Scottish Conference hears from experts discussing the law and hostage taking
Many experts gathered at December's Scottish Conference, discussing topics such as effective communication skills and the key to a thriving financial planning business, reports Ian Smith CFPTM Chartered FCSI of Central Wealth Planning.
December’s Scottish Conference kicked off with a workshop event followed by the conference dinner. The workshop included sessions on pensions, including from Justin Scott of Standard Life. He looked at the changes to annual and lifetime limits, and action points for those affected. Alan Travis from the DWP then gave an overview on the changes to state pensions.
Both sessions confirmed that pensions are still anything but simple, and include plenty of scope for providing valuable advice. The global economic outlook delivered by Cyrique Bourbon of Morningstar gave a useful independent view of markets and the factors behind valuations.
Finally the workshop ended with a discussion on the regulatory due diligence requirements for investments and the lack of clarity on this from regulators.
The following day’s conference was opened by Alan Dick CFPTM Chartered MCSI, who welcomed the first speaker, David Ferguson of Nucleus, talking about platforms. David looked at how technology and service in other areas made platforms look underdeveloped, and how the market in the UK was developing. He left us with some tough questions to ask our platform providers.
Alan Barr of Brodies Solicitors was asked back to the conference to give attendees another legal update, which included the new arcane guidance on who may be deemed a Scottish taxpayer.
Tim McEwan’s session was billed as thought provoking and indeed it was, drawing on his military and management experience he explored how fellowship skills can be used to improve staff engagement.
In her own inimitable style, Julie Lord CFPTM Chartered FCSI presented on planning for profit. With plenty of tips based on her own experience, Julie shared ideas on how to create a thriving financial planning business.
Finally, the last session was by a former Met Police hostage negotiator, Richard Mullender, who spoke about effective communication skills learned in real life and death situations. Richard focused on how effective listening was a key skill that allowed communication. All in all, a great event, and I look forward to the next one.