Will Salmon, BTS Candidate Support and Business Development Adviser, speaks with Godfrey Asare, a graduate of the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy who has since launched his own financial advice firm, FE&F Wealth Management.

In this episode, Godfrey reflects on his transition from a completely different career into financial services. He shares how he managed the demands of studying for his Level 4 Diploma while working full-time as a Senior Food Buyer in the retail sector, and what ultimately inspired him to take the plunge into Term 2 of the SJP Academy after earning his qualification from the LIBF.

He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy experience, from the training and support to the challenges and breakthroughs - and gives thoughtful advice to anyone considering a similar path.

If you’re wondering what life after achieving your Diploma might look like, or you’re curious about the realities of joining the SJP Academy, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration to help guide your next steps.

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to explore opportunities with our Featured Companies or learn more about the BTS Careers Zone, feel free to get in touch.

In this episode, Natalie Dawes at BTS chats to Jack Kennedy at The M&G Wealth Advice Academy about what to expect if you are considering applying to The Academy and it might not be what you expect!

A must listen for anyone considering their options when it comes to their best route into financial advice.

In this episode, Natalie Dawes at BTS chats to Allen Ferrol and Stephen Christie at The M&G Wealth Advice Academy about the support their trainee advisers receive, when it comes to building their own business.

Key outcomes? Natalie learns about how the support from the team at The Academy is well rounded, thorough and adaptable - helping trainees to build successful financial advice businesses.

Will Salmon, BTS Candidate Support and Business Development Adviser sits down with James Locke DipPFS from Chartered Edge Financial Planning, to ask about James' recent experience of being a delegate on the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy.  

James used BTS materials during his R0 exams and speaks about how they helped him through his Diploma journey, his story is a great example of how BTS learners can apply their knowledge to progress in their career. 

James joined the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy in Term 2 and speaks enthusiastically the training he received, giving valuable insight about the Academy training process from a delegate's perspective and advice for people who may be thinking about applying.  

James also speaks about his day-to-day role now as he approaches graduation from the Academy and gives examples of how he has become more confident and independent during his training.   

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to the podcast and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all or if you are interested in following James' footsteps and applying for a role at one of our Featured Companies on the BTS Careers Zone.  

In this episode, Natalie Dawes - BTS Candidate Support & Business Development Adviser chats with Jennifer Cumberledge of True Potential Wealth Management - a BTS Featured Company.

Jen alludes to her own journey within Financial Services and the career progression that she has had, greatly down to the level of support she has received in her roles to date, at True Potential.

AF7 Pension Transfers.

We know at BTS that this is a niche unit, but in this episode Nikita Phillips Candidate Support and Business Development Adviser at Bespoke Training Solutions, is joined by special guest Luke Mapley as they discuss all things AF7. 

Tune in to find out more about this unit, and why you should be considering AF7 on your journey to chartered. 

For Mental Health Week, we want to look at human side of financial planning, specifically the impact a good adviser can have, the interpersonal skills needed, and how good financial planning advice can make a real difference to people’s wellbeing. 

Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), define financial wellbeing as “…feeling secure and in control. It’s about making the most of your money from day to day, dealing with the unexpected, and being on track for a healthy financial future. In short: financially resilient, confident and empowered.”

According to MaPS, people who experience financial wellbeing are less stressed about money. This, in turn, has positive effects on their overall mental and physical health, and on their relationships.

Whilst this is likely to make a lot of sense to a lot of people, many people don’t experience good financial wellbeing. Financial stress is known to be one of the leading contributors to poor mental health which makes the role of a financial adviser a critical one. But do we instantly attribute the role of a financial adviser in this way? Probably not!

Helping us to understand the how financial advisers / planners can make a difference to client wellbeing, we are joined by Tina Steele, Principal of Steele Aspire Financial Management

Join Alex Langhorn, Head of Business Support at BTS and Gee Foottit, Senior Manager, Recruitment Partnerships at St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy as they delve into the relevance of the UN IWD 2024 campaign, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.

Gee brings over 25 years of expertise in finance and entrepreneurship to the table. 

Driven by a passion for inspiring women in finance, an advocate for gender equality and women's financial independence, striving to be a role model for future generations, including her daughter. 

Sustainability is also at the core of her philosophy, extending beyond environmental impact to encompass flexible work arrangements, financial freedom, and personal health.

As the host of St. James's Place's Partnership recruitment events and career-change podcasts, "The Switch" and "SJP Adviser Stories," Gee explores the secrets of success and shares insights to empower listeners in advancing their careers.

In this episode of the BTS Career Pathways podcast we discuss getting in and getting on in a career in financial planning with the focus on the experience of women in financial services.

Joining BTS host, Alex Langhorn to share their insights on this subject we have three fabulous guests. 

Chloe Phillips, CFP, FPFS and co-founder and mentor at The Paraplanner Club. 

Emmelia Davidson-Slack, recently qualified Financial Planner having gained DipPFS last year. Emmelia also holds the post of New Professionals Officer at the PFS. 

Tamsin Caine who is also a CFP and FPFS. Tamsin is a Resolution Accredited Divorce Specialist and Director of Financial Planning at Smart Financial. 

We tackle some of the tricky questions affecting women breaking into the sector, progressing to senior roles, motherhood as well as the wider topic of distribution of wealth and financial education.