This is according to research carried out by YouGov on behalf of specialist lender, Pepper Money. The research identified and questioned 600 people who have experienced credit problems, including missed payments, CCJs, defaults, unsecured arrears and secured arrears, in the last three years.

It found that 44% of adults who have experienced adverse credit said they would select a broker based on existing relationships while just over a third (36%) said they would ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money, says: “Our programme of research has shown that there is considerable demand for mortgages from people who have experienced credit blips in the last three years, and many of those people have concerns about having an application declined.

“This presents opportunity for brokers to promote the services they offer to potential clients and, with half of customers in these circumstances saying that they would use online research to find a broker, it’s clear that brokers can benefit from working on their online presence.”

Danny Belton, Head of Lender Relationships at Legal & General Mortgage Club says: “It is no surprise that in today’s world, potential customers start their search online to find an adviser. However, the fact that these customers are seeking advice from an adviser is very encouraging. This demonstrates the need for advisers to make themselves more visible online, and to stay close enough to existing customers so that they can be recommended to friends and family that may need their help.”