60 seconds with...John Mawdsley

5 July 2010 | By Christine Toner

JOHN MAWDSLEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OMNII SOLUTIONS

What does Omnii Solutions do?
We have developed a system that aggregates electronic identity and money laundering information with full credit files and automated valuation model data. This provides an accurate assessment of customers’ financial positions without leaving a footprint, thereby saving time and improving quality.

How has the business fared during the credit crunch?
To an extent we have been fortunate in that we have been developing our suite of products during the downturn.

Our recent launch therefore appears to be well-timed to coincide with a small but significant resurgence in a market that is now focussed on quality rather than volume. I think this shows that we are well-positioned to help our clients take advantage of current market conditions.

Have brokers recognised the need for technology during the recession or is it seen as expense they could do without?
To succeed, technology needs to be able to demonstrate specific and measurable improvements to a business, especially if this can be done in a low-cost or even cost-neutral manner. Any business that does not embrace the appropriate technology in this era of quality over volume risks being left behind by its competitors.

What technological developments do you expect to see in the next couple of years?
I can envisage data being used in a much more proactive manner and throughout the lifetime of a mortgage, from point-of-sale through arrears management to the auditing and appraisal of existing books.

So What’s next for Omnii?
It is early days in our development as a commercial entity. We have already agreed a number of contracts and are working hard to ensure that customers get maximum benefit from our system.

For a young company it is important for us to ensure we identify the most efficient routes to market, and our marketing strategy is designed to take advantage of any opportunities we identify rapidly.

On the product side we are about to launch a module aimed at the electronic ID and money-laundering sector, and we have identified a number of markets in which we believe organisations are falling short.

Interview by Christine Toner