Lighthouse Regulatory News (LGT)

15 May 2007 07:05

Lighthouse Group PLC15 May 2007 Press Release 15 May 2007 Lighthouse Group plc ("Lighthouse" or "the Company") Lighthouse launches Commercial Lending Service New offering available to 600 advisers throughout the Group Lighthouse Group plc (AIM:LGT), one of the UK's largest Independent FinancialAdviser groups and pension scheme administrators, announces that the Company isnow able to provide a commercial lending service which is available for allLighthouse's advisers to offer their customers. Commercial lending, whilst still very much a specialist market, is of growingimportance for IFAs. Historically, customers have gone almost exclusively totheir bank for commercial lending; however, the market is opening up and anincreasing number of people are using IFAs who can source lending from a numberof providers. Lighthouse has agreements in place with preferred industry leaders in theprovision of commercial finance. This panel will consist of the Bank ofScotland, NatWest, Lloyds TSB and Empire Direct. However, as with all ofLighthouse's markets, advisers have free choice as to who they deal with,providing it is the most appropriate product for the customer. To advise competently on commercial lending, Lighthouse's advisers are requiredto be a member of NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers).The Company is also encouraging its advisers to study for the Certificate inCommercial Mortgages. For advisers currently without these qualifications,Lighthouse has formed a referral agreement with specialist commercial Broker,the Commercial Mortgage Desk. Malcolm Streatfield, Chief Executive of Lighthouse, said: "There is greatpotential in the commercial lending market and this service will enable ouradvisers to offer an even more comprehensive service to their customers." - Ends - For further information, please contact: Lighthouse Group plcMalcolm Streatfield, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 20 7065 5640malcolm.streatfield@lighthousegroup.plc.uk www.lighthousegroup.plc.uk Daniel Stewart & Company plcLindsay Mair / Chloe Ponsonby Tel: +44 (0) 20 7776 6550 www.danielstewart.co.uk Media enquiries: Abchurch CommunicationsHeather Salmondheather.salmond@abchurch-group.comGareth Mead Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700gareth.mead@abchurch-group.com www.abchurch-group.com Notes to Editors About Lighthouse Group The Lighthouse Group plc is one of the UK's largest Independent FinancialAdviser groups and pension scheme administrators. The Company provides support to 600 IFAs across the UK who, in turn, providefully independent financial planning advice to both private and corporateclients. The Company has in excess of £5 billion worth of funds underinfluence. Based in five main operational centres, in London, Manchester, Brighton, Exeterand Reading, the Company has grown rapidly through both organic growth and keyacquisitions since being admitted to AIM in October 2000. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange