Paraplanners from all over the country gathered on Thursday 9 October 2025 at FarmED in rolling Cotswold countryside – the last time the Big Day Out was being at the venue.

An introduction to AI for Paraplanners

Participants were welcomed by The Big Day Out hosts, Aleks Sasin and Chris Wormwell, before Harriet Meyer kicked the day off with An introduction to AI for paraplanners.

What were the big takeaway messages from the session?
Used properly, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini can be powerful tools to aid the writing process that sits at the heart of your role. From client communications to suitability reports, the quality of your written work directly impacts client outcomes and regulatory compliance.

In this highly interactive session, award-winning financial journalist and AI trainer Harriet, cut through the AI hype using hands-on exercises where participants could practice effective prompt design and see real examples of how AI can improve client communications, streamline report writing, and support documentation tasks.

Whether you had never used AI tools, experimented with basic applications, or were already incorporating AI into your workflow but want to improve your technique, Harriet’s session offered lots of opportunities to learn together with paraplanning peers.

Technical pick-and-mix sessions

Ahead of the Big Day Out, participants were invited to pick two hour-long technical and financial planning client scenario sessions (from a choice of four). The topics were:

IHT Planning: Foundation

This session focused on helping participants strengthen foundational understanding of inheritance tax planning, and offer a structured refresher on core principles.

Through an interactive scenario-based discussion, they worked through client situations and explored different approaches, understanding the practical application of IHT planning principles and the trade-offs involved in different strategies. We explored the essential framework of “spend it, gift it, or insure it” and how these principles apply in practice. Issues covered included residence nil rate bands, tapering rules, and gifting allowances, alongside practical solutions like life cover. Participants also touched on the importance of Wills and Powers of Attorney, and even some discussion of deed variations.

IHT Planning: Advanced

This session tackled more complex planning scenarios involving multiple strategies and significant assets. Participants considered the complexities of advanced planning strategies, examining real-world trade-offs and the practical challenges of implementing sophisticated solutions, including the order of gifting, trust planning, and business relief considerations. With pensions now in the IHT net from 2027, the session explored how pension planning intersects with inheritance tax strategy. The session also examined when and how to use different planning tools, and the consequences of getting the sequencing wrong.

Retirement Income Planning: Foundation

If you wanted to strengthen your understanding of retirement income options and, particularly, building confidence around annuity recommendations, this was the session for you. Participants gained a comprehensive grounding in the core retirement income options available to clients with the session covering the fundamentals of drawdown versus annuities, tax-free cash decisions, securing essential income, and how State Pension fits into the picture.

Retirement Income Planning: Advanced

If you are comfortable with retirement income products but wanted to enhance your skills in creating comprehensive, client-focused retirement strategies that meet FCA expectations, then this was the session for you.

Participants explored sophisticated techniques for capturing client requirements, categorising needs into essential, desired, and legacy funds, and creating robust cash flow models. Groups discussed tax wrapper strategies, sequencing risk, and how to build retirement plans that will withstand regulatory scrutiny while truly serving client needs.

Your career, your choice: Designing your professional future

Paraplanner Zara Okoro invited participants to explore what really drives you professionally, where your strengths lie, and how to turn sector changes into career opportunities. Using a framework, Zara asked the Assembly to break out into groups of four and work through a series of questions which participants could use as lenese to explore where they are in their career today, and what they want to do next.

Whether you were early in your career or well-established, this session worked for anyone ready to take ownership of their professional development.

The ideal session for heading home knowing where to focus your efforts and how your future career growth could benefit both you and your employer.

The Assembly

Led by Big Day Out hosts Aleks Sasin and Chris Wormwell, and observing the Chatham House Rule, this open session handed the floor over to participants. Whether you wanted to dig deeper into topics covered earlier, raise something completely new, or simply pick the brains of the experts and fellow paraplanners in the room – it was entirely up to participants.

paraplanners and we also welcome administrators, so if you are not one please don’t book a ticket. If you’re still really interested in coming along then get in touch with us at [email protected].

