New broker tool sets standard for efficiency, real-time updates, and specialist support
This article was provided by OSB Group
As the industry embraces widespread digital transformation, Precise, part of the OSB group, released a “first of its kind” app within the specialist lending arena last year. Designed to provide brokers with a suite of time-saving features and case updates at their fingertips, it changed industry expectations around access to information and real-time communication.
It’s changing the way that brokers do business, aiming for faster communication an increasingly data-led approach, and less waiting around.
Solving a real problem
Precise sought feedback from brokers about issues they were facing, the main one being that they’re incredibly time-poor and were frustrated having to make a phone call just to get a simple case update.
It therefore collaborated with MagiClick, an award-winning technology services provider, and multiple teams across OSB Group, to create the first group app – reaching new heights of innovation.
Built with brokers in mind
The app launched in August 2024, and every feature was built around one guiding principle: to help make every aspect of the case easier.
This included:
- Customisable push notifications for case, product, and criteria updates.
- Full case details and timelines at a glance.
- Affordability calculators, with the ability to save calculations on the go.
- Product and criteria search tools to provide answers instantly.
This combination meant brokers no longer needed to log into multiple systems or wait on hold for updates. Instead, everything they needed was in their pocket, available in real time.
A strong first year
In the 12 months since its launch, the Precise app has been accessed over 4,000 times with over 70% of users receiving push notifications - providing real time updates on the go. The lender has also seen a pattern of users out of hours and over weekends, helping brokers access case updates at a time that suits them.
The app has been broker-evaluated throughout the development process to ensure the delivery of a genuinely exciting tech-based tool, created and designed to make life easier. Broker feedback has provided great insight on how they are utilising the app and where it’s making a real difference.
Broker feedback
One said they “love the real time updates, push notifications and keeping updated without hassle of calling in” with another broker finding real value in “getting quick updates or checking criteria on the go very easily”.
More than simply an alert system, the app has changed the way brokers view the communication process with their lender. From complex cases to tight time pressures, it can be tricky for intermediaries to get the information they need, exactly when they need it.
And although one-to-one engagement with a lending specialist is invaluable, this app has shown that it’s not always what brokers want – especially when they’re invariably juggling a calendar full of appointments and just want quick and easy access to case details or calculations on the fly.
On launching the app, OSB Group’s Jon Hall, Group Managing Director, Mortgages and Savings, said: “This is an immensely proud moment, not just for me but for the multiple teams across OSB Group and MagiClick, our technology partner, who worked tirelessly over many months.”
“It’s the first app that we’ve ever developed and launched end to end, and our pioneering vision was to deliver our intermediaries with a 'virtual assistant' through the app functions so it’s extremely exciting to have launched an app that does exactly that."
What else is new?
As the relationship between brokers and lenders evolves to meet the needs of an ever-changing and often volatile market, it’s crucial to recognise the opportunities to provide additional or alternative forms of support.
By continuing to listen to feedback from app users and brokers in general, the goal is to create a benchmark for the rest of the industry to follow.
However, it’s not just through the app that Precise is doing more for its bridging customers. It’s also set up a dedicated bridging insights page – featuring real-life cases brokers can read, watch and listen to, quick-start guides for those new to bridging, and other relevant updates.
It will help brokers to:
- Enhance their bridging knowledge
- Identify niche opportunities
- Understand how Precise packages cases to meet the objectives
Specialist support
Also, recognising the invaluable impact of specialist, experienced support, the lender also launched a dedicated bridging division and made changes to its sales team. This will ensure that everyone who needs a little more help when it comes to the intricacies of the bridging market can receive it.
Raising the bar
The success of the Precise app over its first year demonstrates how targeted innovation - grounded in broker feedback - can raise industry standards and redefine expectations. By placing efficiency, accessibility, and real-time communication at the centre, the app has not only streamlined case management but also strengthened the relationship between brokers and their lender.
Coupled with the introduction of dedicated bridging resources and specialist support, Precise is setting a clear benchmark for what modern intermediary partnerships should look like. As the market continues to evolve, its commitment to continuous improvement ensures that brokers remain equipped with the tools and insights they need to deliver the best outcomes for their clients.
Intermediaries only
