finance enables companies to spread costs over time, making budgeting more predictable and manageable.

Asset finance also helps businesses avoid ownership responsibilities, such as depreciation and ongoing maintenance costs. Depending on the type of agreement, businesses may have the option to upgrade or replace assets as technology evolves, ensuring they have access to the latest equipment without committing to long-term ownership.

Types of Asset Finance

There are several types of asset finance, each designed to suit different business needs:

• Hire Purchase
  Businesses make fixed payments over time and gain full ownership of the asset at the end of the agreement.
• Finance Lease
  The asset is leased for a set period, with rental payments covering most of the asset’s value. At the end of the term, businesses may continue leasing, return the asset, or sell it on behalf of the lender.
• Operating Lease
  Similar to a finance lease, but the payments only cover part of the asset’s value. This is ideal for short-term use or equipment that rapidly depreciates.
• Asset Refinance
  Businesses can release capital tied up in existing assets by using them as security for new financing. By choosing the right asset finance option, businesses can invest in the equipment they need while maintaining financial flexibility and stability.

‍

Invoice finance generally operates by advancing a substantial portion of the invoice value upfront—typically between 70% and 90%. Once the customer settles the invoice, the remaining balance is released to the business after deducting a pre-agreed fee.

There are two primary forms of invoice finance:

• Invoice Factoring
  In this arrangement, the finance provider assumes responsibility for managing the sales ledger, including credit control and collections. This hands-on approach not only accelerates cash flow but also alleviates the administrative burden on the business, allowing management to focus on core operations.
• Invoice Discounting
  With this option, businesses maintain control over their invoicing and customer relationships while the finance provider offers an advance based on the value of outstanding invoices. This method offers discretion, as customers are typically unaware of the underlying financing arrangement.

Benefits and Considerations

‍Invoice finance delivers several strategic benefits:

• Enhanced Cash Flow
  Immediate access to funds enables businesses to cover operating expenses, seize new opportunities, and manage seasonal fluctuations without disruption.
• Scalability and Flexibility
  As invoice volumes grow, the financing adjusts accordingly, providing a scalable solution without the need for additional collateral.
• Operational Efficiency
  By outsourcing receivables management through factoring, companies can streamline administrative processes and devote more resources to business development.

Invoice finance is an effective tool for maintaining liquidity and supporting sustainable growth. Whether through invoice factoring or discounting, this flexible funding option empowers businesses to manage cash flow efficiently, mitigate financial risks, and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Unsecured business finance allows companies to borrow funds without securing the loan against business assets such as property, equipment, or machinery. This type of financing is a fast and straightforward way to access capital, making it particularly useful for businesses that lack tangible assets or prefer not to use them as collateral.

How Does Unsecured Business Finance Work?

Unlike secured loans, unsecured business loans rely on the borrower's creditworthiness and financial standing rather than physical assets. Due to the higher risk for lenders, interest rates may be slightly higher compared to secured options. However, the application process is often quicker, with funds available in a shorter timeframe.

Key Considerations

• Flexible Loan Options
  Unsecured business finance is available in various forms, with different terms tailored to suit a range of business needs. Companies can choose between short-term, medium-term, or long-term loans depending on their financial strategy.
• Repayment Structure
  Loans are typically repaid in fixed monthly or quarterly instalments over an agreed period. The repayment terms will depend on the lender, the loan amount, and the borrower's financial profile.
• Fast Access to Funds
  Since unsecured loans do not require valuations or asset assessments, approval times tend to be quicker than for secured finance options. This makes them a convenient solution for businesses needing rapid access to working capital.

Overall, unsecured business finance offers a practical and efficient way to raise capital without tying up valuable assets. It provides businesses with the flexibility to meet short-term funding needs, invest in growth opportunities, or manage cash flow with minimal delay.

We look at Healthcare Finance in two categories:

• ‍Primary Healthcare Sector
  Qualified Professionals in the Healthcare Sector including GP’s (General Practitioners), Dentists, Pharmacists, Vets, Opticians, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, etc. All these professions take long periods of study to qualify and gain experience in. In addition, being self employed, all the practitioners will require finance from time to time either to buy into a practice, buy property or another business.
  
