Kimberley George FPFS TEP has launched Integrated Paraplanning Solutions and cited Richard Branson’s business and the cab company as two inspirational firms she hopes to follow. Her company started trading in June.
Ms George, who used to work for Sanlam, told Financial Planning Today:“My aspirations are simple – to deliver a valued and trusted Paraplanning service that can complement an existing in-house Paraplanning team; maximizing integration and good use of technology wherever possible.
“Uber for me is a revelation – taxi companies have been monopolizing trade for far too long and linking drivers with riders using simple but sophisticated modern technology is a service which I wish I had thought of many years ago.
“Other companies I admire are Virgin – Mr Branson puts the staff at the heart of his business and no-one ever complains about working there, and Admiral – again with their staff at the top of the priority list.”
Ms George said her previous experience showed her there was a gap in the Paraplanning market for a “modular pay as you go outsourced Paraplanning business”.
When working as a team leader of a Paraplanning department, she saw the need for such a service which can “genuinely integrate in an IFAs business and can add value over and above the standard Paraplanning functions”.
She said: “Integrated Paraplanning Solutions is a ‘pay for what you use’ Paraplanning service which offers on-going support options, including writing and maintaining report templates on behalf of our clients.
“We will integrate into an IFAs business to whatever extent is required, drawing data from and adding data to back offices, obtaining plan information from providers, using research tools and preparing illustrations.
“We are paid for the work we do for our IFA client, no retainer, no monthly service charges, no lengthy contract commitments.”
So far the firm comprises three Paraplanners, working remotely, but mainly based in Bristol, with a full time practice manager starting in September. A new MD – described as “one of the best Paraplanners I have ever worked with” is set to join in December.
She added that Chris Davies at Estate Capital, her first employer, has been a role model for being “forward thinking, imaginative” and putting the client experience “at the heart of the firm”.