Stuart Wilson from Maverix Consultants recently facilitated a session at the Later Life Lending Summit. With a focus on teamwork and outcome-driven advice, Stuart’s panel explored the evolving landscape of financial services, urging advisers to embrace innovation and forward-thinking strategies.
Leaving the Highlands of Scotland, driving 8 hours to arrive in a snowstorm in Sheffield was a surreal start to a great event.
Meeting colleagues the evening before, we commenced broad discussions on the budget, wider world issues, and how the economy was looking after 4 months of the new government.
As a speaker I wanted to arrive early as the “OCD me” likes to check setups, visuals, and room setup before I can relax. This having been done, I ventured to the main room, and already by 9.30am the energy was palpable. These events are always excellent to catch up with people, friends and colleagues and for me, to promote my consultancy services. This event felt different and the joint initiatives between the Council and AMI were the reason, as there feels like a new determination in the sector.
Opening comments from David Burrowes, Robert Sinclair (sadly soon stepping down), and Keith Richards, quickly added substance and thought provocation to this atmosphere and perhaps, at last, I felt progress was being shaped.
My session had a great set of speakers and we dug deeply into what advice needs to look like and the importance of team work to deliver excellence. My priority was to get advisers to focus on outcomes, not products, and to see how big this broad market is becoming and how to engage with it.
My main takeaways were to see the passion and growing focus by some of what the road ahead is looking like but also worried that many are still looking back over their shoulders and not focusing on the horizon, but now is the time for the leaders and innovators to step forward to drive the changes required.
This event was amazingly well created, was rich in talent and observational structure, and created a platform for success. A huge congratulations to the team (the Council, AMI, PR staff, the venue, and provider sponsors) to name a few.
I left with a head full of ideas for helping my clients shape their businesses and a number of requests for help in product design, distribution, and business improvements.
My final thought as I arrived north of Inverness after my 8-hour return, as the Highland snowstorm arrived…I’m back home.
