We are delighted to announce that the Northern Rock mortgages website, which was transformed by TH_NK just a few months ago, has been shortlisted in the Digital Impact Awards under the category Best Use of Digital by Financial Sector.

Since Northern Rock’s mortgages website went live on 13th April it has created a step-change in the way people search for mortgages online. So far, the new experience has been so successful that the number of people starting the mortgage application process is up 23%, the average time spent on the site has increased by 56%, and the number of visits to apply now is up 17% when compared to the results of the previous site.

The new website makes it easier for customers to find a mortgage and learn about the home-buying process. As well as containing lots of clear information for different customer groups, it also includes a range of helpful tools such as a budget planner and overpayment calculator to take the complexity out of the mortgage-selection process. For those ready to take the property plunge, the ‘find a mortgage’ section allows users to play with their options as they go and see the effect on their mortgage choices in real-time. Users can then work out what they can afford to pay each month and even use a tool to understand how their monthly payments would alter if interest rates changed.

The Digital Impact Awards recognise excellence in digital communications, so it’s fantastic news that the Northern Rock mortgages website has been shortlisted to win an award. The major challenge for TH_NK and Northern Rock's E-commerce team was to take the complexity out of the mortgage-selection process and build a digital experience around Northern Rock’s customers and their needs – and so far, the results have been extremely encouraging.

Robin CordyAccount Manager, TH_NK

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Communicate Magazine in Notting Hill on 21st September 2010.