London agent Portico has launched its own mortgage broker and protection offering.

Its agency customers will be offered the mortgage service through Portico Finance, offering access to a panel of more than 50 mortgage lenders including high street brands for buyers and specialist buy-to-let forms for portfolio landlords.

Portico Finance is headed up by Paul Tait, who has worked for a range of high street names such as RBS, Barclays and Savills Private Finance, and was part of the original team that setup online mortgage broker Habito.

The team, based in Fulham, London, consists of experienced mortgage brokers who can advise clients on their mortgage and protection requirements, including life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, landlord insurance, building and contents, and accident, sickness and unemployment insurance.

Tait said: “Whether a client is a first-time buyer, an experienced buy-to-let landlord looking to refinance a portfolio, or someone looking to remortgage, our team will review clients’ circumstances and provide advice on the most suitable options.”

Robert Nichols, chief executive of Portico, said: “We are always looking for ways to evolve and improve our proposition, and the launch of Portico Finance will give clients the opportunity to speak with a mortgage and protection expert in-house.

“It is great to have someone of Paul’s calibre leading our new mortgage broker and protection service.

“We are very excited about bringing this provision to the market and we look forward to helping clients with their financial requirements both now and in the future.”