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Author: Daniel Woodward

FCA Reporting Changes Coming in 2026

Posted on by Daniel Woodward

What Dealers and Need to Know

In 2026 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will introduce a new way for firms with credit-broking permissions to report key data. The update may sound routine, but it marks one of the biggest overhauls to consumer-credit reporting in more than a decade. For dealers and brokers involved in regulated finance, it’s important to understand what’s changing and why.

Why the FCA is changing the system

The FCA has made clear that the existing consumer-credit reporting framework no longer provides the level of detail needed to monitor how firms operate. Much of the data it receives today is inconsistent or incomplete, which makes it harder to identify risks early. The regulator wants better, cleaner information that gives a true picture of activity across the market, from high-street lenders to motor-finance brokers.

The new approach aims to collect higher-quality data, remove duplication, and reduce the need for ad-hoc information requests. In short, it’s about visibility: helping the FCA spot trends sooner and focus on areas that may create potential harm for consumers.

What’s actually changing

From 1 January 2026, a new regulatory return known as CCR009 will replace several of the older consumer-credit reports. It applies to firms that hold permissions for credit broking, debt adjusting, debt counselling, or providing credit-information services.

Instead of reporting around an accounting year, the new return will use a calendar-year cycle, meaning all firms will report against the same period. This helps the FCA compare data more effectively across the industry.

The content of the return is expanding, too. Firms will be asked for a wider range of business-model information, such as how introductions are made, the types of finance arranged, and how commission or fees are earned. For many brokers, this means gathering data in a more structured way than before.

What this means for motor-finance brokers and dealers

For most regulated dealers and brokers, this change won’t alter day-to-day selling activity, but it will change how back-office data is managed and submitted. Teams that handle compliance or returns will need to understand the new format, ensure systems capture the required fields, and adjust internal reporting calendars to align with the FCA’s new timetable.

In practical terms, the FCA expects firms to provide clearer, more consistent information about their credit-broking activities. That includes how they interact with customers, what types of finance are introduced, and how outcomes are monitored. The regulator’s intention is transparency, not disruption, but the preparation will take time.

What isn’t yet confirmed

Some finer details are still being finalised, such as the exact reporting templates and data-submission windows. The FCA has said further guidance and worked examples will be published before implementation, and it’s likely that trade bodies and compliance partners will share updates throughout 2025.

Why it matters

Accurate reporting isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s part of demonstrating responsible practice. The new framework is designed to make that process clearer and more consistent across the industry. For brokers and dealer groups that already keep detailed records, the transition should be straightforward. For others, it’s an opportunity to review how data is captured and stored ahead of the switch.

In summary

The 2026 update is about better data, not extra red tape. It’s the FCA’s attempt to bring credit-broking reporting up to modern standards and ensure every firm, large or small, is measured on the same basis.

Firms won’t need to submit the new return until early 2026, but understanding what’s coming now will make that change smoother when the time arrives.

 

How Jigsaw Finance is Redefining Dealer Finance in the UK

Posted on by Daniel Woodward

Two years ago, we acquired Jigsaw Finance. In that time, we’ve quadrupled deal volumes, doubled our team, and modernised every part of the business. But the real story isn’t just about growth. It’s about why dealers across the UK are choosing us as their finance partner, and why we believe service, trust, and flexibility matter more today than ever before.

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A Heritage Worth Building On

Jigsaw Finance has been part of the UK motor trade since 2000. For twenty-five years it built a reputation for trust, reliability, and a human approach to vehicle finance. When we (James Weir and Alex Hurst) were given the opportunity to acquire the business, it felt like the natural next step in our careers.

Both of us had worked in senior roles at a large finance broker. We knew what dealers were frustrated by, and we knew the difference Jigsaw could make. The business already had its own in-house CRM system, long-standing lender relationships, and a team of people who had spent years serving dealers with care. It was the ideal platform to take forward.

What Dealers Told Us They Needed

Spend time in any dealership and you’ll hear the same complaints about finance:

“It takes too long to get an approval.”

“The Process is inflexible — if the computer says no, that’s the end of it.”

“We never speak to the same person twice.”

Dealers told us they wanted something different. They wanted personal service, not call-centre frustration. They wanted faster, fairer decisions that wouldn’t risk losing a sale. They wanted a finance broker who understood their business and had the technology to keep up with it.

That feedback has shaped everything we’ve done since 2023.

A Lending Panel That Delivers Approvals

One of our first priorities was to expand and strengthen Jigsaw’s lending panel. Today we work with over thirty funders, covering prime, near-prime, non-prime and business customers. That breadth means we can support dealers in almost every scenario: a family car on PCP, a prestige SUV on HP, a used van for a local tradesperson, or even a motorhome or caravan for a leisure buyer. We also support commercial vehicle finance and asset finance, areas where many brokers fall short.

