SPECIAL FEATURE
ADVISER SURVEY – THE RESULTS ARE IN …
Richard Ardron Marketing Director SimplyBiz
As Government restrictions began to ease , and we started to look towards the future , we wanted to know how you were feeling about the months ahead and about the future in general . We wanted to hear your thoughts on the impact of the pandemic , and where your key focusses would be going forward – and we are pleased to say that the results paint an optimistic picture for our profession . Despite the obvious constraints we have all been under this year , there ’ s been a lot to raise spirits over the past few months – the Euros ( well , a little ), the Olympics and , of course , the ending of Covid-enforced restrictions . And , judging by your responses to our mid-2021 survey , there ’ s a lot to feel positive about within the sector too ! A huge thanks to all that took part , your responses are extremely valuable .
So – the results are in , what have you told us ?
• It would seem that advisers are optimistic about the future with 76 % saying that they were positive ( and only 3 % saying that they were not ) – which is great news
• Almost all advisers have said that they will be continuing with the elements of digital engagement that served them well during lockdown
76 %
of advisers feel positive about the future !
Y N Bit of both
Y - 50 / 50
93 %
of advisers will continue to offer digital engagement alongside F2F
N - all F2F Y - majority
Y - minority Y - all
• The value of advice has been clear during the pandemic , and 58 % of advisers reported an increase in clients over the past 18 months
• 74 % of advisers would like a mix of virtual and physical events , and over half feel the same with regards to compliance visits
• Further good news is that the pandemic has not had a major effect on advisers in terms of their thinking around exiting the industry – despite the challenges , only 19 % are looking to exit within the next three years
• Just over half of advisers have some kind of expansion plan , with 23 % looking to either bring in a trainee or to train up existing staff
Top opportunities and challenges In addition to asking how you were feeling about the future and what impact the past 18 months or so has had on you and your business , we also asked you what you felt were the biggest opportunities and , of course , challenges going forward – and here ’ s what you said :
6 | the adviser