Valuation panel management group, VAS, has joined the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) as an associate member.

Established 10 years ago, VAS now facilitates more than 2,000 valuations a month for lenders and brokers via more than 200 third-party valuers through its VAS Panel division.

It also provides valuation audits, desktop valuations and loan book monitoring through VAS Assurance.

Co-founder and chief commercial officer at VAS, Steven Todd, will represent the platform at IMLA events.

He said: “We are excited to be joining IMLA as an associate member. It is important to us to understand the opportunities, challenges and changes facing mortgage lenders, and better appreciate the wider context in which we operate.

“Membership of IMLA will be invaluable in advancing that understanding. We hope to contribute meaningfully to IMLA’s debates and events, to foster greater understanding of the valuation industry and work together with lender members to deliver more efficient solutions for borrowers.”

IMLA executive director, Kate Davies, added: “We are delighted to welcome VAS as the latest associate member of IMLA. At present, VAS is the only valuation firm to join our ranks and we anticipate our discussions will benefit from the addition of a specialist from this sector, which is such an integral part of the mortgage industry.”

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