In most cases, using this technology is easier than ever before. Lenders have sought to break down processes into easy stages. You may be able to run though demonstrations before you start doing business with customers, and get answers either by e-mail or phone if you do get stuck. These innovations are there to help brokers do more business. Beyond this, they can help you gain more insight and be bang up to date with what is going on.

The more interactive, attractive and comprehensive lenders can make their websites, the better this will be for business. Many intermediaries see clients out of hours – a great website, packed with easy to understand information and product details, which also allows online trading, helps the broker look professional too.

Even if you only use a particular lender infrequently, visiting their website while you’re on a coffee break can help you gain an immediate picture of where they are. You may find developments which shift your perceptions.

Lenders committed to the broker marketplace have ongoing investment programmes to develop online solutions aimed at intermediaries. They should also recognise that not everyone is a natural with technology – but, there is support available. If you want training, you should ask for it.

Things are happening fast and all intermediaries should be getting the most of advances – everyone is entitled to some hand-holding. If you tend to visit the same websites for the same day-to-day tasks, why not take a fresh look at some of these new features? We’ve come a long way – and many lenders have plenty more planned for the future.