The newsletter provides information on Blueprint's support for advisers to achieve QCA Level 4 status and prepare for RDR requirements. It highlights Blueprint's training programs for qualifications, segmentation support to transition client bases, and marketing solutions. The newsletter also features client testimonials that praise Blueprint's hands-on support and trustworthiness in delivering on promises.

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March 2010 Issue 6
Welcome to this month’s edition...
We’re very open about the fact that, because we’re growing, we’re keen
to keep recruiting. This newsletter is just one of the ways we keep in
touch with firms and advisers and tell them more about what’s going on
at Blueprint.
Understandably, the industry’s current focus is on RDR and achieving
QCA Level 4 and Chartered status. At Blueprint we’re helping our
advisers now to plan for the future. Over 45 advisers are well on the way
through the CII route and we aim to have a group of 60 embarking on
the IFS route in April.
Whilst this edition also looks at the other key issues, our main article asks,
Are you RDR Ready? Have you completed
our online survey?
Other features include: At Blueprint we’re very keen to keep
in touch with what’s going on in our
Building Assets industry and especially to understand
the views of advisers and firms not
We know that your number one asset is your client bank
only about our industry, but also
their views about the regulators, the
Building Trust networks, RDR and the future. To help
us, please complete our online survey,
We aim to build trust by delivering on our promises
it will only take you about 5 minutes
Building Solutions www.bpfs.com
Network members should benefit in many ways
Building Knowledge
Advisers need to have an appropriate plan in preparation for 2013
Who joins us?
A variety of different firms from across London and the south-east…
Blueprint - 6th Floor, 51 Moorgate, London EC2R 6PB | T: 020 7562 5800 | F: 020 7562 5801 | E: info@bpfs.com

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Are you RDR Ready? Building Assets
Since RDR was first announced, Blueprint has recognised the fundamental impact it will have on our industry. We believe that the options are Most advisory firms have three main assets: clients, brand and funds under management.
clear: achieve QCA Level 4 status or don’t. Those who decide not to (or can’t) achieve QCA Level 4 status, have three options – the three Rs:
Looking forward to post RDR and beyond, it’s important you continue to develop the right clients for your business. Having the right clients in
• Retire the post RDR world will be vital. Carrying non-profitable clients and delivering a consistent TCF strategy is going to be difficult. Our business
• Refer owners, with our support, are planning the transition now, and implementing segmentation campaigns and development projects to smooth
• Restricted adviser route – mortgage and protection only the transition for their clients and for their businesses.
Those who achieve QCA Level 4 have significantly better options: Your firm’s brand also represents a key asset. Protecting that brand, presenting a professional image and providing your clients with
professional marketing materials are areas that we are committed to helping our businesses with. This support extends to the provision of a
• Continue as a transactional adviser
state-of-the-art online marketing store developed to meet the needs of our business owners.
• Unlock the real potential value in their business
Post RDR it will be increasingly important that firms maximise their income across their client banks and to build funds under management. To
What does RDR Ready mean? do so, advisers will need a mix of skills to write the right mix of business.
Advisers will be RDR Ready once they have: At some point in the future you will want to realise your asset (your firm). Over 20 of our business owners have benefited from our support
and guidance by completing such income deals, worth over £5 million. We are currently helping those of our business owners who want to
• Achieved QCA Level 4 status
plan now for their exit some time in the future.
• Full financial planning business capability – one of the best indicators is percentage of ‘COB’ business (minimum 50%)
• The ‘right’ clients (clearly, profitable ones)
• An increasing focus on assets under management
At Blueprint we have further developed our own migration programme. You can find out more information on our website www.bpfs.com Building Knowledge
Whilst it is important to build knowledge in all areas, the current focus is on achieving QCA Level 4 and Chartered status.
Advisers need to either have – or be actively developing – an appropriate plan in preparation for 2013. Advisers need to be
Building Trust working towards obtaining the necessary qualifications so they can continue trading, amending their business model
or be preparing to exit the industry.
Against a backdrop of broken promises and constant regulatory change, many firms We have a detailed and funded programme of training with development programmes in place for
find themselves in need of real support and development. At Blueprint, we aim to the CII and IFS qualifications. Support comes in the form of guidance in selecting the appropriate
build mutual trust and to build value by delivering on our promises. We employ courses and ongoing study support, including study groups, technical support days and face to
‘genuine’ people who work in a professional sales and business environment. Our face revision days. You can find out more at www.bpfs.com
aim is to develop symbiotic relationships between Blueprint and our business owners
and their advisers. We encourage the transfer of knowledge through the exchange of ideas and successful
initiatives amongst members.
Our culture focuses on achievement and a mutual ambition, it’s one that rewards
Employing people with extensive experience of our industry and of running their own
and enjoys success. However trust isn’t a one way street. We also trust our business
businesses also provides a ‘knowledge bank’ – an on-tap resource, especially our sales and
owners and their businesses, and we treat them as individuals. By recruiting quality
business development managers who work with our businesses on a face-to-face basis.
firms we don’t have to follow the path of other networks and worry about pitching
everything at the lowest common denominator.
Too many networks are faceless, too big to know their members, except as numbers.
Virtual support may be cost-effective, but when you need advice and guidance will an online chat Who joins us?
facility suffice? Our regional focus, clear objectives – to grow to a size of 250 advisers – frequent face-to-face
contact, first name terms and a business that is built to work not to sell, make us very different. At Blueprint our service reflects that which most of our members offer their clients. Our support includes a face-to-face
relationship and support from people you will have met, who deliver what they say they will, when they say they will. But
it’s not just reactive support, Blueprint consists of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can contribute ideas
and help with the purpose of enabling you to build value in your business.
Building Solutions Our businesses are growing and so are we. But we can’t grow too large or one of the benefits of being a part of Blueprint
will evaporate. We know our business owners by name not as a number. Whilst each business is different, in our
Exceptional commission rates, full compliance support, training and development are just a few of the benefits you should expect from a leading
experience they do face similar issues. Does one of these sound familiar?
network. At Blueprint we do that and more, we offer our members detailed, practical solutions to help them to transform their businesses.
Start Up – successful advisers who want to take that next step to establish their own business.
Here are just a few of the solutions:
Flight from DA – the regulatory changes are forcing many smaller DA businesses to look for protection and partnership,
• A comprehensive training and development qualification programme for 2013 RDR
we provide a viable alternative to the traditional networks.
• Bespoke online marketing support
• Maximise revenue Lonely Networkers – support for many advisers has become little more than an internet link to a portal, it is little
wonder that many commentators believe our regional model with a real emphasis on face to face support will be an
• Client segmentation programme
attractive option for many as we head to RDR.
• RDR ready
Step Changers – why re-invent the wheel, if you are looking to make significant change in your business, move product
We work with members in the same way as they do with their clients – on a one-to-one, face-to-face basis. Our
sectors, employ staff or engage with technology we have proven best practice and will actually work alongside you to
regional focus enables us to provide more support and development staff per member than almost any other
implement change.
network. We work with our business owners on a consultancy basis to develop plans to enable them to
develop over the long-term. Proven business experience enables us to deliver best practice solutions Exit – having built your business you may now be thinking about how and when to exit, we have significant experience
to the challenges our businesses face. Most importantly, that support extends to include practical and a number of flexible options to facilitate this for you.
implementation. We don’t believe in one day diets or ad-hoc, once a year meetings, instead we are
We provide practical programmes to develop your business for the short, medium and long term within the changing
committed to ongoing programmes which work.
context of Financial Services with particular focus on identifying the optimal approach for your business in the run up to
RDR and beyond.

