MBE London 2026 celebrates record attendance and sets sights on Leeds in 2027
13 November 2026
The Mortgage Business Expo (MBE) London 2026 welcomed a record number of attendees to the Business Design Centre on 20th October, an increase of 5% on 2025, bringing together brokers, lenders and service providers from across the UK.
Continuing its strong partnership with the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA), the expo saw attendees spend an average of 5 hours on site, taking part in panel sessions, networking and exploring the exhibition.
This year’s MBE London explored how brokers can support borrowers declined by high-street lenders, help landlords navigate affordability and refinancing challenges, and develop their understanding of specialist property finance.
Other themes included lender pricing and competition, opportunities for growth over the next 12–18 months, and the potential impact of AI on mortgage advice.
The seminar programme featured a keynote from the Bank of England’s Rob Elder, alongside panel discussions chaired by Rob Barnard, Intermediary Relationship Director at Pepper Money.
FIBA sessions examined how brokers can get started in specialist property finance and work with experienced practitioners, while the wider programme covered the over-50 market, new revenue streams and practical support with digital marketing and business development.
MBE London 2026 was delivered in partnership with Square 1 Media, MBE’s official PR partner, supporting communications, industry engagement and helping curate the seminar line-up.
Exhibitors highlighted the value of discussing cases and developing relationships with intermediaries.
Rahead Hussain, Business Development Manager at StrideUp, said:
“The value of a show like this is being able to see brokers and intermediaries interacting with us. This is our third year, which demonstrates the value we get from attending.”
Those face-to-face conversations also give lenders an opportunity to discuss the cases brokers are working on.
Aimee Jenner, Business Development Manager at Pepper Money, added:
“It’s so beneficial to be here today to meet brokers face to face. We can speak to them about different cases that are on their desks at the moment and just reinforce the fact that we are a manual underwriting team.”
Following the London event, preparations are underway for MBE North, which will move to the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 9th March 2027. MBE London will return to the Business Design Centre on 14th October 2027, as the Expo marks 25 years since its launch in 2002.
Mike Mikunda, Event Director for MBE, commented:
“Seeing increased numbers at MBE London this year is a great endorsement of the event and the work that goes into it. We want to give people a compelling reason to take a day out of their businesses, and the combination of exhibitors, speakers and practical sessions is central to that.
“Taking MBE North to Leeds gives us a new setting for our 25th anniversary year. We’re looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and reaching intermediaries who may be joining us for the first time.”
Martin Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of SimplyBiz Mortgages and Chairman of FIBA, stated:
“For advisers looking to extend their product offering, understanding when and how to use specialist property finance is an important first step. The range of expertise at this year’s MBE and within the FIBA sessions gave brokers the chance to explore those options and identify where they may need additional support.
“That can help advisers recognise when bridging or development finance may be appropriate for a client, and when to involve a specialist. Improving that understanding supports responsible growth across the sector.”