What sets us apart is flexibility. One of our funders has no vehicle criteria at all – they lend purely on the customer profile. Others provide market-leading residual values, which make PCP finance more attractive and competitive for dealers. With several exclusive lenders on our panel, dealers gain access to funding that simply isn’t accessible elsewhere.

The outcome for dealers is simple: more approvals, fewer rejections, and the ability to say yes to more customers.

Technology Designed Around Dealers

Many brokers rely on rigid, third-party platforms that force both dealers and customers into one-size-fits-all processes. Jigsaw is different. With Artis, our in-house CRM system, we can adapt around the needs of dealers.

We’re fully integrated with funders via API, meaning decisions come back fast.

We connect with platforms like Codeweavers and Auto Convert, so applications slot seamlessly into existing dealer systems.

Our “easy apply” function allows dealers to pass us a customer in seconds, we take it from there.

This isn’t just about convenience. Faster approvals and smoother processes mean higher conversion rates and less time wasted chasing paperwork. Dealers can spend more time selling cars, and less time wrestling with finance systems. And while technology keeps things efficient, every deal is also reviewed by a real person. That human oversight ensures no opportunity is lost because of an automated decline. It’s technology and expertise working together.

Service That Feels Personal

For many dealers, the biggest change they notice with Jigsaw is how personal the service feels. Every dealer partner is assigned a dedicated account manager – one person who knows their business, their stock, and their way of working.

That consistency builds trust. Dealers aren’t passed around. They don’t need to explain themselves repeatedly. Instead, they know they’ve got a direct line to someone who understands the motor trade and is invested in their success. We’ve deliberately recruited people with genuine industry experience. Many of our team members have spent years working in dealerships, lenders, or other brokers. When a dealer calls, they’re not speaking to someone reading from a script, they’re speaking to a professional who understands their business.

Building a Culture Dealers Can Trust

Behind the growth, there’s another story: culture. We wanted Jigsaw Finance to be a place where people enjoyed working. That meant flexible working, remote roles, and trust in our team to do their jobs without micromanagement.

It’s paid off. We’ve grown from twenty-five to fifty people in just two years, attracting top talent from across the country. At Jigsaw, we strive to ensure our staff have freedom, balance, and a business they’re proud to represent.

That enthusiasm shines through in every conversation with dealers. And it’s one of the biggest reasons we’ve grown so quickly.

The Vision Ahead

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made. But growth is only valuable if it’s built on service, care, and trust. That’s why our vision is clear: to become the number one motor finance broker for UK dealers who want proper service and reliable outcomes.

Our new identity and strapline — Driven by Care, Built on Trust — isn’t just a line on our website. It’s a reflection of how we operate: care in the way we treat every dealer and customer, and trust that comes from 25 years of heritage in this industry.

Dealers don’t just want finance approvals. They want confidence that finance will help them close more deals, strengthen their customer experience, and deliver results without unnecessary obstacles. That’s the role we’re here to play.

Let’s Talk

We’d love to hear from you: what’s the biggest challenge you face with dealer finance today?

If you’re looking for a partner who can improve your approval rates, streamline your processes, and give you the personal service you deserve, it’s time to put Jigsaw to the test.

HP vs PCP: Which Fits Your Plans

Posted on by Daniel Woodward

Choosing how to fund your next car is as important as choosing the car itself. For most drivers the decision comes down to Hire Purchase (HP), or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). Both spread the cost over time, both can be shaped to your budget, and both have clear strengths. The best choice depends on what you want at the end of the agreement and how you prefer to drive.

How HP works in plain English

With HP you pay a deposit, then a fixed monthly payment for an agreed term. When the final payment is made, you own the car. There are no mileage rules to worry about and no end of term choices to make. It is straightforward and predictable, which is why many people like it.

Think of HP as a path to ownership. If you plan to keep the car for several years and you value a simple payment plan, HP keeps things tidy. Because you are financing more of the car’s price than with PCP, the monthly payments are usually higher on the same car and term. In return you get certainty. Finish the plan, and the car is yours.

How PCP works in plain English

PCP is built around a larger final payment, often called the optional final payment. The effect is that monthly payments are usually lower than an equivalent HP on the same car and term. At the end you choose what to do. You can pay the optional final payment to own the car, either in one lump sum, or with re-financing, you can return the car, or you can part exchange, subject to the agreement.

