by Nick Britton
October is shaping up to be a busy month, with three projects we have been working on for a while all coming to fruition about the same time. (That sounds like it might have been planned, but actually it’s just a coincidence.)
First, we have launched a new online training service, Learning Zone, which offers structured CPD in the form of four interactive courses. Each course takes about 45 minutes to complete, and they cover a range of topics from the basic to the more advanced. More courses will be added over time. You can access Learning Zone here (you’ll need to be logged in to the Financial Advisers centre and please use a desktop, laptop or tablet). We haven’t shouted much about Learning Zone yet, so give it a try – you’ll be among the very first to do so.
Second, we have published new research into the costs of holding and trading investment companies on adviser platforms. The research, conducted by platform consultancy the lang cat, covers 26 platforms and includes indicative costs at different portfolio sizes, so you can see which platforms are cost-effective for smaller or larger clients, as well as delving into the nitty gritty of model portfolios, in-house dealing desks and so on. In this issue of Spotlight, we provide an overview of the research.
The third innovation to see the light of day this month is the launch of our new Financial Advisers centre on the AIC website. This contains enhanced investment company data, which we are making available only to advisers and investment professionals. There is a new Q&A area where you can ask questions on investment companies, a new series of investment company guides, and generally a fresh look and feel. And by popular demand, you can now set up more than one watchlist.
Assuming you haven’t rushed off to try out the new website and are still reading this issue of Spotlight, you’ll also find research on the ‘sandwich generation’ (many of whom would consider using an adviser, but don’t know where to start), analysis of the latest quarterly data from Matrix on adviser purchases of investment companies, and views from some of the leading Japan managers.
It’s been good to catch up with so many of you in my travels around the country: this week I’m in Harrogate so I look forward to seeing some of you there. For more upcoming events, see over the page.
Nick Britton, Head of Training, AIC
12 October AIC Seminar (Harrogate) 11:30 – 14:30. Speakers: Tim Stevenson (Henderson EuroTrust), Richard Hickman (HarbourVest Global Private Equity), Nick Britton (AIC). Online booking for this event, to be held at Rudding Park Hotel, has now closed. If you would like to come, please drop us an email.
25 October 2017 Morningstar Adviser Forum (Stirling) 14:00 – 16:45. Speakers include Nick Britton (AIC), who will discuss using investment trusts for income. 26 October 2017 Morningstar Adviser Forum (Aberdeen) 09:30 – 12:15. Speakers include Nick Britton (AIC), who will discuss using investment trusts for income.
2 November 2017 Frostrow Capital 2017 Healthcare Sector Seminar (London) 12:00 sharp. Barber Surgeons' Hall, Monkwell Square, Wood Street, London EC2Y 5BL. Speakers from Worldwide Healthcare Trust and The Biotech Growth Trust. To attend or for more information, email Will Hampsey-Cook at Frostrow Capital.
9 November 2017 AIC Seminar (Birmingham) 09:30 – 12:30. Speakers: Jean Roche (Schroder UK Mid Cap), Francesco Conte (JPMorgan European Smaller Companies), Nick Britton (AIC).
23 November 2017 Morningstar Adviser Forum (Tunbridge Wells) 09:30 – 12:15. Speakers include Nick Britton (AIC), who will discuss using investment trusts for income.
The 8th annual VCT and EIS Investor Forum, organised by AngelNews, will be taking place in November. The Forum brings private investors, Family Offices, IFAs and Wealth Managers together with the VCT and EIS fund management community.
Details and a link to book are below.
24 November The 2017 Nex Exchange VCT and EIS Investor Forum (London) 09:00 – 17:00. Speakers: John Timpson CBE (Timpson), Patrick Birley (NEX Exchange), Ian Livingstone CBE (author and entrepreneur).