Talk FS

The Future of Financial Planning | Rohan Sivajoti on Building the Plannex Community In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner sits down with Rohan Sivajoti, co-founder of Plannex (formerly NextGen Planners), to explore how a small online community grew into one of the most influential networks in the UK financial planning profession. What began as a simple idea between two advisers looking for better collaboration has evolved into a thriving community of over 2,500 members. Through Plannex, Rohan and his team are helping advisers connect, develop their skills, build better businesses, and raise standards across the profession. During the conversation, Rohan shares the story behind the creation of NextGen Planners, why the organisation rebranded to Plannex, and how community, collaboration, and continuous learning are shaping the next generation of financial advisers. Ryan and Rohan also discuss the mindset required to build a successful advice business, the importance of values in career decisions, and why creating the right environment for advisers to learn from one another can have a powerful ripple effect across the entire industry. Chapters 00:31 – IntroductionRohan Sivajoti on building Plannex 02:00 – The Story Behind NextGen PlannersHow one disappointing industry event sparked a movement 10:19 – Redefining Financial Services EventsGrowing the network and redefining financial services events 17:16 – Leaving Financial Advice to Build PlannexThe decision to step away from advising 22:04 – The Rebrand From NextGen Planners to PlannexWhy the community evolved into a new identity 27:45 – An Exciting AnnouncementExpanding the community beyond the UK 30:11 – Raising Standards Across Global Financial AdviceThe opportunity to improve international markets 34:42 – Lessons From Launching 200+ Advice FirmsWhat successful advisers focus on 36:20 – OutroInternational growth and what's next Learn more about Plannex 🌐 https://plannex.co.uk/ Connect with Rohan Sivajoti 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-s-6010b438/ About Talk FS: Talk FS is a podcast from Premier Jobs UK featuring conversations with leading voices across the financial services profession. Each episode explores insights, trends, and real experiences shaping the future of financial advice. 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leaders across the financial services industry. Download the Audio Version here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gpnw7-1a61c76

“Back yourself.” In this clip from Talk FS, Luke Sparkes shares simple but powerful advice for anyone considering a career in paraplanning. Be proactive. Reach out to people in the industry. Ask questions. Start conversations. From undergraduates contacting IFA firms to paraplanners battling imposter syndrome — Luke’s message is clear: your instincts are usually right. Don’t wait for permission to pursue the career you want. The paraplanning community is more open and supportive than you might think. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ygE676woQto 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nambdIY0jht7GI9eVgkVG?si=fBD8VeyuQ9-16O7uc0trdw #Paraplanning #FinancialServicesCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #TalkFS

In this clip from Talk FS, Ryan Venner and Luke Sparkes discuss why AI won’t replace paraplanners — but will enhance the role. The conversation also touches on something just as important: environment. If you don’t feel valued in your role, it might not be the job — it might be the setting. Sometimes moving to the right environment is what allows you to truly flourish. AI is changing financial services. But culture, leadership and opportunity still matter just as much. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ygE676woQto 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nambdIY0jht7GI9eVgkVG?si=fBD8VeyuQ9-16O7uc0trdw #AIinFinance #Paraplanning #FinancialServicesCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #TalkFS

Paraplanning is often seen as a stepping stone to financial advice — but is that perception outdated? In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner is joined by Luke Sparkes, an award-winning paraplanner and member of the PFS Paraplanning Panel, to explore the realities of careers in financial services. Luke shares his journey from administrator to adviser, and ultimately back into paraplanning — explaining why it became the right long-term career choice. The conversation covers work–life balance, sales pressure in advice roles, the growing importance of paraplanners, and how the profession is evolving through technology, regulation, and changing industry expectations. Luke also offers practical advice for anyone considering paraplanning as a career, or questioning whether their current role is the right fit. This episode is ideal for: • Aspiring paraplanners • Financial advisers and administrators • Students considering financial services careers • Firms looking to better understand the paraplanner’s role ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:18 Why Move From Adviser Back to Paraplanning? 05:50 What First Attracted Luke to Financial Advice? 19:11 Did He Ever Consider Leaving the Industry? 24:18 What’s Next for the Paraplanning Profession? 32:45 How Advising Experience Shapes Paraplanning 41:13 Should Paraplanners Be Client-Facing? 43:35 Advice for Aspiring Paraplanners Luke also discusses: • Paraplanning as a long-term profession • Breaking the adviser–paraplanner hierarchy • AI and technology in financial planning • Industry recognition and professional development 📌 Connect with Luke Sparkes https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sparkes-fpfs-41a552150/ 🎧 Subscribe to Talk FS for more conversations with professionals shaping the future of financial services. Listen on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-yu2uq-1a43c3d

