Techlink in Conversation

Eddie Grant chats to our pension's guru, Claire Trott about the abolition of the lifetime allowance, the current rules and questions we are receiving about a possible future change in government In this episode of Techlink in Conversation, Eddie Grant and Claire Trott, directors at Technical Connection, discuss recent events and key issues in the world of tax, trust, and pensions. They reflect on their recent in-person conference, Techlink Live, where Claire engaged with numerous financial planners and fielded many inquiries, highlighting the excitement of the impact of the recent Lifetime Allowance changes and General Election speculation. The conversation delves into the "Triple Lock Plus" initiative, aimed at ensuring pensioners do not pay income tax on their state pension, though many details remain unclear. Further, they discuss the complex status of the lifetime allowance, noting that while it was announced as abolished by Jeremy Hunt, the reality involves new allowances and significant legislative gaps. Claire emphasizes the importance of finalizing these changes to avoid uncertainty and potential unfairness for savers and retirees. They also touch on the broader implications of these pension changes, including public and private sector impacts, and the need for clear, detailed policy to avoid adverse effects on long-term savings behaviours. Claire mentions the Institute for Fiscal Studies' recent note on the lifetime allowance, stressing the importance of advisers staying informed to effectively counsel clients amid ongoing changes. Overall, the episode underscores the fluid and complex nature of pension regulations and the necessity for financial professionals to remain vigilant and adaptable. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned because of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Financial Planner, Kelly Mills about her insightful research about goal setting for young adults and their reluctance to seek professional advice. In this episode of the TechLink in Conversation, host Eddie Grant interviews Kelly Mills, who discusses her 2023 dissertation on young adults' financial goals and their reluctance to seek professional advice. Key findings include a common goal among interviewees to purchase a house, yet a general hesitance to consult financial advisors. The research highlights a perceived inaccessibility of financial advice, with many believing it's tailored for the wealthy, middle-aged demographic, despite recognising its universal benefit. Kelly suggests the potential for more extensive future research to explore the impact of expert financial advice on achieving such goals more effectively. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned because of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Jonathan Warren, Principal Consultant & Head of Innovation, Altus Consulting about all things all things vulnerability and the TISA vulnerability radar tool. Our conversation delves into the FCA's focus on vulnerability in the financial services profession, discussing its definition, importance, and the impact of recent regulatory developments. Jonathan Warren highlights the evolution of vulnerability considerations since 2014, emphasizing the FCA's and the industry's ongoing commitment. He explores the definition of vulnerability, its key drivers, and the significance of financial lives surveys in understanding vulnerability dynamics. The discussion also touches on the Tisa Vulnerability Radar as a tool for firms to assess their support for vulnerable clients and the implications of the consumer duty for enhancing focus on vulnerability. Helpful links TISA Vulnerability radar tool - TISA Vulnerability Radar - TISA Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned because of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Claire Trott, Technical Connection Director, to discuss the imminent lifetime allowance changes. The Chancellor announced the abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA) in the spring budget of 2023. While there may be amendments, the main form of the legislation should go through. As a result, the LTA charge will be removed from 6 April 2023, but the existing framework remains in place until the full abolition in the 2024-2025 tax year. Claire discusses the changes and what advisers should consider and what they should say to their clients. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.  

Eddie Grant in conversation with Simon Neville who discusses his recent MBA research on ““a critical analysis of the effectiveness and influence of financial advisers working with entrepreneurs on business exits” The research establishes three key themes that influence this: The entrepreneurs' mindset when it comes to managing their finances. A demonstrable lack of knowledge and uptake of financial solutions that could enhance financial outcomes by entrepreneurs. The poor reputation of the financial advice sector. This includes those who choose not to work with a financial advisor and those who do. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Claire Trott, Technical Connection Director, to discuss topical Techlink bulletins. This episode we chat through: Lifetime allowance changes New Office of National Statistics Life Expectancy Table National Insurance changes Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too! Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant catches up with Charlotte Watson who launched her advisory firm in January 2022. Charlotte shares her journey and experiences as she builds her business. We also discuss how we can together support a more inclusive profession. Charlotte highlights three great hints and tips for advisers throughout their career.

Eddie Grant catches up with Alex Hall who completed his masters in 2023 shares his insights on how to inspire the next generation of advisers and hints and tips for fellow students. Previous episodes in the research series: Better Vulnerable Client Outcomes - Eddie Grant discusses better outcomes for clients in vulnerable circumstances - available here Buy to let - Jason Haigh discusses buy to let properties - listen here Investor Knowledge - Amy Goodall-Smith discusses where people get their knowledge when making financial decisions - listen here Later Life Financial Planning - Vicky Kleboe, Later Life Financial Planning for women - listen here Long Term Care - Zoe Taylor, discusses the perfect storm for financial planning decision making - listen here Millennials in Aberdeen - Alan Rutherford discusses how millennials make investment decisions - listen here Pensions Tax Relief - Claire Trott discusses the impact of pensions tax relief based on the nature of the benefit structures of the schemes - listen here Property - Paul Johnson discuss Property as a retirement strategy instead of pensions - listen here Retirement - Sam Bradford discuss The Retirement Decision within financial services company - listen here Retirement Planning - Ellie Reed discusses how existing stakeholder knowledge and emotional intelligence plays a role - listen here. Value of Advice - Tom Low, discuss reason for, and value of, seeking financial advice - listen here Vulnerability - Adam Johnson discusses vulnerable consumers in financial services - listen here Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too!

