Gearing up for growth
Welcome to this latest edition of IFA Magazine. Our focus this month is all about business development, or as we’ve come to call it, your very own growth engine. Whether you’re thinking about how to attract new clients, sharpen your processes, or simply keep pace with regulatory change, this issue is packed with ideas and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence.
We kick things off on page 5, where Claire Reed of Aviva introduces their new Guaranteed Fixed Term Income Plan. It’s a fascinating look at how annuities are evolving to give clients both flexibility and certainty in retirement, two qualities that haven’t always gone hand in hand.
Turning ideas into action
Business development takes centre stage this month. On page 8, our own Meg Bratley explores how advisers can use social media to connect with younger generations. From TikTok to LinkedIn, she shows how authentic content can build lasting client relationships.
If you’re after quick wins, turn to page 12 where Damian Davies of The Timebank sets out six easy first steps for client acquisition. His pot-of-tea analogy makes the point that building a practice takes patience, the right ingredients and a thoughtful approach.
On page 15, David Batchelor of Wills & Trusts Partnership shares lessons from three decades in advice. His roadmap for combining strategic focus with tactical ideas is a masterclass in creating a profitable niche.
Karen Barrett of Unbiased follows on page 18 with a rallying cry to embrace automation, arguing that AI isn’t the threat; ignoring it is. And on page 22, Emily Wastie from VouchedFor demonstrates how client feedback can drive growth, showing how firms are boosting conversion, referrals and retention.
Rounding off the section, page 24 features Katie Brinsden of Truly Independent with a reminder that advisers aren’t selling products or services, they’re meeting a deeper need.
New angles, new opportunities
On page 28, our very own Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, begins a new three-part series on building financial confidence, exploring how advisers can help the next generation develop money skills for life. Then, on page 32, Liam O’Donnell of Artemis takes a contrarian view on gilts, suggesting they may be poised to surprise despite gloomy headlines.
Regulation, resilience and retirements
On page 36, Chris Jones of Dynamic Planner continues his Consumer Duty series with a focus on the Consumer Understanding outcome. On page 40, Bowmore’s Gill Millen highlights the pension savings shortfall, while on page 42, Morningstar Wealth’s Steve Coleman and Steve Owen share insights on balancing flexibility and trust in retirement income planning.
Mortgage and Property in the spotlight
For those focused on Mortgage and Property start on page 45 where, Cordelia Smith of Hunters Law LLP tackles the Renters’ Rights Bill and the end of no-fault evictions, while Acre’s Justus Brown explains why he built a platform to overhaul the mortgage process, streamlining inefficiencies and making advice easier.
And finally…
Our IFA Talk September Roundup is back on page 44, bringing together highlights from our podcast conversations.
As ever, this issue is designed to inform, challenge and support you in your role, and we hope it helps spark some ideas. Here’s to making the most of the autumn season ahead. Get the fire lit, pour yourself something warming, and enjoy the read.
Sue Whitbread
Editor, IFA Magazine
