Tavistock-based Financial Planning firm Hansford Bell is to host its first conference for advisers to encourage collaboration within the local Financial Planning community.

The Edge Southwest Conference will offer a full day of professional development, networking and industry insight in Exeter on 16 April.

The unsponsored conference will be free to attend for advisers.

Chris Palmer, managing director of Hansford Bell, said the team chose to develop the conference due to a lack of events for advisers in the region.

He said: “I think we’ve got something really special in the south-west – we’re much more aligned as colleagues than competitors.

“A lot of us are based in small towns and villages and, if we’re honest, it can feel like people think the country ends at Bristol. I wanted to host Edge Southwest to bring us together, celebrate the amazing job we do as truly independent advisers, and build a supportive, regional network where everyone feels connected, confident, and inspired.”  

Confirmed speakers for the event include:

• Will Church, head of sales at Timeline
• Abi Robinson, head of client engagement at the Yardstick Agency
• Martin McDermott, business development manager at Octopus Investments
• Justine Randell, managing director at Tatton Investment Management
• Mark Wintle, business development manager at Way Trustees
• Brian Hill, founder of Pathfinders.

Emma Bird, Financial Planning director at Hansford Bell, added: “This day is about bringing independent minds together, creating a supportive space where advisers can learn, connect, and grow.

“We’re excited to welcome new faces, catch up with people we already know, and build a community that celebrates independence and always puts clients first. This event marks the start of something special for our region.”

Hansford Bell offers bespoke financial advice, predominantly to local people in Devon and Cornwall. The firm has around £215m in assets under management.