It’s ‘business as usual’ for Together despite L...

Specialist lender Together has confirmed it will continue lending despite tougher restrictions as the UK enters another national lockdown.

England was plunged into the third lockdown in 10 months after the government announced stricter rules to curb the rising number of Covid cases. Restrictions are expected to last until at least mid-February.

However, Pete Ball, personal finance chief executive officer at Together says it remains ‘business as usual’ with the financial firm continuing to lend across its personal and commercial divisions.

He comments: “The UK property market remains buoyant, with mortgage lending surging to a 13-year high and we are committed to supporting the ambitions of current customers and those looking to borrow throughout this period, as we did during the last lockdown.”

“We will continue to support a large number of homebuyers who’ve entered the property market since last spring and others who want to make their dream house purchase a reality, including those who wish to benefit from the current stamp duty holiday.”

The majority of the lender’s 530 employees are now working from home, but that automation of some back-office functions means that Together’s brokers and customers would face as little disruption as possible.

Commercial chief executive officer Marc Goldberg adds: “Our key priority is working with our business partners to make sure we deliver positive customer outcomes.”

“And, although it’s difficult to predict the future in such turbulent times, we’re confident that we have the right mix of experienced and knowledgeable colleagues to be able to meet the high expectations of our commercial and personal finance brokers and customers.”

Goldberg says the demand for commercial property remains strong, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, and this is expected to improve in the last two quarters of the year.

He concludes: “The approvals of new Covid vaccines and the subsequent roll out of vaccination programmes across the UK should bring more stability, providing a much-needed light at the end of the tunnel for individuals and businesses to prosper in 2021.”