Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has rebranded and integrated Start Financial Services into Mortgage Scout.
Start Financial Services is part of Acorn Group, which was acquired by LRG in 2022. This move is expected to align the group’s financial services more closely with LRG’s brand presence, and expand its reach in London and the South East.
This has also increased Mortgage Scout’s number of brokers, which is expected to boost service capacity and expertise.
Together, the businesses currently transact more than 7,000 mortgage and protection cases each year. The company aims to increase its market share further.
The advisers transitioning to the new branding will continue to be based out of the Acorn Bromley headquarters and agency network to maintain their existing presence.
Not merely a name change
Tom Davies (pictured), group financial services managing director of LRG, said: “This rebrand is not merely a change of name; it is a transformation in our service delivery and strategic positioning. By rebranding Start Financial Services to Mortgage Scout, we are laying the foundations for significant growth. Our focus is on investing in our people, pooling resources, and fostering a collaborative environment where ideas, skills, and support thrive. We have talented and driven people working in both brands, and we are excited to pursue our ambitions by working more closely together under one brand.”
“Our agency network now exceeds 300 across all of LRG’s brands, and the rebrand ensures that our clients receive the same personal service from the same exceptional team, but with an enhanced suite of offerings and a stronger market presence.”
LRG said it has a “strong track record” of successful integrated acquisitions, and Acorn was an example.
The group said the transition to Mortgage Scout will enhance the offering of Acorn’s financial services team and allow for further organic growth.
Shekina is the deputy editor at Mortgage Solutions and commercial editor at Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions. She has nearly eight years of experience in the B2B publishing market, having previously covered the hospitality, retail, pet, accounting and jewellery sectors.
Shekina has worked for Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions for almost five years. Here, she covers the market’s breaking news stories, engages with professionals in the sector, and oversees any commercially agreed content in partnership with mortgage-related companies.
This includes presenting webinars and hosting roundtable discussions on developing themes in the mortgage sector.
She is an NCTJ-trained journalist and was nominated for the Headline Money Awards Mortgage Journalist of the Year in 2021.
In her spare time, Shekina likes to read, travel, listen to music and socialise with friends.
She currently reports on current events in the mortgage market and liaises with financial clients to produce sponsored content.
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