A Chartered Financial Planner hopes to challenge the perceptions of traditional business in a new book that touches on his experiences of creating a new robo-adviser.

Keith Churchouse CFTPM Chartered FCSI, director of Chapters Financial, has penned ‘Scared of Something Different’, his sixth published work.

The Surrey-based planner writes about disruption and innovation in business, sharing his experiences of setting up SaidSo, an online, automated advice service, last year.

It is co-written with colleague Esther Dedswell, who believes their experiences are relevant to all business models across the spectrum.

Mr Churchouse said the publication is aimed at any business manager or owner who wants to be a success in a decade’s time. He said business people who stand still without change won’t be successful.

Stressing this point, he tells readers: “Inspirational innovation and business disruption are there to be explored and embraced.”

He told Financial Planning Today: “Challenging your existing business model is just that, challenging. However the digital revolution is no respecter of the past, only an observer as it races by to the future. If you don’t lead the change, you will be led by others. This book challenges perceptions of traditional business to embrace the opportunities ahead. It can be a lonely journey, but pleasurable if you get it right.”

He said the book covers “our journey through the establishment of SaidSo and the process of change, but also the emotional side of being able to embrace the changing world of technology across business”.

He said: “Just like at the start of your enterprise, no one except you is going to push that business through the next few transitional years. You can’t stand still because that would mean unwinding all your good work.

“The same-old, same-old ritual is not going to work anymore. Technology and its distribution opportunities have transformed business in the last decade and they haven’t even scratched the surface!

“Read this book and take a giant leap forward. Don’t let yourself down, don’t be disrupted, be the disruptor. Innovation doesn’t stand still, and nor should you. You’ve worked too hard to let it all slip now.”

Mr Churchouse is chair of Headway Surrey, a local charity, which will be the beneficiaries from any proceeds raised through the book.