And other contentious matters!
Al Rush is convening the clans to the Aberavon Beach Hotel in Port Talbot. You could – and most likely should – be there!
If you want to crash your diary and head for Wales, you have only to follow this link to get yourself a place at what should be the pensions event of the year.
The details of the event are below. It’s an exciting line up that includes Paul Lewis giving advice to financial advisers, Jo Cumbo, Philippa Hann (the solicitor acting for those steelworkers seeking redress) and the inimitable Rory Percival. I’ll be there as chair and general factotum.
It is Al’s event but it’s the mark of the man that he is choosing to stay in the background. He should have been on my boat this weekend but instead spent the time organising and snagging this event. I hope that he will be properly recognised.
So what’s it all about – Ali
It’s back, and in light of the scandal of Port Talbot, it’s more relevant than ever. The business of advising on Defined Benefit pensions is still, probably, the hottest topic in the world of financial planning. It is also still the biggest miss-selling scandal in the making unless you’re practicing diligently and correctly.
Attending this (free of charge) event can only improve your chances of providing safer client outcomes by enhancing your understanding and insight into advice appropriateness and suitability, and may protect you from making costly mistakes that impact on your fair profitability. And now, it’s over two days too, and qualifies as Structured CPD.
A glittering array of speakers awaits, a line-up that we think is even more irresistible than last year. This is a traditional, technical seminar; please be aware – there are no ‘soft skills’ (others do that far better) being discussed, life planning or coaching skills are not on the agenda.
The subjects covered include;
- Right now, what are the five greatest threats to safe client outcomes?
- Are you using cash flow modelling properly?
- What message would you send to the Regulator?
- What does Good, Bad and Ugly advice look like?
- What are safe suitability reports masquerading as unsafe ones, and vice versa?
- How unsure are you, of ‘Agent as Client’ issues when using a DFM?
- What is ‘professionalism’; should professionals use contingent charging?
- Where is the regulatory direction of travel heading?
- Where are the gaps in your advice models?
- What does retirement advice look and feel like from a client’s perspective?
- What do scheme trustees look for, how can you make your process more efficient?
- How can decumulation advice be streamlined and made more efficient?
- Will there ever be a safe robo retirement proposition?
- What did the Regulator say about robo advice recently?
The event is free to attend, it’s a once in a blue moon opportunity to share some of the most informed, incisive and forward-thinking reasoning behind practicing safely and diligently.
We are more organised this year. No longer will you have to bring your own pens, and even the tea and coffee is free. In fact, so is lunch, and thanks to Abraham, there’s even a beach barbecue on the evening on the tenth.
It’s not an excuse to get drunk on the sand and wake up in Devon, but time for speakers, advisers and support staff to get together and swap ideas in a more informal, convivial and intimate atmosphere that’s conducive to the free flow exchange of ideas.
Please note – event content and detail subject to change.
FAQs
Are there special requirements to enter the event?
Financial professionals only, this event is not open to retail clients. Please only use your professional email address to apply with. Due to the assumed level of delegate understanding and a subsequent absence of risk warnings, it is not an event for the general public.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Primary accommodation is at the hotel itself, a Great Western hotel. There is a delegate rate of £35 per night if you want to share a twin room. There are two beds to a room, so if you want to share with someone, it’s £70 for two nights. If you don’t want to share a twin, then it’s £140 for the two nights. If you want a single room, it’s £65 per night and a double is £100 per night. The rooms have been allocated on a first come first served basis.
You can’t book the delegate rate online, so please telephone 01639884949 to reserve a place. Other good hotels in town just a short drive away are Blancos and the Twelve Knights. Rooms are limited at the hotel compared to the numbers attending, so don’t hang about.
Why Port Talbot?
Because it has a cracking beach 30 seconds from the hotel, because steelworkers will be on hand on stage talking about their experiences, because there’s more to the UK than the South East, and because for once, parochial delegates get the rub of the green. 😉
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The hotel has great parking on site, if you have distinct needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. The venue is a ten minute taxi ride from Port Talbot railway station. The venue is normally a 50 minute drive from Cardiff. However, be warned. At rush hour, it can take fifteen minutes longer.
Is there a hashtag?
#PensionDebate
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
info@thegreatbritish.co.uk
Media coverage
As well as the FT, there will be social media coverage of the event – organised by Mattin Bamford media. Details here
