In November, the IFP Scottish Conference saw a change and moved to Glasgow from its usual Edinburgh venue. Around 70 of the leading Financial Planners in Scotland plus a couple from elsewhere in the UK contributed to make it an excellent event which generated very positive feedback from delegates.

Top speakers and first class networking ensured that sharing of best practice was again high on the agenda.

At the best practice workshop which took place on 14 November, Alan Dick CFP^CM delved into the important area of how to establish clients’ appetite for financial risk, and the use of Financial Planning software and tools in general.

Sandy Robertson FIFP, CFP^CM then proceeded to break down what using cashflow modelling actually meant in practice. The IFP’s view is that professional Financial Planning should be built on scenario planning but this does not necessarily mean use of a proprietary system.

Sessions on communication by Ian Laverty and building joint ventures with professional connections delivered by Jonathan Gibson CFP^CM completed a full but rewarding day.

The annual dinner, sponsored by Nucleus, was enjoyed by all and some continued the networking until late into the night.

Lead sponsors of the event Pictet kicked off the main conference programme on 15 November with a look at the Russian market. Definitely scary but perhaps some great opportunities.

Professor Stephen Thomas from Cass Business School gave a thought-provoking insight into Behavioural Finance.

Abbie Tanner guided planners on how to build a client proposition that can be powerfully delivered, helping firms to attract the right clients and to drive revenue growth for the business too.

The closing session from Daniel Priestley provided powerful motivation and inspiration for delegates. He challenged delegates to consider how they could become a key person of influence in the Financial Planning profession as well as other things they might be capable of achieveing.

IFP chief executive Nick Cann, who chaired the event, said: “I love going to this event because there are so many good people and businesses in Scotland. It’s a great environment to chat among friends, backed up by plenty of practical information as well opportunities to learn and reflect on what might be achievable in future. A typical IFP event.”