  The majority of the opportunities would seem to be in the Dental and Pharmacy Sectors where clients want to grow their business. Loans can be structured over long periods up to a maximum term of 25 years.
  
• Care Home Sector
  This is a sector where care is provided within adapted or purpose-built properties and provides care for elderly residents, nursing clients, people with dementia or Learning or Mental Health issues. Finance is needed to enable these businesses to be bought with loans that can be repaid over a long period of time from available profits, e.g. 15, 20 or 25 years (usually for purpose built properties).

Seeker Specialist Mortgages is an Appointed Representative of Optimum ELITE which is a trading name of Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd, registered in England and Wales 09518480. Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN: 808754.

Seeker Specialist Mortgages, is registered at Samson & Hercules House, 15, Tombland, Norwich, England, NR3 1HF. Company Register number is 15636976. Our FCA registration number is 1018188. You can check via www.register.fca.org. We are registered with the ICO, ZB695059 and you can check via www.ico.org.uk.

There may be a fee for our advice. The actual amount you pay may vary but will never be more than 1% of the loan amount.

We conduct both regulated and unregulated business and therefore not all products provided through us are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We may receive a commission from the Lender that will vary depending on the lender, product or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Our aim is to provide you with a professional and efficient service. However, there may be occasions where you feel this has not been achieved and should you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of the service we provide to you, you can do this by writing to [Your Office Address], or by telephoning us on [Your Office Number] where we will try to resolve your concern at the earliest time possible.

1. Introduction

Thank you for taking the time to read this Complaints Policy. It is highly likely that you have been directed to this Complaints Policy through the course of your dealings with a member of our Appointed Representative Network (our AR). You may wish to make a complaint directly to the firm you are dealing with, but can also make a complaint about them to us as the Principal Firm.

Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE are committed to providing products and services of the highest standard. If for any reason, you feel you are not entirely satisfied with any aspect of our service, please let us know straight away. We are also a member of NACFB and adhere to their Code of Practice.

Our Complaints department will investigate your complaint competently, diligently and impartially.

2. How to make your complaint

Firstly, let us know what has happened. You can call us, email us or write to us. Our contact information is detailed at the bottom of this document.

We will need to know:

• Your name and address.
• Your agreement number or policy number as appropriate.
• Details of how we can contact you.
• A clear description of your complaint and whether any 3rd party is involved.
• Details of what you would like us to do to resolve your complaint.
• If appropriate, copies of any relevant supporting documentation.

3. What happens next?

Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE aim to resolve all complaints as quickly as possible. We will consider all the available evidence, the circumstances together with any relevant laws or regulations. We will keep you regularly updated about what is happening and discuss our findings.

We will contact you within three working days to let you know we are considering your complaint and clarify any points where necessary. If we can resolve your complaint within 3 working days, we will send you a Summary Resolution Communication. This is a written confirmation, which confirms that you made a complaint and that we now consider the matter resolved.

Sometimes Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE are not able to find a resolution within 3 working days. On these occasions we will issue you with an initial response letter which outlines the circumstances of your complaint. We aim to respond to allcomplainants within four weeks although we have eight weeks from the date of receipt of your complaint to investigate and provide you with our final response.

Sometimes it can take a bit longer to reach a decision. If it is going to take us more than eight weeks to resolve your complaint, from when you first contacted us, we will update you on our progress and explain why it is still ongoing.

When we have fully investigated your complaint and reached a decision, we will write to you to let you know our final response. This is a detailed letter which will tell you what we have found, what we plan to do and how we came to our decision.

If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of our investigation, the final response letter will explain that you may have the right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service within six months of the final response being issued by Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE.

The Ombudsman cannot consider a complaint if the complainant refers it to the Financial Ombudsman Service:

• more than six months after the date on which the respondent sent the complainant its final response, redress determination or summary resolution communication; or
• more than:
  • six years after the event complained of; or (if later)
  • three years from the date on which the complainant became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) that he had cause for complaint

We will indicate within the communication whether we consent to waive the relevant time limits as set out in the FCA handbook (Dispute Resolution) if this is applicable.