Whether you’re considering a move into paraplanning, just landed your first role or are just curious about the options, one question you might keep wondering about: ‘What kind of organisation should I work for?’

Do you choose in-house team or outsourced provider? A small boutique practice or large corporate? Whichever you choose, there will be pros and cons, so how do you decide which is most suitable for you?

This Assembly – recorded on 6 August 2025 – lifts the lid on different paraplanning career paths and workplace structures. It’s the second in a series of Assemblies looking at careers in paraplanning and supported by Aegon.

Our host Caroline Stuart of Sparrow Paraplanning is joined by Julie South, owner of Bee Paraplanning, Sarah Lees, senior paraplanner at Forvis Mazars and Jo Parkes, paraplanning manager at Navigatus – paraplanners with experience of working in all kinds of organisations and are ready to share what it’s meant for their careers.

Over the course of the Assembly, they discuss:

• The different paraplanning structures out there – and what they’re really like to work in
• How to get your foot in the door – and what to look for in potential employers
• What support and development you can expect from types of organisations
• Practical tips for adapting and thriving wherever you land

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your paraplanning options, practical insights from experienced practitioners, and the confidence to take your next career step.

Don’t forget your CPD

Once you’ve listened to this Assembly, you can request a certificate for 1 hours CPD. Just follow the link below.

Don’t miss the first Assembly in this series

This is the second Assembly in a series on breaking into and developing your career in paraplanning. Discover the first in the series Breaking into paraplanning: where do I even start?.

Thanks to Aegon

This Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.

What knowledge, experience and skills will help you get hired? And, once you are hired, how will you know you’ve actually made the right choice?

Whether you want to get into paraplanning, are just starting out, or know someone who would love to get their break, this online Assembly – recorded on 9 July 2025 – is jam-packed with insights on making your move into paraplanning.

Hear for yourself how our guests took their unique paths into paraplanning

Host Caroline Stuart is joined by paraplanning guests Chris Wormwell, Ceetal Katechia and Kez Condy, plus personal development expert Sarah Purves of Aegon.

Over the course of one podcast, you’ll discover how each of our paraplanners took very different routes into the profession.

One is a former barista who swapped one daily grind for another kind altogether. Then there’s the university marketer who yearned to change career. Finally, there’s the ex-administrator who set their heart on changing lanes into paraplanning.

Among the topics covered are

• The multiple pathways into paraplanning (because there’s never a ‘right’ route is there?)
• Tried and tested strategies for overcoming obstacles when starting out (or just started)
• Building a career plan that works for you
• Creating your support network
• Tackling imposter syndrome head-on
• Vital conversations to have with current or potential employers

Let’s be honest, how many of us can claim that we had our careers sussed out from day one? So don’t miss this fantastic chance to listen, learn and take your first step into paraplanning.

Don’t forget your CPD

Once you’ve listened to this Assembly, you can request a certificate for 1½ hours CPD. Just follow the link below.

Thank you Aegon

This online Assembly would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon. Thank you to the team at Aegon for supporting this Assembly – and for backing the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.

When it comes to the idea of innovation are you more likely to radiate Ted Lasso energy rather than Roy Kent? More Bandit than Bluey? Or put another way (that doesn’t rely on eclectic TV viewing habits): does the prospect of change make you feel more ‘Yeah!’ than ‘Meh!’? 

The reason we ask is that we were inspired by paraplanner Zara Okoro’s recent thought-provoking article in Professional Paraplanner all about innovation. So we invited Zara from Abacus Associates, who’s also a PFS Paraplanner Panel member, to share her thoughts on how paraplanners can adapt rather than risk getting left behind.

Alongside Zara, we were joined by PSA Financial Services’ head of paraplanning, Ceetal Katechia, to join in the conversation. Ceetal has bags of practical experience in creating team environments in which new ideas flourish.

