By the time a mortgage and protection firm owner starts looking at other networks, something usually needs to change. The current setup may no longer give their firm the level of support, control or direction it needs.
The challenge is not always deciding to move, it is knowing how the move will affect the business while it is happening. Firm owners need confidence that live cases will be protected, customers will be handled properly, income will be clear, and the new network will be the right fit for the way the firm wants to work.
Switching mortgage networks shouldn’t feel like a leap of faith. The process, commercial terms, and support need to be understood before the firm makes the move.
The practical concerns behind a network move
Live cases and customer communication
Live business is usually the first concern. Advisers may have cases submitted, offers pending, completions due, protection applications in progress. and customers waiting for updates.
Firms need to know what can move, what needs to stay with the existing network, how records should be managed, and how customer communication will be handled. Proc fees and payment timing also need to be clear, especially where there is a busy pipeline.
We work through these points with firms before they join, so firms understand how live business will be treated before the move happens.
Disruption and transition planning
Some network moves can take time out of the business if it is not planned properly. Firms still have cases to write, lenders to follow up with, customers to update, and staff to support.
Good transition planning should cover the practical details early. Firms need to know what information is required, what checks need to be completed, how adviser and administrator access will be set up, and who is responsible at each stage.
We support firms through a structured joining process, removing delays, duplicated admin and uncertainty while the business continues to run.
Technology changes
Our Revolution platform is built for mortgage advisers. It includes sourcing, built-in compliance tools, reporting, customer management and a dedicated support desk. The Client Portal also allows customers to upload documents, complete the fact find and receive sales progression updates.
For firms joining the network, we provide comprehensive training to help advisers and administrators become familiar with the system and understand how it supports the advice process. This helps key parts of the process stay in one place, giving advisers a clearer view of cases, follow-ups and future customer opportunities.
Fees, commercial terms and value
Cost matters, but it should be considered alongside value. A lower fee is not necessarily the better option if the firm receives less support, has to use weaker technology, or struggles to speak to someone when it is needed.
Our pay as you earn model is designed to align network fees more closely with income, helping firms manage costs in a more proportionate way. The fee also includes core support across compliance, technology, business development, and day-to-day network support.
The decision should not come down to cost alone. It should come down to the value the network provides and how that support helps the firm operate in line with their aspirations.
Lender and Provider Access
Advisers need to be confident that a move will not restrict where they can place business.
This is especially important for firms writing complex income, buy-to-let, specialist lending or later life cases, where criteria and lender appetite can change quickly. Advisers also need to know support is available when a case is not clear-cut or needs a second opinion.
We offer whole of market mortgage access, giving firms the flexibility to research suitable options for their customers.
Compliance Processes
Compliance is another area advisers look at closely. A new network may have different file standards, checking processes, and case submission requirements.
That is manageable when expectations are clear. It becomes a problem when advisers are unsure what good looks like, who to ask, or how a query will be handled.
Our business standards support helps advisers understand the standards expected and get support on real cases, not just broad policy.
Onboarding Support and Cultural Fit
The way a firm is supported during the move often sets the tone for the relationship. A joining firm needs clear communication, useful training and named contacts who understand the pressure of moving while the business is still active.
That support also says a lot about the network’s culture. Advisers want to work with people who give clear answers, offer practical guidance and are easy to reach when a case or business issue needs attention.
We place a strong focus on long-term relationships with firms. We passionately believe firms should feel supported throughout the move and beyond.
Long-Term Business Growth
The network you choose needs to fit the future trajectory of your business, not just solve the issues that prompted the move.
For firm owners, that means looking closely at the support available once the move is complete. Recruitment support, marketing resource, customer bank activity and business development input can all make a real difference to how the firm performs over the medium and long term.
At Stonebridge, firms have access to a dedicated business development manager who can help identify where support is needed and what actions will move the business forward.
Switching networks will always involve work, so the process needs to be clear from the start. If you are considering a move, our recruitment team can explain what the transition would involve and help you understand what it could mean for your firm. Complete our form and a member of the team will be in touch.