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Don’t just take our word for it...
“My biggest asset are my clients. I’d heard horror stories about the lack of support some networks provide which in turn impacts
on the service advisers can give their clients. I was worried about this. However, the support I’ve had from Blueprint has been
excellent. The number of clients I’ve got has actually grown, I’m also managing to increase the amount of business I’m getting
from each client.”
Stuart Hart, Hart Financial Solutions
“I joined from another network. I was suspicious of what Blueprint were telling me because my previous network hadn’t delivered
what they said they would, they didn’t keep their promises. I’ve found a difference at Blueprint. I can trust them. All the things
they said they’d do when I joined they’ve done. They are also honest about what they can’t do or what’s unrealistic.”
Paul Moyse, Excell Partnership
“ To be quite honest I felt as though I was struggling; my business was doing ok, but I was working very hard and yet my business
wasn’t growing and I certainly wasn’t achieving my income goals. I didn’t think anyone could help, but how wrong I was. I’ve had
some excellent one to one support from people who actually know what they are talking about, people who have themselves
been advisers and have run their own businesses”.
Mary Levey, Portland Place
After RDR was announced I started studying for the various qualifications and it became apparent that the knowledge was
invaluable in client meetings. My increased knowledge gave clients more confidence and they are therefore more comfortable
referring their trusted contacts to us which in turn benefits our business. Blueprint’s support in studying for and obtaining the
qualifications has been invaluable.
Ed Holder, Holder & Combes
“I didn’t want to just carry on at the same level I always had. I wanted to feel I had a successful business. There’s a different culture
within Blueprint which helps to breed success. The support from colleagues and the Blueprint management team is great. Best
practice is shared and there’s also a degree of competition which helps. I also like the fact that the top performers are rewarded
for their efforts.”
Neil Hardy, Nexus
About us
Established less than 10 years ago, we’re a young business in every sense of the
word. We currently have about 150 advisers in 80 or so member firms. We have clear
objectives: to remain focused in London and the south-east and to grow to a size of
around 250 advisers. And, unusually for networks, we can plan our growth knowing
that we don’t have to recruit more members than we need to make up for those we
6th Floor
lose – our retention rate is 98%.
51 Moorgate
Whether you wish to establish or to grow your business, learn new skills, specialise or London EC2R 6PB
prepare for exit, Blueprint’s business to business, consultancy approach will help you
9am - 5pm Mon-Fri
T 020 7562 5800
F 020 7562 5801
E info@bpfs.com
Find out more about Blueprint
Visit us at www.bpfs.com - email info@bpfs.com or call us on 020 7562 5800