4. Complaints forwarding

Where Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE identify a third-party may be solely or jointly responsible for the matters disclosed within a complaint, we will forward the complaint to the relevant party without delay.

Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE will notify the complainant in the form of a ‘final response letter’ that we have referred the matter to the third party for investigation.

Where Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE are jointly responsible for matters disclosed within a complaint, we will investigate the element relating to us and we will respond accordingly. Where Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE is in receipt of a forwarded complaint, we will acknowledge the complaint and will apply the standard time limits for a response from the date on receipt.

If you subsequently decide that you are dissatisfied with the resolution of the complaint, you may be able to refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, ICO or the NACFB dependent upon the circumstances surrounding the case. The NACFB suggest trying to resolve the complaint directly with us in the first instance. If the complaint is referred to the NACFB, they will investigate the complaint competently, diligently and impartially. It is important to be aware, the NACFB have no powers or sanction relating to any form of compensation.

5. Complaints Handling Contact Information

• Address
  Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE
  Unit P2 Sheffield Airport Business Park, Europa Link
  Sheffield
  South Yorkshire
  S9 1XU
  
  Contact Number: 0333 220 1700
  Email: compliance@optimumelite.co.uk
  Complaints Manager: Kathryn Slater

6. Further Support

If you are not satisfied with how Optimum Commercial Solutions Ltd t/a Optimum ELITE dealt with your complaint or you are not happy with our decision and wish to take it further, you may be able to contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) regarding your complaint, provided that the complaint concerns a regulated activity, or you fall within the classification of an "eligible complainant".

The Financial Ombudsman Service contact details are:

• Address
  Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
  Exchange Tower
  London
  E14 9SR
  
  Consumer helpline: 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123
  Switchboard: 0207 964 1000
  Fax: 0207 964 1001
  Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

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Seeker Specialist Mortgages is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy sets out how Seeker Specialist Mortgages handle data which identifies you.

Company Information

Seeker Specialist Mortgages company registration number is 15636976 and our registered office is Samson & Hercules House, 15, Tombland, Norwich, England, NR3 1HF. Optimum Commercial Solutions is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This Privacy Policy forms part of our legal information and sets out how we handle data which identifies you. If you have any queries concerning your personal information, please contact our email address: info@seeker-sm.co.uk

During the course of dealing with us we will ask you to provide us with detailed personal information relating to your existing circumstances, your financial situation and, in some cases, your health and family health history (Your Information). We would like to explain to you what we will need to do with Your Information, and the various rights you have in relation to Your Information.

What do we mean by “Your Information”?

Your Information means any information describing or relating to you. Your Information may identify you directly, for example your name, address, date or birth, National Insurance number and the like. Your Information may also identify you indirectly, for example, your employment situation, your physical and mental health history, or any other information that could be associated with your cultural or social identity.

In the context of providing you with assistance in relation to your financial requirements Your Information may include:

• Title, names, date of birth, gender, nationality, civil/marital status, contact details, addresses and documents that are necessary to verify your identity
• Employment and remuneration information, (including salary/bonus schemes/overtime/sick pay/other benefits), employment history
• Bank account details, tax information, loans and credit commitments, personal credit history, sources of income and expenditure, family circumstances and details of dependents.
• Health status and history, details of treatment and prognosis, medical reports (further details are provided below specifically with regard to the processing we may undertake in relation to this type of information)
• Any pre-existing financial products and the terms and conditions relating to these.

The basis upon which our Company will deal with Your Information

When we speak with you about your financial requirements we do so on the basis that a contract for the supply of services is in place between us. In order to perform that contract, and to arrange the products you require, we have the right to use Your Information for the purposes we set out below.