How do financial advisers and mortgage brokers build real business growth in today’s competitive market? In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner is joined by Ash Borland — financial services marketing specialist, sales and business coach — to explore what it really takes to scale an advisory business in the modern digital era. Ash shares practical insights on building powerful professional communities, overcoming fear of competition, systemising one-person businesses, generating consistent leads, and unlocking the untapped revenue potential of protection. He also introduces his Three C’s Framework: Clarity, Consistency and Creativity — a proven approach to personal branding and marketing for advisers who want sustainable long-term growth. Whether you’re a self-employed mortgage broker, financial adviser, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Building community in financial services ✔️ Overcoming fear of competitors ✔️ The challenges of self-employed advisers ✔️ Why systems must come before scaling ✔️ Scaling problems caused by lack of leads ✔️ The protection opportunity most advisers miss ✔️ Doing right by clients while increasing revenue ✔️ Generating leads through modern marketing ✔️ The Three C’s: Clarity, Consistency & Creativity Chapters: 00:33 – Introduction 01:25 – The Power of Community in Financial Services 04:36 – Overcoming the Fear of Industry Competition 06:56 – The Challenges of the Self-Employed Advisor 10:43 – Systems Before Scaling 18:48 – The Problem with Scaling Without Leads 21:04 – The Untapped Goldmine: Protection 25:56 – Doing Right by the Client 31:40 – Generating Leads Through Marketing 42:19 – The Three C’s Framework 56:20 – Outro About Ash Borland: Ash Borland is a Sales and Marketing Coach for mortgage brokers who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the results they deserve. His belief is simple: most brokers don’t have a work problem — they have a framework problem. You’re already putting in the effort. What’s missing is a system that turns that effort into consistent leads, loyal clients, and predictable income — without chaos, guesswork, or late-night CRM stress. Ash helps mortgage brokers simplify their marketing, sharpen their sales process, and build a memorable personal brand that attracts the right clients for the right reasons. His no-fluff frameworks and clear strategies are designed to help advisers build businesses that run smoothly — so they can finally enjoy the life they’ve been working so hard for. Hard work built your business. The right framework will scale it. Connect with Ash Borland: Website: https://ashborland.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashborland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ashborland About Talk FS: Talk FS is the podcast from Premier Jobs UK, exploring the business, marketing, and growth strategies shaping the financial services industry. Featuring industry leaders, business owners, and innovators, each episode delivers practical insight for advisers and firms looking to stay ahead. If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your key takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more Talk FS episodes #TalkFS #MortgageBroker #FinancialAdviser #LeadGeneration #MarketingForBrokers #BusinessScaling #PersonalBranding #ProtectionSales #AshBorland

In the UK, we’re not very good at talking about money. Henrietta Grimston explains why financial planning starts long before spreadsheets and portfolios — it starts with trust, comfort, and education. From building relationships over multiple meetings to helping clients understand markets and pensions, real advice happens when people feel safe enough to open up. “Sometimes things come out of the woodwork further down the line — that’s when you know trust has been built.” 🎧 Listen to the full episode: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jgOVfutahAzbevFKyCckd?si=v62J_DOfSxmjkycYkLgWJA 📺 Watch the full episode: YouTube: https://youtu.be/HdoqS6kIarU #financialplanning #talkfs #financialeducation #clienttrust #wealthmanagement #financialadvisers #moneymindset #FinancialServices #podcastclip

Most people think financial planning is about numbers. Henrietta Grimston says it’s really about people. In this clip from the Talk FS podcast, Henrietta explains why great financial planners must understand not just wealth — but fears, motivations, and life events that shape financial decisions. “There’s almost a psychologist element to the role… you’ve got to get under the skin of the person and understand what’s really driving them.” From new money and life-changing events to building long-term confidence — this is financial planning done the human way. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jgOVfutahAzbevFKyCckd?si=v62J_DOfSxmjkycYkLgWJA 📺 Watch the full episode: YouTube: https://youtu.be/HdoqS6kIarU #FinancialPlanning #TalkFS #WealthManagement #FinancialAdviser #ClientPsychology #FinancialServices #IntergenerationalWealth #SOLLA #CareAdvice #PodcastClip

In this episode of Talk FS, Ryan Venner speaks with Henrietta Grimston, a financial planner dedicated to empowering clients through empathetic and holistic financial advice. Henrietta shares her journey from investment management to financial planning, emphasising the importance of understanding clients' emotional and psychological needs. They discuss the SOLLA accreditation, the necessity of financial education in the UK, and the role of technology in transforming the financial planning industry. Henrietta also highlights the significance of intergenerational wealth transfer and the need for a diverse workforce in financial services. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring financial planners to find their passion in the field. ⏱️ Chapters 01:00 - Introduction: Meet Henrietta Grimston 01:20 - From Investment Management to Financial Planning 03:06 -How an Investment Background Helps Clients Today 04:24 -Why Client Conversations Matter 06:17 -Financial Wellbeing & Breaking the Money Taboo 07:55 -Why Henrietta Chose SOLLA Accreditation 09:57 -What SOLLA Accreditation Really Means for Clients 13:43 -Teaching Young People About Money 18:50 - Encouraging the Next Generation Into Financial Planning 20:59 -Diversity, Representation & the Future Adviser Workforce 22:20 -Career Lessons from Henrietta’s Journey 25:49 -Technology, AI & the Future of Financial Advice 29:40 -Final Advice for Financial Planners 🔗 Henrietta's links: 👉 Staltus — https://www.saltus.co.uk/our-team/henrietta-grimston 👉 FCA — https://register.fca.org.uk/s/individual?id=003b000000LW6MFAA1 👉 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriettagrimston/?originalSubdomain=uk If you enjoy this episode — please **Like**, **Subscribe**, and **Turn On Notifications** to stay up to date with more industry insights from Talk FS. #FinancialPlanning #FinancialAdviser #SOLLAAccreditation #FinancialWellbeing #ClientConfidence #LaterLifePlanning #FinancialEducation #TalkFSPodcast #WealthManagement