Together with host Richard Allum, this Assembly asked what innovation actually looks like, whether it’s always a good thing, what fuels it, and how can you influence it when you’re not the decision-maker?

It’s an Assembly that’s all about how you can embrace innovation and shape our profession rather than be subject to changes happening around you.

What can you expect when you listen?

You’ll come away with practical ideas to try out, whether you’re looking to improve your processes and workflow, make better use of existing tools and tech, or create space for bigger changes in your work.

Most of all, this is a chance to step back from day-to-day demands and take a few moments for yourself to think about how even small changes can shape your role and influence the direction of your career in paraplanning.

Thank you for joining us on 15 November to take your outsourcing game to the next level.

Thanks to the generous support of Assembly supporter, Aegon UK, we were able to team up with coach and consultant Rachael Hurdman to create a workshop where paraplanners could gather to exchange practical insights, knowledge and experience.

We hope you agree it turned out to be a day out of the office that made a real difference to you and your future in outsourcing.

Aegon UK’s Sarah Purves and Succession Wealth’s Ellie Welling return for a follow-up to last month’s ‘What kind of paraplanning leader will I be?’ Assembly.

Picking up where they left off in November, Sarah, Ellie and host, Richard Allum, explore a topic that every aspiring and existing leader will experience during their career: difficult conversations. 

Sarah shares ideas and techniques that can help paraplanning leaders successfully prepare for and navigate discussions that you might otherwise dread.

During the second half of this episode, our guests focused on questions, ideas and topics raised by paraplanners during the first Assembly.  

But whether or not you joined Sarah and Ellie last time, and haven’t had a chance to listen or watch it on catch up yet, you’re sure to gain plenty to inform your reflections on successful leadership by tuning into this discussion.

Watch or listen now

So if you’re on the lookout for an hour that’s packed with practical ideas and insights that could prove vital to your next steps in paraplanning, look no further.

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about stepping into a leadership role in paraplanning. Or you’re already managing others and want to build your skills. Either way, our specially extended lunchtime Assembly at 12.30pm on Wednesday 13 November is for you.

What’s in it for me?

Over 90 minutes, you’ll explore what kind of paraplanning leader you could be and discover how you can make that step with confidence – all from the comfort of your own desk (or canteen, cafe, or kitchen table).

Wherever you’re joining from, we’ll have Aegon UK’s learning and organisational consultant, Sarah Purves, on hand to help. Throughout the Assembly, Sarah will be inviting you to try out a series of exercises that will help you:

• Identify the paraplanning leadership qualities you already have (you might be surprised)
• Discover your natural management style by learning from what’s worked (and what hasn’t) with your own managers
• Get better at those tricky conversations that come with leading others
• Build a practical toolkit you can use straight away to have more impact in your role

What’s more, Sarah will be joined by paraplanner Ellie Welling from Succession Wealth who will be sharing her own experience of moving into a leadership role – what she’s learned, what she wishes she’d known, and how she’s gone about developing her own approach to managing a team.

It’s an Assembly that’s specially designed so you can:

• share your thoughts about the challenges of leadership without judgment if you’d like to
• learn from the experience of others at different stages of their career
• gain practical tips you can actually use right away
• work out if leadership is right for you and what it could look like
• ask questions you’ve always wanted to ask about managing others

Save your spot now

There’s no magic formula for becoming a leader. But there are tools and techniques that really work. Whether you just want to tune in to listen and learn, or get stuck in and share your thoughts in the Chat, you’ll be really welcome.

So how about it? Save your spot now.

Don’t miss part two!

This Assembly was the first of a two-parter on paraplanning leadership. In the second part, Sarah, Ellie and Richard will dig into dealing with difficult conversations as well as exploring the questions raised in the Chat at today’s Assembly.

To save your spot for that Assembly, visit the event page.

Are you ready to take your outsourcing game to the next level? Then join us from 10:30am on Friday 15 November 2024 for a day that’s tailor-made to inspire you to achieve your personal and professional ambitions in the world of outsourcing.

Thanks to the generous support of Assembly supporter, Aegon UK, we’ve been able to team up with coach and consultant Rachael Hurdman to create a workshop where paraplanners can gather to exchange practical insights, knowledge and experience. So whether you’re already running an outsourced business, working for one, or just thinking about it, this is your chance to:

• Get a fresh take on the outsourcing landscape
• Swap ideas with other paraplanners who really get what you do
• Leave with a solid plan you can put into action straight away

Plus, you’ll bag 5 hours of CPD.

Hosted at Aegon UK’s offices on the 26th floor of the landmark Leadenhall Building in the City of London, even the awesome views will do their bit to spark your big ideas.

It promises to be a day out of the office that could make a real difference to you and your future in outsourcing. Why not join us?

Why should you come?

The day’s content has been designed exclusively as a result of research conducted with outsourced paraplanners – plus insights gained from our regular informal outsourced Assemblies. That means we know we’ll be tackling the topics that are front-of-mind for practitioners leading or working for outsourced paraplanning businesses. It’s a tailor-made opportunity to gather with paraplanning peers where you can listen, learn and share experiences about things that really matter.

The morning sessions

Session 1: How to navigate the ups and downs of business

In this interactive session Rachael will help you to focus on how to successfully navigate and succeed through the inevitable opportunities and challenges that are part and parcel of being in business. 

Get stuck in with this hands-on session that will tackle the roller-coaster of business ups and downs head-on. Pick up practical tools to build your resilience and keep your mind sharp – stuff that’s really useful for you and your team. Learn how to stay on top of things when life feels a bit uncertain. By swapping stories and experiences with other participants, you’ll walk away from this session with simple, effective ideas to help you flourish at work.

Session 2: Make every work relationship count

Our second session in the morning is all about getting more from your work relationships – including those vital ones with clients. Designed especially for this Assembly event by Rachael, this session will help you to:

• Spot the connections that really matter – and make them even better
• Use Rachael’s tried-and-tested ‘contracting’ template to build stronger partnerships
• Set boundaries that really work for you and the people you work with
• Develop a flexible approach to being assertive when you need to be

It’s an Assembly, so roll up your sleeves for this interactive session where you’ll work in groups to try out your new skills right away.

The afternoon sessions: Group discussions

Sam Davies (In Step Paraplanning) and Richard Allum (The Paraplanners) will be joined by Rachael to help facilitate an afternoon of three x 40-minute group-based discussions in true Assembly style. The first two topics have bubbled up consistently during informal outsourced paraplanner gatherings. They are:

Efficiency boost: What can you do to squeeze that extra bit of time and attention from your practice’s workflow? What ideas, tools and techniques have worked for other outsourced businesses that might also work for you? And what wisdom can you share that might prevent a paraplanning peer from repeating a mistake you made? This session is all about efficiency: how to achieve it, how to sustain it and how to keep things fresh.

Smart growth: What does your business’s future look like? Do you want more clients? Level up the services you offer? Or something else entirely? Even if it’s all three, getting your bearings in business is an essential step before deciding on a destination and plan. This session will allow you to test your ambitions and thinking by exchanging ideas and experiences with paraplanners just like you – and those who have seen it, done it, and continue to learn from it.

The third topic? As a group, you’ll decide the third and final topic on the day, which means you already know that it’ll be a topic that really matters right now.

The wrap up

As we wrap up, Rachael will guide you through a collaborative session to consolidate your insights. You’ll have the chance to pinpoint your key takeaways and consider how to apply them in your day-to-day work.

There’ll be time to bounce ideas off your peers and ask those burning questions. Our goal? To send you back to the office feeling energised, well-informed, and equipped with practical knowledge you can use right away.

The wind down

If you have time before heading home, we’ll find a suitable venue to gather for a bit of post-workshop conversation. Perhaps even somewhere in the historic Leadenhall Market right next door!

Your Commitment Log

During the day we will share a simple and effective Commitment Log with you to encourage you to capture your key learns and take-aways from each of the sessions throughout the day. If you took part in September’s Big Day Out, the Commitment Log is the ideal tool to inform your development plans. If you didn’t take part in The Big Day Out this year, we will have copies of the development plans for you too.

The running order

Paraplanners from all over the country gathered for the Paraplanners’ Assembly’s Big Day Out 2024 on 12 September 2024.

From its first meeting in 2013, the Paraplanners’ Assembly’s annual gathering has created space for sparking collaboration and conversation among paraplanners that is unlike any other event in the world of wealth management.

Why?

The Big Day Out is an informal gathering that offers six hours’ worth of CPD thanks to its combination of tailor-made interactive sessions led by hand-picked experts (and designed especially for the event), and group discussions facilitated by paraplanner hosts.

It makes for a supportive and encouraging space in which you can listen and learn, and share ideas, knowledge and insights. And it’s a unique environment in which you can really focus and flourish – both professionally and personally.

You’ll feel you belong at The Big Day Out because The Big Day Out belongs to you. Here’s what happened at The Big Day Out 2024.

Welcome!

Assembled paraplanners joined us in the conference barn for a welcome from Big Day Out hosts, Sam Tonks and Chris Wormwell.

Then we got straight into…

Hone it. Own it: One hour to perfect your development plan

New for this year, and designed especially for the Paraplanners’ Assembly, we open and closed the day with two really interactive sessions led by Arch Inspire’s Rachael Hurdman.

What were they all about? How to create an actionable and practical plan to achieve your personal and professional development goals.

But this wasn’t some dry run-of-the-mill classroom-type session because IT WAS A BIG DAY OUT! So Rachael shared practical tools, techniques and insights that (1) participants could try out throughout the sessions at your Big Day Out and (2) will last participants (and people back at the office they shared them with) for years.

Crop Rotations

Following the opening session, the Assembly split into three groups (called Crop Rotations) to tackle three topics over three 45-minute sessions.

Lunch

Locally sourced and freshly prepared, we tucked into pulled pork or vegetarian chilli (or both!) along with loads of healthy salads and slaws that were grown on the farm.

Hone it. Own it: Part Two

Rachael Hurdman returned and, in this closing session, invited participants to take a couple of practical steps that will enable you to gather the loose ends of your personal action plan. It was another really interactive session where you could try out your new tools, and round off your development plan – and Big Day Out – perfectly.

And finally…

The Paraplanners’ Assembly

It was time for the session after which the Assembly is named. Just like at our first gathering in 2013, Sam and Chris will opened up the floor for you to share anything that’s on your mind.

If you’re a paraplanner who lives or works in striking distance of central London, then The Other London Assembly from 10am on Friday 20 October 2023 will be right up your street.

Hosted by Dan Atkinson and Andy Schleider, this is your chance to gather with paraplanners from your neck of the woods to learn what’s going on in each other’s worlds, share ideas, and discover practical tips and illuminating insights.

Book your spot and you’ll be able to shape the agenda for the two-hour get-together but – right now – we expect paraplanners taking part to exchange ideas on report writing and, now that the consumer duty is a feature of daily life, explore how we’re demonstrating ‘fair value’ in annual reviews.

Plus, the chance to tackle any other paraplanning topic that’s on your mind when we gather at the London Wall Place office of Barnett Waddingham.

From our very first meeting in 2013, the Paraplanners’ Assembly has created gatherings – in person and online and all over the UK – that spark collaboration and conversation.

Expect the same from The Other London Assembly.

After all, Assemblies only happen because paraplanners show up. You’ll feel you belong at The Other London Assembly because The Other London Assembly belongs to you.

So how about it? Book your spot now.