With more than two decades in financial services and 14 years running his own business, Tim has built a reputation for helping firms get the most out of their back-office systems, particularly Intelliflo. In this episode, he shares how Cicadian supports advice firms of all sizes with income reconciliation, configuration, valuations and beyond, all with a practical, personable and process-driven approach. We talk about the challenges of scaling a niche service business, why good tech support is more than just training, and how small changes in process can deliver big time savings. If you've ever thought “we’re probably not using our system to its full potential” , this is the one to listen to. A great insight into the operational side of advice firms and the people behind keeping things running smoothly. Connect with Lee Old Connect with Tim Gale
After two decades in the investment world, Stuart is now stepping into financial planning with a fresh perspective, a ton of industry experience, and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome. From his early days as a discretionary fund manager to his current journey through the Verve Foundation’s Consider and Build programmes, Stuart shares what it’s like to go from observing planners to becoming one. This episode is a brilliant insight into the realities of career transition, the power of collaboration, and why curiosity might be the most underrated skill in financial planning today. Stuart’s openness about self-doubt, accountability, and business building is what makes this conversation so relatable — especially for those plotting a change or starting something new. A must-listen for anyone thinking about taking the leap. Connect with Lee Old Connect with Stewart Heggie
After cutting his teeth at Hargreaves Lansdown and spotting a disconnect between advisers’ strengths and their day-to-day workload, Oren Henry decided to do something about it. Now founder of AutoAdvice, he’s building AI-powered tools to ease the burden of admin and compliance, giving advisers back the time and headspace to focus on their clients. In this conversation, Oren shares the story behind his leap into entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why great technology starts with deep listening, not feature lists. If you’ve ever felt like tech solutions don’t quite ‘get’ advice, this one will resonate. One for the forward-thinkers and the builders. Connect with Lee Old Connect with Oren Henry
In this episode, we dive into one of the most frustrating blockers in financial planning: the letter of authority process. Nick Green, from data integration specialists Criterion, joins us to explain how his team is tackling this long-standing issue and why collaboration is the key to moving forward. Nick shares his perspective on: How technology is evolving to serve advisers more efficiently Why LOA processes are still so broken (and what’s finally changing) The growing pressure to deliver cost-efficient advice in a hybrid, API-driven world An insightful chat with someone working behind the scenes to drive real progress in the profession. This one’s for the planners who want admin to work smarter, not harder. Connect with Lee Old Connect with Nick Green
After two decades helping financial planning firms scale, evolve and thrive, Keith Hare is now walking the talk. In this Podcast on Tour episode, we catch up with Keith as he prepares to launch Cadence Financial Planning, a new, AI-enabled advice firm rooted in purpose, clarity, and control. Keith shares what it’s like to go from consultancy to co-founder, why he’s focused on building a business that empowers both clients and advisers, and the thinking behind everything from his recruitment strategy to his tech stack. If you’re thinking about what a modern, human-first firm looks like, or how to create a values-led business with true direction of travel, this conversation is packed with insight. This one’s for the planners who want to build with intention. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Keith Hare
In this episode, we sit down with Keith Boyes, Director and Financial Planner at Spentwell, to explore the realities of launching and growing a purpose-led financial planning firm. From his early days in Edinburgh (and a stint in Hong Kong) to building a business around clarity, community, and creativity, Keith shares the lessons he's learned over six years in business. We dive into: The power of community when you're going solo Why niching is often something that finds you How sport shaped Keith’s approach to building a strong team The strategy behind his award-nominated masterclasses If you’re thinking about going solo, scaling smart, or simply building a firm that feels like you, this one’s packed with insight. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Keith Boyes
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we chat with Fred, founder of her own financial planning firm, fresh off her first year in business. She opens up about the reality of launching a practice while raising a family, the lessons she's learned, and the support systems that helped her get there (spoiler: community is everything). From the highs and lows of year one, to what it’s really like navigating growth, hiring decisions, and charging reviews, this is an honest, thoughtful, and empowering listen for any planner building something of their own. If you're in year one, or reflecting on your own journey, this one's for you. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Frederika Clay
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Chris Miles from SM Advice, a marketing and operational support firm built exclusively for financial advisers. Chris shares how their innovative use of BSL content and social scheduling is helping advice firms stay visible, inclusive, and connected to their audience, without burning out. From mindset shifts and letting go of control to building a business that doesn’t run you, this is a brilliant chat about scalable marketing, smart delegation and unlocking more time to focus on the bits you actually enjoy. A must-listen for any advice firm owner who knows they should be doing more on social, but doesn’t know where to start. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Chris Miles
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Steven Rowe, Director and IFA at Lucent Financial Planning, for a conversation that goes well beyond the technical side of advice. Steven shares how he’s built a business around connection, from community events for retirees to building a team of 15 and stepping back from doing it all himself. With warmth, wit, and a dose of real talk, he opens up about the realities of growing a firm, managing stress, hiring too late, and what he’d do differently if he had to start again. Down-to-earth, insightful, and quietly full of gold, this one’s for every adviser who's building something that matters. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Steven Rowe