Eddie Grant catches up with Hannah Coffey, Vulnerability and Client Assistance Manager to consider the common queries, Consumer Duty and hints and tips to deliver great client outcomes. Previous episodes in the vulnerability series Episode 1 focuses on Bereavement with expert insights from Kirsty Hunt from Cruse Bereavement Support and our lived experience expert Dominic. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 2 focuses on Mental Health with expert insights from Emma Turner from Mind Croydon and our lived experience expert James. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 3 focuses on Economic Abuse with expert insights from Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, Founder and CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse and our lived expert Annie. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 4 focuses on Cognitive Impairment with expert insights from Philly Hare, Innovations in Dementia and our lived experts Wendy and George. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 5 focuses on Relationship Breakdown with expert insights from Jack Guinness and Farah Baldock from Gingerbread and our lived expert Helen. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 6 focuses on Digital Capability with expert insights from Helen Dobson from Citizen's Online and our lived expert Jackie. Market Podbean link is here. Episode 7 focuses on Caring with expert insights from Sonia Benitez, from Carers Network and our lived expert Cynthia. Market Podbean link is here. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too!

Eddie Grant catches up with Helen O'Hagan, tax and trust expert, who demystifies trusts, trustee duties and the value of advice. This insightful conversation is full of hints and tips. Subscribe to future podcasts and review our Techlink in Conversation catalogue for a deep dive across Technical, Vulnerability and Research themed conversations. Please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think of our conversations, why not like it too!  

Eddie Grant catches up with Anna Blake. In this episode, we unravel the multi-faceted dimensions of job satisfaction in paraplanners.  Anna Blake's MSc study unveils the interplay between factors such as employment status, professionalisation and stakeholder relationships, providing valuable perspectives for paraplanners, advisers and industry professionals. The session is full of hints and tips.

Eddie catches up with Claire Trott to discuss pensions awareness week and questions frequently asked of advisers with regards to pensions. 

Eddie catches up with Barbara Gardener to discuss the five most common trust misunderstandings. Barbara covers What is a bare trust Pre 2006 trusts – what happens if the named beneficiary dies? Default beneficiaries under a discretionary trust Loan trusts after the lender's death Can I just amend my trust? The session is full of hints and tips to avoid the common issues.

Alexsandra Ololade joins Eddie Grant for a conversation about Mindset Coaching. Alex talks about what a mindset is, how coaching might be beneficial for your life, and how you can work towards your goals. Eddie asks Alex to share three tips which might be useful for our listeners, some answers include ways you can navigate change to make it a better experience and how to move through a phase of feeling stuck in life or business. Throughout the episode, there are some really useful questions you can ask yourself to work out the next steps for your mindset and the things you want to achieve.

Eddie Grant chats to Simon Martin, Regional Technical Connection Manager, to discuss corporate planning opportunities. With significant tax changes in the recent budgets and challenging economic conditions entrepreneurs have many planning considerations to achieve their ambitions for themselves and their business. Simon explores the opportunities that Consumer Duty and Great Planning create, offering a range of hints and tips. Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Ben Ward, Trust Registration Service Support Adviser, to discuss everything TRS. This episode provides an overview of the Trust Registration Service, following HMRC's regulatory changes to include most non-taxable trusts. Eddie and Ben discuss the obligations these changes place on financial advisors and the latest updates and news from HMRC. Furthermore this episode covers Technical Connection's TRS support services available and how they can help yourself and your client complete these new and unfamiliar obligations.   For any TRS queries or help and support please contact via email: ben.ward@technicalconnection.co.uk   Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Scott Grassick, Techlink Manager, and Lucy McIntosh, a social media expert at Technical Connection Ltd. This episode covers Technical Connection's presence on social media and how our content can help you as well as speaking about the Techlink knowledge management website, its purpose, and the support it gives our subscribers. Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Richard Higgs, Founder of Harold Stephens, Chartered Financial Planner, about how his team have considered their later life planning proposition with a vision to “make their community the best later life community in the UK”. This was recorded 20/03/2023.   Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie Grant chats to Claire Trott following Spring Budget 2023. We discuss the Pension changes, what was announced and the planning opportunities and considerations. This was recorded 21/03/2023.   Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Claire Trott discusses with Danni Brotherston, Leanda Cardall and Anna Blake what it it like to be a female senior manager in St. James's Place for International Women's day 2023. The discussion explores how they came to be in their position and the challenges each experience with their different lives both inside and outside of SJP.

