Rob Clifford launches financial concierge service
Share
Rob Clifford, the founder of Mortgageforce, has set up a new online financial services concierge service with Paul Gratton, the founder of First Direct and former CEO of online bank Egg.
Modelled on existing concierge services like Quintessentially that put people in touch with cleaners or get them tickets to concerts, If I Were You is looking to do the same for consumers looking for advice or access to financial services products.
The direct to consumer proposition will seek to put people in touch with trusted advisers for whatever product that they are looking for. A subscription service is planned which will allow customers to participate via a dividend from the company.
The firm is also looking to create an eBay and Trip Adviser-style online community and to that end consumers will be able to leave feedback about advisers online.
Clifford says: “Gratton and I worked with each other on Mortgageforce and we’re now going to have another roll of the dice again.
“If I Were You is ready to trade now and it will operate here in the Midlands.”
In December 2008 Clifford stepped down from his position as CEO of Mortgageforce, the franchise brokerage that he founded in September 2000. He then went on to take up the role of managing director of Virgin Money on January 2009.
When he left Virgin in May 2009, rumours were rife that Clifford would go back to his roots and get back into mortgage broking.
But his new venture is a direct proposition that aims to put consumers in touch with a trusted adviser to allow consumers to take control of their money and increase the take-up of intermediated advice.
IfIwereyou.co.uk is registered under the name of residential and commercial surveying and valuations firm Direct Valuations.
Set up in 1989, Direct Valuations has a number of brands including Shepherd Direct, Shepherd Chartered Surveyors and MoneyQuest Mortgage Brokers.
In 2008 he took over UK telephone based brokerage MoneyQuest, which subsequently transferred into new entity MoneyQuest Mortgage Brokers later on in the year.
Gratton says: “If I Were You is built on a single brand promise - if it’s not suitable to recommend to our sister we wont recommend it. What we want to make sure is that we stay true to the principle of standing alongside the customer.”
The new service will officially launch on Monday for mortgages with advice provided via MoneyQuest Mortgage Brokers. It’s also looking to partner with other advisory firms for pensions and investment advice.
Most popular
Most commented
-
Automated lending systems are holding back housing market
-
Action taken against two brokers for mortgage fraud
-
Star Letter - Unless lenders start to act prudently funds will continue to be limited and expensive
-
Intermediaries must fight for themselves
-
Seven in 10 keep banks in the dark over financial problems
Readers' comments (9)
Anonymous | 19 Nov 2009 5:28 pm
What happended to moneyQuest then..
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Stephanie Vincent | 19 Nov 2009 5:35 pm
How is that going to work when moneyQuest are tied to LandG.. You cant be a tied consumer champion.. can you?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 19 Nov 2009 5:58 pm
I wish the new company and it's employees all the best. They will certainly need it given Mr Grattons previous conduct at moneyquest? After buying it, didn't the doors close on a Monday and reopen Tuesday?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 19 Nov 2009 7:13 pm
Looks like Gratton/Clifford have come up with another innovative business model. No doubt they'll make the most of their business acumen and the existing infrastucture at Moneyquest to turn this into a winning business.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 20 Nov 2009 8:17 am
Another 'Tool' for consumers amongst the thousands already. In sales - Keep it Simple - and PS - people dont like paying for anything if they dont have to.
Good luck in a very overcroweded and complex market.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 20 Nov 2009 9:27 am
Finally someone in this industry looking at what customers really want and need and not just how to survive with regulation. I wish them well
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 20 Nov 2009 10:46 am
Interesting reading the negative comments, have you all forgotten how to be positive? It sounds like a great proposition to me & it's great to hear about a business in our sector that is opening rather than closing. Quality options & excellent service will be the defining factor & these guys have a track record of delivering. Good luck to them
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 20 Nov 2009 10:53 am
Good news, and good luck Rob and Paul.
Consumers today need new ways to access, and choices on the level of support and help they need, all delivered on their terms, the key clearly is around rebuilding trust.
This looks like a positive, innovative step in the right direction.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
If I Lure You | 20 Nov 2009 11:20 am
Yet another telephone based proposition pretending to offer an online solution! Little more then a complicated lead generation vehicle? If I were Mr Clifford it would be best not get too excited. Not exactly a panacea for consumers, something more 'flat' comes to mind....a pancake?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment