After Michael Tipper got proceedings off to a stimulating start, helping delegates to improve their power of recall, the morning session focused on investment themes. Toby Ricketts of Margetts gave an entertaining overview of the uncertainty surrounding markets, while Gabriel Michelli from lead sponsor Pictet looked at the investment case for timber.

Tim Hale gave a compelling presentation on how planners can build a robust investment process. Giving the practitioner point of view, Saran Allot Davey CFP^CM of Heron House Financial Planning provided useful insight into how she and her colleagues have built a robust investment strategy that effectively supports their Financial Planning proposition.

After lunch, Duncan Steel revealed a useful technique Financial Planners could use when dealing with clients, in order to improve productivity by considering the client’s “thinking style”. Whether you’re working with someone who’s a gambler, reliable, rational or sensitive knowing what makes them tick will significantly improve your chances of success.

Then it was: Is your firm winning the war for talent? With an interesting new approach, Brett Davidson then talked delegates through team dynamics and how to improve the way their firm operates with insight and useful tips. Rounding off the day, delegates were inspired and motivated by the presentation from Alan Chambers MBE in his first appearance at an IFP event. The Polar explorer talked through the endurance, skill and strength shown on his unsupported walk to the North Pole, sharing parallels with Financial Planners.

He demonstrated how team work, winning beliefs, leadership and communications can prove the winning combination for success. The conference was followed on Friday by another excellent Best Practice workshop. Sessions included useful and practical sessions from new IFP board members Andrew Brook Dobson CFP^CM and Simon Boulter CFP^CM as well as Abbie Tanner. Nick Cann, IFP chief executive, said: “These two days were the ideal way to finish off the year with great speakers, great delegates and a really great atmosphere.”