Eddie Grant chats to Don MacIntyre, interim CEO of the PFS and Carla Brown, Oakmere Wealth Management about the role of a professional body and the key member benefits. This was recorded 02/02/2023. Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

This podcast aims to provide and insight into fraud and scams. Providing advice on how financial advisers can support their clients to avoid becoming victims of a fraud or scam. And provide guidance on appropriate support should clients become victims.

Low resilience, certain life events, or a deterioration in health can all lead to an increased risk of harm. In this podcast, Hannah Coffey discusses with Jan levy, the signs, the symptoms, potential triggers, coping mechanisms and potential actions to take to support your client.

Eddie Grant chats to Claire Trott about the Autumn Statement, what was announced, its implications and what financial planners might be discussing with their clients and professional connections.   Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Zoe Taylor recently completed her masters dissertation exploring Long-Term Care – The perfect storm for financial decision making.   Eddie Grant chats to Zoe delving into the research, its findings and the academic journey. Our interview is full of lots of hints and tips for financial planners and students alike.   Please note - The content of this recording is strictly for general consideration only. No action must be taken or refrained from based on the content alone. Professional advice must always be sought. Accordingly, neither Technical Connection Ltd nor any of its officers, employees or contractors can take responsibility for any loss occasioned as a result of any such action or inaction.

Eddie, Claire & Tony discuss last week's fiscal event. Recorded on 28th September 2022.

Simon Martin joins Eddie Grant to take a closer look at tax advantaged investments, the reliefs and planning ideas.

Niki Patel and Barbara Gardener join Eddie Grant to explore business assurance needs and trusts for business owners

Helen O'Hagan joins Eddie Grant to explore the role and duties of trustees with a focus on meeting the regulatory requirements of the Trust Registration Service.

Simon Martin discusses with Eddie Grant a range of topical planning tips and overviews what Techlink users are following.

Eddie Grant and Paul Matthews, discuss Better outcomes for clients in vulnerable circumstances, research completed by Eddie to support his MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant catches up with Claire Trott to talk about her 2022 challenge and how listeners can help. Link to JustGiving page Claire Trott is fundraising for St. James's Place Charitable Foundation (justgiving.com)

Eddie Grant and Vicky Kleboe, Later Life Financial Planning for women, discuss research completed by Vicky to support her MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant is joined by fellow Director Claire Trott and Tony Wickenden to discuss the 2022 Spring Statement, reviewing the announcements with hints and tips for financial planners.

Eddie Grant and Tom Low, discuss reason for, and value of, seeking financial advice, research completed by Tom to support his MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant and Paul Johnson discuss Property as a retirement strategy instead of pensions, research completed by Paul to support his MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant and Sam Bradford discuss The Retirement Decision within financial services company, research completed by Sam to support her MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant and Ellie Reed discuss post-retirement planning, research completed by Ellie to support her MSc in Finance.

This podcast is the seventh session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 7 focuses on Caring with expert insights from Sonia Benitez, Head of Services, Carers Network and our lived expert Cynthia.

Eddie Grant and Claire Trott discuss pensions tax relief based upon the benefit structures of the schemes, research completed by Claire to support her MSc in Finance.

This podcast is the sixth session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 6  focuses on Digital Capability with expert insights from Helen Dobson from Citizens Online and our lived expert Jackie.

This podcast is the fifth session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 5  focuses on Relationship Breakdown with expert insights from Jack Gillis and Farah Baldock from Gingerbread and our lived expert Helen.

This podcast is the fourth session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 4 focuses on Cognitive Impairment with expert insights from Philly Hare of Innovations in Dementia and our lived experts Wendy and George.

This podcast is the third session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 3 focuses on Economic Abuse with expert insights from Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, Founder and CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse and our lived expert Annie.

This podcast is the second session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 2 focuses on Mental Health with expert insights from Emma Turner from Mind Croydon and our lived experience expert James.

Eddie Grant and Amy Goodall-Smith discuss where people get their knowledge when making financial decisions, research completed by Amy to support her MSc in Finance.

This podcast is the first session of the new Vulnerability Series. Hosted by Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy, Episode 1 focuses on Bereavement with expert insights from Kirsty Hunt from Cruse Bereavement Support and our lived experience expert Dominic.

In this episode, Eddie Grant discusses the new Vulnerability Lived Experience series with Hannah Coffey and Jan Levy. This impactful series covers 7 episodes including Bereavement, Caring, Mental Health, Relationship Breakdown, Cognitive Impairment, Digital Capability and Economic Abuse and are full of hints and tips. Look out for these recordings over the coming weeks.

Eddie Grant and Jason Haigh discuss buy to let properties, research completed by Jason to support his MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant and Alan Rutherford discuss Millennials in Aberdeen and their financial decisions, research completed by Alan to support his MSc in Finance.

Eddie Grant and Adam Johnson discuss vulnerable consumers in financial services, research completed by Adam to support his MSc in Finance.