About us

John Charcol is not just any old mortgage company – we are an independent mortgage broker. Unlike a mortgage company that can only offer you their own products, we search the whole market and bring you the best products from all lenders. It’s something we have been doing for years, and something we have won many, many awards for. 

John Charcol has become the UK’s leading independent mortgage broker by consistently providing a fast, uncomplicated service for people who are often in a hurry and just need someone they can trust to take care of the details.

Towergate Financial Acquires John Charcol - 23/02/10
 
Towergate Financial, the financial advisory business of the Towergate Partnership, today announces the acquisition of John Charcol, the leading independent mortgage advisory business.

Under the terms of the deal, all John Charcol staff and directors will be making the move to Towergate Financial.  John Charcol CEO John Garfield will work closely with Towergate Financial CEO Ian Darby to grow the business alongside his current management team.

John Charcol is one of the UK’s best known independent mortgage brokers and a key element of Towergate Financial’s growth strategy is to establish a mortgage broking proposition to complement its private client and corporate solutions businesses.

Towergate Financial is part of the Towergate Partnership, Europe’s largest independently owned insurance intermediary.  Towergate’s business consists of a number of specialist underwriting agencies and regional brokers providing a wide range of niche and general insurance products to individuals and businesses.

Towergate Financial attaches great importance to the skills and experience of the advisers and staff of John Charcol and believes that they will be vital for the continuing success of the business.
 
Ian Darby said, “We believe there is an excellent fit between our business and John Charcol.  John Charcol has an incredibly strong brand in the mortgage market built over many years, based on top quality advisers and great advice.  We jointly have a great opportunity to offer financial planning and insurance solutions to Charcol's clients and vice versa.”

John Garfield said, “Joining forces with the team at Towergate Financial will provide our business and people excellent opportunities to work with Towergate's businesses to our mutual benefit and to thrive in what is a very exciting time for the mortgage market."

Client Questions and Answers

What has happened to John Charcol?
John Charcol has been bought by Towergate Financial, the financial advisory business of the Towergate partnership.  Towergate has bought the business based on its current trading position and also the value of the brand.  As such, the brand will remain as John Charcol.

Who are Towergate?
Towergate is Europe's largest independently owned insurance intermediary and a driving force within the industry.  Towergate Financial, a division of the Towergate Partnership, is a national independent financial advisory firm operating from more than 20 locations across the UK, with more than 200 people delivering excellent client service to both private clients and corporates.  Towergate concentrate on excellence through an advice process that focuses on customer service, delivered by specialist people and teams. They support the advice process with market-leading systems and technologies, expert investment advice and research.

What does this mean for my existing mortgage?
The acquisition has no effect on your existing mortgage arranged through John Charcol.  John Charcol remains an independent mortgage adviser and will take care of you and your mortgage in the same way it always has.  This means that when your current mortgage comes up for review, John charcol will contact you in the usual manner to arrange a new one.  John Charcol remains an independent mortgage adviser with access to the whole market.

I am in the process of arranging a mortgage with John Charcol, will it be affected?
The acquisition has no effect on a mortgage that is currently being processed.  Whilst the purchase has resulted in a new regulatory status for John Charcol, it is very much business as usual.  Your consultant will continue to process your mortgage and you should see no difference in either the service or the products you have been discussing.

I have just arranged insurance through John Charcol Independent Insurance Brokers, is this still valid?
Our acquisition has no effect on any insurance you have arranged or are in the process of arranging.  As part of the Towergate Partnership, Europe’s largest independently owned insurance intermediary, John Charcol Independent Insurance Brokers still provides a whole of market general insurance offering that is focused on providing the very best cover for each and every customer

I arranged my life cover through John Charcol, is this still valid?
Absolutely.  Any life cover arranged through John Charcol, with Legal & General, is still in place and your consultant will continue to answer any queries you may have.

If I have a complaint about John Charcol, who do I contact?
Of course, we very much hope this is not the case, but if you have a complaint with John Charcol you should continue to write to the complaints officer at:

Complaints Officer
John Charcol
Chancery House
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QU

• So much more than a comparison site
  At John Charcol, you can find the best mortgage rates and enjoy exclusive deals from the entire market. And we have expert advisers on hand to help you throughout the process. No other comparison site or online mortgage company can offer all that.
• So much more flexible than a mortgage company
  We offer hundreds of products from the whole market, giving you great choice from a selection of the best the UK has to offer.
• So much more nimble than a high street provider
  We use our power as the UK’s leading mortgage broker to negotiate exclusive deals, push deadlines with lenders and liaise with solicitors and valuers on your behalf to make it all happen.
• So much more human than the rest
  We’ve become the UK’s leading mortgage broker by providing fast intuitive service on the phone whenever you may need it. You won’t get that anywhere else.