SimplyBiz Group bring Members closer to RDR readiness

Following a series of nationwide events, the New Model Business Academy have stated that they believe the majority of IFAs are well on their way to meeting the requirements of the Retail Distribution Review. The business and compliance services support company are currently running a string of conferences to launch their ‘Success Through Action’ programme, which focuses on helping advisers to become RDR ready.

The events are hosted by The SimplyBiz Group’s not-for-profit training and development division the New Model Business Academy and features presentations on remuneration, qualifications and independence and investment process, in addition to a keynote presentation from SimplyBiz Group Chairman Ken Davy.

The events are open to the whole of the advisory market and members of the NMBA are invited to attend free of charge, and will have attracted up to 1200 delegates by the conclusion of the series.

Head of NMBA, Lee Travis, commented:

“Qualifications have always been seen as the ‘headliner’ of the Retail Distribution Review, and were certainly the sticking point originally for a number of advisers.  However, during these events we’ve become aware that the vast majority of IFAs in attendance have knuckled down and persevered with getting qualified and are now concentrating on other areas of their business.  The sessions we’ve run on VAT planning, preparing post-RDR documentation and implementing a compliant advisory process have been amongst the most popular with delegates.  Another feature about which we’ve received a lot of positive feedback is the format of the meetings, with the morning session taken up with traditional presentations whilst the afternoon consists of several engaging round table ‘ask the expert’ workshops – advisers have really valued the time spent with their peers, discussing practical ways in which to implement RDR regulation.”

The events feature presentations from Zurich, Partnership and Prudential and are supported by Distribution Technology, Capita, Paraplanner Online, Intelliflo and Callibrand.  The Success Through Action programme, offering assistance for firms to prepare for the RDR and beyond, was launched by the New Model Business Academy to the whole of market this month.

Lee Travis added:

“One of the major things we’ve learned from these events so far is that there’s a real hunger amongst the IFA community for this type of practical guidance and direction.  The majority of advisers are ready to take the next steps towards RDR readiness, and we’re delighted to support them on that journey.”