In this special episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes welcomes David Tate, Managing Director and Founder of Redmill Advance, our official training and development sponsor for 2026.

David shares the inspiring growth journey of Redmill Advance and how they are transforming training and development in the financial planning profession through accessible qualifications, CPD, and behavioural support. From self-study learners to large-scale corporate academies, David explains how their tech-first, learner-centric approach is improving pass rates and raising industry standards.

We explore learning styles, neurodiversity, and how financial planning firms can deliver consistent, high-quality CPD. With a first-time pass rate above 85% in their academies and less than 5% client churn since inception, Redmill Advance is quietly becoming one of the most impactful education providers in financial services.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring financial planners, T&C professionals, and business leaders seeking to develop internal talent and futureproof their advice businesses.

Key Subjects Covered in This Episode:

🎓 Qualifications & Learning Pathways in Financial Planning

• CII, CISI, LIBF qualification routes
• Diploma vs Chartered training
• Self-study vs Academy formats

🧠 Learning Styles & Neurodiversity 

• Supporting different learning preferences (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Onboarding resources focused on study psychology
• Accommodating neurodiverse learners

📈 CPD, Competency & Regulatory Needs

• Bite-sized, digital-first CPD
• Centralised CPD solutions to reduce fragmentation
• Data-driven MI to identify training gaps and compliance needs

🧑‍💼 B2B Training & Academy Solutions

• Running academies for leading firms (SJP, Quilter, Mazars, etc.)
• White-labeled platforms (Redmill Advance Hub)
• Supporting HR, T&C, and compliance goals

💡 Business Growth & Market Impact

• Redmill’s journey from startup to major player
• Over 500 learning modules and growing
• Strong client retention and pass rates as proof points

🚀 Future of Redmill Advance

• Strategic investment in marketing and storytelling
• Hiring expert trainers to scale delivery
• Commitment to raising standards and closing the advice gap

To celebrate the Financial Planner Life x Redmill Advance partnership, you can enjoy 10% off ALL Redmill Advance learning solutions until 31st March 2026. Just use the code FPL2026 at checkout to receive your discount.

Click here: https://www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance
Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.
✅ Trusted by top UK firms
👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl

Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning. 

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. 

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.