Watts Commercial Finance has implemented Finova Broker CRM as part of a strategy to sharpen operational control and improve transparency across its specialist commercial and property finance cases.
The brokerage, now in its 20th year, has selected the cloud-based platform from Finova to support its next phase of growth, with a focus on streamlining administration, enhancing introducer relationships and providing clearer visibility for clients throughout the funding journey.
Operating across the UK, Watts Commercial arranges funding for businesses, property investors and developers, including transactions that can involve layered security, tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.
Against that backdrop, the firm said it required a system capable of automating core processes while maintaining oversight of complex case pipelines.
Automation within Finova Broker CRM was a key consideration. By reducing the manual handling of routine administrative tasks, the platform is intended to increase team capacity and allow advisers to focus on structuring and progressing funding solutions rather than processing paperwork.
The system integrates with third-party applications including Microsoft Outlook and Zapier, and offers a configurable interface that can be adapted to different introducer and client requirements.
Watts Commercial said this would enable it to refine workflows around the needs of brokers, lenders and borrowers involved in specialist transactions.
Finova’s integrated customer portal was also a factor in the appointment. The portal allows clients to upload documentation, monitor case progress in real time and make secure payments.
Introducers can share information securely, communicate via instant messaging and maintain a clear, auditable record of activity, supporting compliance in what is often a fast-moving market.
Katie Barlow, operations director at Watts Commercial Finance, said: “As our commercial operations grow, it’s vital that our systems evolve to support our people.
“The Finova Broker CRM and Customer Portal enable greater efficiency, enhanced visibility and richer data insights, allowing our team to focus on what we do best – delivering high-quality, tailored funding solutions designed to help businesses pursue their growth ambitions.
“This investment reflects our ongoing focus on improving our processes and supporting our introducers every step of the way.
“But we are also investing in our clients, as the portal will help ensure they remain up to date throughout the process and feel more informed in their decisions.
“The portal has been built to provide all parties with access to the same easy-to-use, intuitive interface, designed to Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This is a statement of intent – we are investing in the future.”
Matt Harrison, customer success director at Finova Broker, adds: “Brokers are under increasing pressure to do more with less while delivering a seamless experience to clients and introducers.
“Finova Broker CRM is designed to bring workflows, communications and compliance into one connected platform.
“By giving all parties visibility of case progress and automating time-consuming administrative tasks, we enable firms like Watts Commercial to scale efficiently while maintaining a high-quality, relationship-led service.”
