More than 4 out of 5 finance brokers have rated their start to 2015 as ‘excellent’ or ‘ahead of target’.
The most recent United Trust Bank broker survey also revealed that 83% of brokers were feeling positive about the outlook for their business with 38% being ‘very optimistic’ and 45% expecting 2015 to be ‘a good year’.
Although the number of brokers with a positive outlook has remained broadly similar to when UTB polled brokers’ opinions in March last year, there has been a slight shift towards a more cautious view.
How would you rate your outlook for your business this year?
| I am very optimistic | I think it could be a good year | It will be ok | It will be difficult | |
| April 2015 | 38% | 45% | 15% | 2% |
| March 2014 | 47% | 36% | 15% | 2% |
When asked to predict when we would see the first increase in the Bank of England base interest rate, 69% indicated that it would come in the second half of 2016 or later.
When do you believe we will see the first Bank of England base interest rate increase?
| By the end of 2015 | H1 2016 | H2 2016 | H1 2017 | H2 2017 | 2018 or later |
| 8% | 23% | 38% | 18% | 8% | 5% |
Harley Kagan, Managing Director at United Trust Bank, commented;
“At the start of the year there was some speculation about what effect the General Election might have on business and the property market, with some suggesting it may create a lull in activity until it was clearer how the UK would be governed in the future. Whilst the possibility of a ‘mansion tax’ may have contributed to a slightly lower demand for higher value properties in the early part of the year, it’s clear from our own experience, and that of the brokers who took part in this survey, that the election had little or no effect on business levels and that the vast majority of brokers were once again feeling optimistic about their prospects for 2015.
“In an environment of low interest rates and low inflation and with a Government committed to supporting business and home ownership, the next few years should present great opportunities for SMEs, developers and brokers. United Trust Bank is ready to provide the financial support they need.
“With our move to bigger offices complete, continued growth across all divisions of the Bank and a new technology finance product launched, Iam confident that 2015 is going to be another successful year for the Bank and its broker partners.”