HLPartnership has appointed estate agency veteran Jon Cooke as board adviser as it looks to strengthen ties between agents and its mortgage and protection network.
The move is aimed at improving collaboration across the property transaction process, with a focus on reducing delays and improving the flow of information between agents and brokers.
Cooke (main picture) brings more than 30 years’ experience across estate agency, M&A and proptech. He founded Fine & Country and helped grow it into a global network of more than 300 offices, and has also held senior and non-executive roles across the sector, including at The Guild of Property Professionals, Lomond and iamproperty.
He also previously served as chief executive of nurtur.group and managing director of Your Move, giving him experience across both agency and technology-led business models.
MARKET INTEGRATION
The appointment comes as firms across the housing market look to tighten integration between estate agency and financial services to streamline transactions and improve customer outcomes.
Cooke says: “The property transaction process can take longer than it should, particularly where progress depends on multiple parties and multiple handovers.
“There is a real opportunity to improve how the chain operates by strengthening partnerships between estate agency firms and mortgage advice firms, so information is captured earlier, communication is more consistent, and avoidable delays are reduced.”
INNOVATIVE NETWORK
He adds: “HLPartnership is an innovative mortgage and protection network with the scale, infrastructure and ambition to improve the property transaction process. What also stands out is the strength of its technology platform and its commitment to continued development.
“I look forward to supporting the board and leadership team as they strengthen the connection between the network and the estate agency community, helping customers access regulated advice at the right time and move through the process more efficiently.”
Christopher Tanner, chief executive of HLPartnership, adds: “Jon brings a rare combination of estate agency leadership, M&A and technology-enabled growth experience.
“His insight will support the board as we strengthen links between the estate agency community and our network, improve efficiency across the house-buying chain and deliver good consumer outcomes.”
