Jessica O'Connor

Reporter at The Intermediary

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Articles

HM Land Registry processes over 1.8 million applications in May

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

HM Land Registry has revealed that it processed a total of 1,817,911 applications in May 2025. This figure marked a slight increase from April’s 1,811,924 applications, although it remains below the 1,948,692 applications recorded in May. The breakdown of May’s applications showed that 265,402 were register updates, down from 285,129 in April. Official copy requests reached 1,069,738, rising from 1,058,989 the previous month.
Retrofitting plan could spark revival in job market and glass industry, says TUC

1 week ago | workplacejournal.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

A nationwide push to replace outdated windows could deliver a significant boost to employment, particularly in the country’s glass manufacturing sector, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Millions of homes across the UK are losing substantial amounts of heat due to inefficient windows, with issues such as single glazing, poor seals, and decaying frames contributing to increased energy use and household bills.
Gen H cuts New Build Boost rate to 5.95%

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

Gen H has cut its New Build Boost mortgage scheme rates from 6.29% to 5.95%. This change is already live in Gen H Pro and available for participating brokers. The offering launched in late March as a private sector take on Help to Buy. Buyers bring a 5% deposit, take an 80% mortgage with Gen H, and receive an interest-free 15% boost – an equity loan which is frozen for five years – to close the gap. So far, 94% of New Build Boost applicants have been first-time buyers, ranging in age from 19 to 52.
Principality to cut mortgage rates across multiple product ranges

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

Principality Intermediaries is set to reduce interest rates across a broad selection of its mortgage acquisition products, with changes set to take effect on Monday, 23rd June. The adjustments will impact several product ranges, including residential, Help to Buy (Wales), joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP), holiday let, and buy-to-let mortgages.
Government to help young people into aviation careers

1 week ago | workplacejournal.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

The Government has announced a £750,000 round of funding aimed at opening doors to aviation careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This move was designed to strengthen the future of the country’s £20bn air transport and aerospace sector and its 240,000-strong workforce. Applications are now open for the latest round of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, which helps organisations run outreach programmes that introduce young people to career opportunities in aviation.
UK nuclear weapons hub creates 1,500 jobs

1 week ago | workplacejournal.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

The UK’s nuclear weapons programme has proved to be a major driver of employment and economic opportunity, with 1,500 skilled roles created in the past year at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston, Berkshire. As part of a broader £15bn Government investment into the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead renewal, the defence nuclear industry has strengthened the economy with high-wage jobs and long-term career paths in science, engineering, and technology.
Only a quarter of brokers ‘very comfortable’ explaining valuations - CSS

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) has revealed that only a quarter of brokers are ‘very comfortable’ explaining valuations. The results were shared during a recent CSS webinar titled – How properties are valued and the process around valuation appeals. A live poll found that while 25% of brokers felt “very comfortable” discussing the valuation process with clients, a further 53% said they were “somewhat comfortable.” 14% admitted they were “not really comfortable,” and 8% were neutral.
OSB Group launches 'Rely' brand to boost buy-to-let market

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

OSB Group has announced the launch of Rely, a dedicated buy-to-let lending brand developed to support investment in the private rented sector (PRS). Rely aims to work with intermediary broker partners to help landlords of all types succeed in growing and investing in their business. It launches at a time when a shortfall of 4.3 million homes in the UK has been identified, while tenant growth is set to rise by 15% in the next five years.
Norton Home Loans promotes Laura Percival to head of lending

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

Norton Home Loans has promoted Laura Percival (pictured) to head of lending, as demand continues across both its residential and second-charge mortgage propositions. Percival will now oversee Norton’s lending strategy and day-to-day underwriting operations, working closely with brokers to ensure complex customer needs are met efficiently and with care.
Maven Finance Group partners with Needham Financial, joining Cornerstone Network

1 week ago | theintermediary.co.uk | Jessica O'Connor

Maven Finance Group (MFG) has formed a new partnership with Needham Financial, part of Cornerstone Network. As part of the Cornerstone Network, MFG will now gain access to additional resources and expertise, in a bid to further elevate its client service. The group has also unveiled its recent rebrand, evolving from Maven Money to Maven Finance Group. The group said that the rebrand aims to signal a strategic step toward future growth and enhanced service offerings.