Alternatively, either during initial discussions with you or when the contract between us has come to an end for whatever reason, we have the right to use Your Information provided it is in our legitimate business interest to do so and your rights are not affected. For example, we may need to respond to requests from lenders, insurance providers and the Financial Conduct Authority relating to the advice we have given to you, or to contact you to seek feedback on the
service you received.

On occasion, we will use Your Information to enable us to meet any contractual responsibilities we may have with the Financial Conduct Authority, or for wider compliance with any legal or regulatory obligation to which we might be subject. If this were to arise, we would be processing Your Information in order to meet a legal, compliance or other regulatory obligation to which we are subject.

How do we collect Your Information?

We will collect and record Your Information from a variety of sources, but mainly directly from you. You will usually provide information during the course of our initial meetings or conversations with you to establish your circumstances and needs and preferences in relation to financial products. You will provide information to us verbally and in writing, including email.

We may also obtain some information from third parties, for example, credit checks, information from your employer, and searches of information in the public domain such as the voters roll. If we use technology solutions to assist in the collection of Your Information, such as software that is able to verify your identity on-line or to access your credit status and/or bank account entries, then you will be required to provide your consent for us or our nominated
processor to access your information in this manner, and details of how such software operates will be provided to you prior to the activation of the service.

What happens to Your Information when it is disclosed to us?

In the course of handling Your Information we will:

• Record and store Your Information in our paper files and on our computer systems (email, hard drives, cloud facilities) and it will be accessed by employees and consultants within, or contractors engaged, by our Company as necessary to provide our service to you and to perform any administration tasks associated with or incidental
• Submit Your Information to lenders and/or insurance product providers, both in paper form and on-line via lender/insurance provider systems, in order to progress any enquiry or application made on your behalf and to deal with any additional questions or administrative issues that lenders and insurance providers may raise to that service
• Use Your Information for the purposes of responding to any queries you may have in relation to any financial product or insurance policy you may take out, or to inform you of any developments in relation to those products and/or polices of which we might become aware

Sharing and Transferring Your Information

From time to time Your Information will be shared with or transferred to:

• To lenders and insurance providers
• Third parties who we believe will be able to assist us with your enquiry or application, or who are able to support your needs as identified, such third parties will include but may not be limited to, product specialists, estate agents, providers of legal services such as conveyancing, surveyors and valuers (in each case where we believe this to be required due to your particular circumstances).

In each case for the purposes set out in this customer privacy notice, i.e. to progress your borrowing and/or insurance enquiry and to provide you with our professional services.

Please note that this sharing of Your Information does not entitle such third parties to send you marketing or promotional messages: it is shared for the purpose of ensuring we can adequately fulfill our responsibilities to you, and as otherwise set out in this Customer Privacy Notice.

We do not envisage that the performance by us of our service will involve Your Information being transferred outside of the European Economic Area.

Security and retention of Your Information

Your privacy is important to us and we will keep Your Information secure in accordance with our legal responsibilities. We will take reasonable steps to safeguard against Your Information being accessed unlawfully or maliciously by a third party, accidentally lost, destroyed or damaged.

We also expect you to take reasonable steps to safeguard your own privacy when transferring information to us, such as not sending confidential information over unprotected email, ensuring email attachments are password protected or encrypted and only using secure methods of postage when original documentation is sent to us. Your Information will be retained by us either electronically or in paper format for a minimum of six years, or if longer than six years, the duration of this Companies relationship with you.

Your rights in relation to Your Information

You can:

• Request copies of Your Information that is under our control
• Ask us to further explain how we use Your Information
• Ask us to correct, delete* or require us to restrict or stop using Your Information (details as to the extent to which we can do this will be provided at the time of any such request)
• Ask us to send an electronic copy of Your Information to another organisation should you wish
• Change the basis of any consent you may have provided to enable us to market to you in the future (including withdrawing any consent in its entirety)
• Make contact with our Company in relation to the use of Your Information

If you have any questions or comments about this document, or wish to make contact in order to exercise any of your rights set out within it please contact:

• Suite 4, Sycamore House
  Springwood Way
  Tytherington Business Park
  Macclesfield Cheshire
  England SK10 2XA
  
  or email: tom@marguissf.co.uk

If we feel we have a legal right not to deal with your request, or to action it in different way to how you have requested, we will inform you of this at the time. You should also make contact with us as soon as possible on you becoming aware of any unauthorised disclosure of Your Information, so that we may investigate and fulfil our own regulatory obligations.

