A professional conduit between the Institutional Channels and the Applicants seeking to engage with them.

Evolving since 2017, The Trade Group occupies a unique, independent and clearly defined position between the Institutional Channels and the Applicants seeking to engage with them.

Working across these channels gives us a broader perspective than would be possible when working with any single institution. It provides visibility across differing requirements while identifying the common minimum standards expected before anything is submitted for institutional consideration.

Our purpose is to bring clarity to those expectations and work backwards from them, providing a consistent framework through which Applicants can prepare and progress in the most efficient way possible.

That clarity benefits the entire process. Applicants have a more efficient route to prepare and apply; the Intermediary Network has a consistent professional framework from which to work, reducing unnecessary touch points, delays and frustration; and the Institutional Channels receive submissions prepared against clearly understood minimum standards.

Getting it right first time is better for everybody. It reduces avoidable time, effort and cost, manages expectations more effectively and allows institutional resources to be focused where they should be - on properly prepared submissions ready for consideration.

Many Applicants choose to use the services of independent Introducers and Intermediaries to help them navigate a specialist environment, identify appropriate routes and bring their requirements forward. This network, while not forming part of or having direct access to the Institutional Channels, provides an important point of connection for Applicants seeking to reach them.

It is often through this network that Applicants are introduced to The Trade Group.

The Trade Group recognises the important role these independent professionals perform. Where members of the network wish to bring Applicants to us, we require them to register and commit to defined standards of professional and ethical conduct, transparency and appropriate interaction with Applicants.

This common professional framework provides clarity around what is expected, consistency across the Intermediary Network and greater efficiency throughout the Applicant journey - reducing unnecessary touch points, misunderstandings and delays while improving transparency for everyone involved.