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we chat with Ryan Milne, Senior Partner at Kate Bailey Financial Planning, about what it really looks like to build a long-term career in financial advice starting from the age of 16. Ryan shares his journey from an apprenticeship at Prudential to becoming a partner in an established firm, how he’s overcome self-doubt, and why he’s passionate about making financial planning more visible and accessible in his local community. It’s a powerful reminder that the next generation of planners are already here and they’re shaping the future. A brilliant listen for anyone building a career, a client base, or a business they want to be proud of. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Ryan Milne
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we’re joined by Kate Phillips, Head of Sales at Timeline, for an open, upbeat conversation on what’s really going on inside advice firms today. Kate shares her journey into the profession, why she’s passionate about making financial planning more inclusive, and the work she’s doing to support women across the sector. From information overload to the power of finding your tribe, this chat goes beyond product talk and gets to the heart of what helps advisers thrive, both in business and in life. Packed with energy, honesty and ideas, this one’s well worth a listen. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Kate Phillips
In this Podcast on Tour episode, we sit down with Justine Randall, Chief Commercial Officer at Tatton Investment Management, for an inspiring conversation on careers, culture, and creating meaningful change in financial services. Justine shares her journey from medical school dropout to industry leader, why she believes financial planning needs more transferable talent, and how Tatton is helping planners thrive without compromising their independence. From grassroots mentoring to AI innovation, this is a masterclass in doing business with purpose. One for anyone who loves this profession and wants to leave it better than they found it. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Justine Randall
In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we catch up with Freddie Winter, Director and Chartered Financial Adviser at Gratitude Financial Planning. Freddie shares what it’s really like to go from adviser to business owner, from wearing every hat in the early days to learning how (and when) to outsource. He opens up about the challenges of staying visible on social media, the reality of hiring, and why building a lifestyle business around his young family is the goal right now. Real, relatable, and packed with lessons for any adviser running their own firm. It’s a brilliant listen for anyone juggling growth and balance in their advice business. Connect with Amanda Ford Connect with Freddie Winter
In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we sit down with Paul Raventscroft, Strategic Business Development Specialist at Intelliflo, to unpack what digital transformation really means for advice firms today. Paul shares his perspective on where tech can help (without getting in the way), why data quality is now crucial under the FCA’s evolving expectations, and how firm owners can future-proof their operations without compromising their identity. This one’s for anyone trying to make sense of systems, CRMs, AI and how to take the next step without the overwhelm. A calm, grounded voice in the noise of the tech revolution. Well worth a listen. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Paul Ravenscroft
In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we’re joined by Jonathan Newell, Founder and CEO of BareRock, the business rewriting the rulebook on PI insurance. Jonathan talks about moving the sector out of the dark ages, why governance and culture matter more than product types, and how BareRock rewards great firms with practical, tailored support. He also shares the realities of launching a disruptive business, what he’s learned from years in commercial insurance, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever dreaded PI renewal, this one might just change your mindset. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Jonathan Newell
In this episode of our Podcast on Tour series, we sit down with Greg Moss, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of his own advice practice, to talk about what happens when you shift from chasing new business to focusing on deep, meaningful client relationships. Greg shares the moment he realised the traditional employed route was no longer serving him and how he’s designed a business around his version of success. From managing pressure to scale, to mentoring the next generation of planners, this conversation is all about defining success on your own terms. A must-listen for any adviser wondering if “bigger” really means “better.” Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Greg Moss
In this first episode of our Podcast on Tour mini-series, we’re live at the Verve Evolution Conference in London, kicking things off with none other than Cathi Harrison, CEO of Verve. In this energetic chat, Cathi shares what it really takes to build a business that grows without grinding you down. From the power of delegation to the mindset shift from adviser to business owner, this one’s packed with insight for firm owners ready to scale. If you're still wearing every hat in your firm, Cathy’s advice might be exactly what you need to hear. Listen now and get inspired to do things differently. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Cathi Harrison
In this episode, Lewis is joined by Gabriella Peters from the partnerships team at Saturn AI. With a background in science, Big Four experience, and a sharp eye on the future of advice, Gabby shares how Saturn is transforming financial planning firms from the inside out, helping to reduce admin, embed compliance, and free up time to focus on what really matters. From her personal career journey to actionable insight for ops directors and owner-managed firms, this one’s full of practical takeaways for firms navigating growth, AI and the future of advice. Oh and a healthy dose of padel vs. paddle debate thrown in. If you’re wondering what real AI integration can look like in your firm, start here. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Gabriella Peters Follow The Financial Planning Club
In this episode of The Financial Planning Club Podcast, Lewis is joined by Mark Wintle, Business Development Manager at WAY Trustees, award-winning estate planner, and former IFA with over 30 years in the profession. Mark shares how advisers can naturally bring trusts into the conversation, what makes WAY’s approach different, and why trust planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. With a unique perspective from both sides of the advice process, Mark explains how smart estate planning drives better client outcomes, across generations. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Mark Wintle Follow The Financial Planning Club
In this special episode of The Financial Planning Podcast, Lewis sits down with Allen Johnson — coach, speaker, and founder of Allen Johnson Coaching, to talk fitness, mindset, and the power of small changes. AJ helps career-driven parents and business owners ditch the dad bod, boost their energy, and lead by example, without giving up wine, chocolate, or a social life. Connect with Lewis Byford Connect with Allen Johnson Follow The Financial Planning Club