28/01/2009 - Eight Major Providers join forces with New Model Business Academy

SimplyBiz are delighted to announce a major milestone in the development of their not-for-profit New Model Business Academy. 

Prudential, Zurich, Skandia and The Hartford have become main partners of the Academy, with each provider sitting on the Advisory Board and investing significantly in the initiative.

Plum Software, Axa, Just Retirement and LV= have also become Associate Partners. 

The Academy is a leading resource for advisers who are looking for guidance and discounts in the areas of: qualifications; learning and development; moving to the new business model and best practice.  Initially the idea of Ken Davy, it is now proving to be a ‘must have’ with over 2,000 SimplyBiz advisers registering to use its substantial resources since launch last year.  More than a staggering 11,000 past examination papers alone have been downloaded by these advisers.

Steve Braidford, Managing Director of the Academy said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have received such fantastic support from some of the best and most respected names in the industry. They are testament to the Academy’s growth and success in providing a significant resource to our advisers.  Their support will act as a springboard for the Academy to develop even further and I also look forward to their expert involvement through the Advisory Board.”
 
Andy Curran, Intermediated Distribution Director at Prudential commented:

'Prudential are fully committed to professionalism amongst advisers and are delighted to be involved in the establishment of the NMBA. We believe the initiative will play a vital role in supporting advisers to attain the qualifications required under the Retail Distribution Review. This will also provide a suitable framework to help drive the industry forward and address future adviser business models.

Richard Howells, Intermediary Sales Director, Zurich commented:

Zurich totally supports the FSA’s drive to increase the standard of professionalism within the industry, through the RDR, and we are delighted to be part of the NMBA.  We are confident that by working together we can help to raise the standards within the industry as well as attract new talent in the future.

Michael Rudge, Managing Director, UK, The Hartford added:

'The Hartford is proud to be a Partner of NMBA.  This initiative will support UK advisers in their need for continuous development, especially in today’s fast moving financial markets. Given the direction of the Retail Distribution Review, the launch of NMBA could not be more timely and we look forward to being part of this innovative scheme.'

Peter Mann, chief development officer at Skandia, commented :

'Many financial advisers are actively looking to evolve their business models in line with the changing regulatory environment and in response to client requirements. SimplyBiz’s New Model Business Academy provides excellent support to advisers looking to change specific areas of their business model, gain further qualifications or share best practice ideas. We are very pleased to be a Partner of the Academy as part of our ongoing support for the advice sector.'