The October meeting of the new Lancashire & Cumbria branch started with a lively and interactive ethics debate chaired by branch chairman Paul Jones.

Paul used a case study kindly provided by Andrew Brook Dobson CFP^CM, chairman of the Leeds branch. It provided the ideal way for delegates to discuss and develop their awareness of ethical considerations for their individual Financial Planning practices, while gaining valuable CPD into the bargain.

Guy Myles, MD of Octopus Investments, then provided a thought-provoking insight into the world of investment providers, providing an entertaining, engaging and educational discussion.

The group discussed ideas for development between practitioners and investment providers to enable providers to develop their investment proposition to ensure that it’s relevant to Financial Planners and to their more affluent clients.

Unfortunately, due to a family bereavement the second speaker was unable to attend, but in typical fashion for this developing and proactive branch, Paul Jones chaired a discussion on best practice in each firm.

Members willingly shared their ideas and processes for providing a client-centric service and discussed how they can continue to use the group to develop common goals, assist each other and share best practice.