Rugby world cup winner Will Greenwood will be the headline speaker at Bath financial services technology firm Ascentric’s 2013 conferences.
The events, which take place next month in three locations across the UK, have the theme ‘Getting fit for a post-RDR world’ looking at how the financial advice industry is working following the introduction of far-reaching changes under the 
RDR (Retail Distribution Review), which came into effect on January 1.
The events, which kick off on February 21 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton and continue at Tracy Park Golf & Country Hotel, near Bath on February 26 and at the Kia Oval, London, on February 28, are aimed at practice principals, managing directors and chief executives, wealth managers, financial planners and paraplanners.
Ascentric’s Wrap products are used extensively by independent financial advisers (IFAs) and allow clients and their advisers to view all their investments and up-to-date values at any time via the internet.
The firm, a subsidiary of Royal London Insurance and which has more than £3bn of clients’ funds under management, was launched in 2006. It now supplies more than 2,000 IFAs across the UK.
The conferences will focus on the parallels between sporting and business success as at the heart of both is a clear vision and strategy supported by a highly-skilled team working hard for each other. Will Greenwood, pictured, will speak on ‘going from good to great’ .
Ascentric head of marketing Dominic Ventham said: “The fantastic success of the 2012 GB Olympics, Paralympics and Europe Ryder Cup teams, are just three examples of how individuals working in a high performance team can exceed the sum of their parts.
RDR has caused financial advisers to undergo significant changes to their business processes and propositions. As in sport, great teams thrive during times of change and the RDR has given financial advisers the opportunity to refine their strategy, develop new partnerships, implement new processes and enhance their position in the market.
“Our conferences will assemble a series of influential industry experts, commentators, distributors and product providers who will discuss and address ways in which firms can thrive during times of change and ensure they are making the most of new opportunities.
“Each topic will be designed to provide advisers with tangible and actionable steps they can take to make the most of the new regulatory environment and get their business fit for a post-RDR world.”
Also speaking at the conferences will be Evercore Pan-Asset chairman John Redwood, who will provide his thoughts on the economy; adviser Nick Bamford will focus on what RDR has meant for advisers; market commentator Mark Polson on the implications of RDR for the wider market; marketing consultant Lucien Camp on the importance of brand building and customer loyalty; business consultant David Shelton on ways to build a refined post-RDR strategy; tax expert Tony Wickenden on the opportunities coming out of legislation; and Ascentric managing director Hugo Thorman on the platform market; plus presentations by investment specialists from M&G, Investec and Heartwood.