PCP suits people who like to change cars every two to four years or who want the flexibility of a choice at the end. It does come with mileage and condition guidelines. If you exceed your chosen mileage or the car has excess wear, charges may apply. You also do not own the car unless you choose to pay the optional final payment.

The decision most people are really making

When customers ask whether HP or PCP is better, the real question is often about the end. Do you want to reach ownership with no decisions to make, or do you prefer to keep your options open and decide later. HP is a straight line to owning the car. PCP is a fork in the road that you can choose when you get there.

If your priority is to keep monthly payments down, and you are comfortable with the optional final payment then PCP is a great option, and a very popular one.

Your driving pattern matters too. If your mileage varies a lot year to year, HP removes the need to predict it. If you usually change cars within a few years and like lower payments during that time, PCP can fit your habits.

Two simple examples

A driver who commutes long distances, does regular family trips, and wants to keep the same car for a long time may lean toward HP. Payments are steady, there are no mileage limits, and at the end the car is theirs.

A driver who enjoys newer models, prefers to refresh every three years, and wants a lower monthly figure may lean toward PCP. They choose a realistic annual mileage at the start and decide at the end whether to pay, return, or part exchange.

Costs, clarity, and confidence

Whichever route you consider, look at more than the monthly figure. Consider the total amount payable over the term, what happens at the end, and what suits your plans over the next few years. If anything is unclear, ask. You should always have the key information in plain language before you decide.

Ready to compare your options. Start a quote online or talk to our team.

Ready for Winter?

Posted on by Daniel Woodward

Simple Ways to Keep Your Car Safe on Cold Mornings.

Winter in the UK rarely arrives gently. One morning it’s a soft drizzle, the next it’s black ice, fog, and a frozen windscreen that refuses to clear. The colder months are tough on cars and drivers alike, but with a little preparation, you can make even the darkest mornings feel manageable.

Give your car a winter once-over

A quick check before the real cold sets in can save you hours of frustration later. The RAC suggests keeping an eye on six essentials. Fuel, oil, rubber, coolant, electrics and screen wash. Each one makes a difference when temperatures drop.

Keep your fuel tank topped up; it’s not just about long journeys, it’s about peace of mind when traffic grinds to a halt. Make sure the oil level sits between the markers on the dipstick, and check tyres for tread and pressure. More tread means more grip, and winter roads often need all the help they can get.

Coolant protects your engine from freezing, as well as overheating so check the level and top up if needed. Batteries are another weak spot in cold weather. If your car turns over slowly in the morning, get it tested before it leaves you stranded. And finally, make sure your screen wash is rated for winter. Ordinary water freezes quickly, leaving you with a smeared windscreen when visibility matters most.

Clear, see, and be seen

The AA regularly warns that frozen wipers, misted glass and dirty lights are among the most common causes of winter problems for drivers. Give your car a few extra minutes to defrost properly. Use a scraper and de-icer rather than boiling water, which can crack the glass. Don’t forget to brush snow from the roof and bonnet so it doesn’t slide forward when you brake.

Inside, use your heater and air conditioning together to clear mist quickly, and keep a soft cloth handy for any remaining patches. Wipe headlights, indicators and brake lights before every long trip, clean lenses make a real difference in fog and drizzle.

Pack a few winter essentials

You don’t need a boot full of kit, but a few simple items can turn an unexpected delay into a minor inconvenience. The AA recommends keeping an ice scraper, torch, phone charger, gloves, blanket, reflective jacket, jump leads, and a small supply of snacks and water. A pair of sturdy shoes and a warm coat are worth keeping in the car too, they’re far better than waiting by the roadside in office shoes.

Drive with care, not speed

Winter driving rewards patience. Accelerate smoothly, brake gently and steer with a light touch. Wet and icy roads can double your stopping distance, so leave plenty of room and look further ahead. If you feel the car begin to slide, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go. Avoid sudden movements, calm reactions are what keep you in control.

Keep up the care between journeys

Short trips and cold starts drain batteries faster than you might expect. If you mainly drive around town, try to give your car a longer run once a week to recharge properly. Check tyre pressures every couple of weeks, as cold air can reduce them, and keep washer fluid topped up.

Salt and grit keep roads safe but can be harsh on paintwork and brakes. Rinsing the car regularly, especially underneath, prevents corrosion and keeps it looking its best right through to spring.

A calm start to cold mornings

Winter driving doesn’t have to be difficult. A few small checks and habits make every journey safer and less stressful. You’ll spend less time scraping ice, worrying about breakdowns, and more time just getting where you need to go. At Jigsaw, we believe that good preparation turns challenges into routine. Take a few minutes now, and those frosty starts will feel a lot smoother all season long.

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