If you have any concerns or complaints as to how we have handled Your Information or Your Special Data/Criminal Disclosures you may lodge a complaint with the UK’s data protection regulator, the ICO, who can be contacted through their website at https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/ or by writing to Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.

Site monitoring‍

When you use the site we anonymously record the details of the pages you look at but this data is not personally identifiable. We use this data to monitor site traffic and analyse paths customers take through our site which enable us to improve the service we provide. This information is only used by us and is not passed to any other party.

Security‍

We have security measures in place to protect our customer database and access to this database is restricted internally. However, it remains your responsibility:

To protect against unauthorised access to your log in details;

• If you open more than one browser of the same type whilst using the website, to remember to close down all browser windows when you finish.
  ‍
• If you share a computer with someone else or use a public Internet access then we advise you to delete the browsing history and log off the computer. This will help ensure any personal information stored temporarily in the computer’s memory is lost.

Disclosure for legal and regulatory reasons

We reserve the right to communicate such personal information as we hold to third parties which seek the disclosure of it, if we are requested to do so by law or by a regulatory authority.

Links to third party sites

‍Our site may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, or the content of those websites. You should read the privacy policies of every website that collects data.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file which is placed on your computer’s hard drive. If you agree to have cookies stored on your computer, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. This site uses cookies to analyse traffic, but not for tracking purposes.

Log Files and Statistics

‍We may use IP addresses, URL’s of requested resources, timestamps and HTTP user agents to analyse trends, administer the system and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. In addition to this we may use third party services to monitor your use of our website, including Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc (‘Google’). Google Analytics use cookies to help analyse how visitors use our site. The information generated by the cookie about the use of our web-site (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of our web-site, compiling reports on web site activity and providing other services relating to web-site activity and internet usage. Google may also
transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies be selecting the appropriate settings on your web browser, however, please note that if you do this you may not be able to make full use of our web-site. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.

Legal Information and Your Agreement‍

Access by you to our website is confirmation that you have understood and agreed to be bound by all of these terms and conditions. This website is prepared and issued in the United Kingdom and is intended for the information of United Kingdom residents only. This web-site is for information purposes only and it’s content is subject to change without notice. Nothing on this
web-site shall be deemed to constitute financial advice and in the event that you wish to have any such advice, please contact us.

Disclaimer

Whilst we use all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information published on this website is accurate, current and complete at the date of publication, no representatives or warranties are made (express or implied) as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of such information. We cannot accept responsibility (to the extent permitted by law) for any loss arising directly or
indirectly from the use of, or any action taken in reliance on, any information appearing on this web-site or any other website to which it may be linked. We make not warranty that this website is free from errors, defects or viruses. We reserve the right to change, modify, add or remove provisions of this Privacy Policy. Any changes to this Policy will be shown here, and we recommend that you check this Policy again from time to time.

Copyright Notice

The entire contents of this website (except where applicable the crown copyright location maps) is our property and is subject to copy right with all rights reserved. You may download or print individual sections of the web-site for personal use and information only provided that these properly indicate our copyright and other proprietary notices. You may not reproduce (in whole
or in part), modify, decompile, disassemble or transmit or use for any commercial purpose whatsoever any information from this website without Our prior written consent.

E-Mail

There is no guarantee that any e-mail you send will be received by us or that the confidentiality of that e-mail will be maintained during internet transmission.

Applicable Law

Any disputes arising from the use of this website shall at all times be governed by the laws of England and Wales and the parties shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

‍International Transfers of Personal Information

As the internet can be assessed world wide, if you are visiting the site from outside the UK, your visit will necessarily result in the transfer of information across international borders. By visiting this site and communicating electronically with us you are consenting to these transfers.