Spotlight on Independent Mortgage Advice Bureau 31 Jan 2023
Spotlight on Nick Wood at Independent Mortgage Advice Bureau

Tell us a bit about you…
I’m Nick Wood, the owner and director of Independent Mortgage Advice Bureau. I’m married to Tracy and have two sons aged 16 and 11. I still play football twice a week (when my knees and ankles allow me!) and also a bit of cricket and golf.
What attracted you to open in St Albans?
I started the business back in 1998 with a high street mortgage “shop” in Watford. I then opened my second office in 2003 and chose St Albans as it has a busy high street with a vibrant market and plenty of small independent shops.

What services do you offer?
We offer independent mortgage and insurance advice to new and existing clients, either face to face in our St Albans shop, or via a video call or phone call.
Who is your typical customer?
There isn’t really a typical customer. We love dealing with everyone – from nervous first time buyers, right through to experienced portfolio landlords.
What did you do before?
I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do after leaving university with a student loan debt and a degree in French! I ended up joining Halifax plc on their graduate scheme and stayed there 7 years before leaving to start my own business.
What is the best bit about your job?

I am lucky enough to work with a fantastic team of advisers and administrators. It feels like we are a work “family” and we all enjoy our regular social events. Hopefully that friendly approach comes across to our clients as well.
What plans do you have for the next 12 months?
Having worked from home during COVID I feel we have lost touch with many of the other businesses in St Albans and so this year we will be making an effort to pop in and introduce ourselves. We are also launching a discount on our usual fee for local business owners and their staff.
How can people find out more about you?
They are welcome to pop into our shop at 24 Holywell Hill, or have a look at our website at www.imab.net. We are also on social media ‘Facebook and Instagram’ and have over a 1000 five star reviews on Trustpilot.
Our initial advice is free and we only charge a fee of £249 to cover our costs once you ask us to submit your mortgage application to the lender. We will also receive a commission from the lender once your mortgage completes.
For more information please email enquiries.st-albans@imab.net or call 01727 893999