Sesame Academy enables members and adviser customers to benefit from a comprehensive range of practical study programmes, exam technique workshops and information on funding options.
In addition to support with qualifications, Sesame has also launched a Business Change service that is specifically designed to help advisers who are looking to adapt their future business model. This includes remuneration guidance for advisers moving towards charging fees, along with marketing support to help members to market their business and strengthen client relationships.
Nick Kelly, Sesame’s Managing Director for Network & Direct, says: “Sesame already provides a wealth of examination and business development support, but we are now entering a new phase that requires a step-change in the help and guidance that we deliver to advisers. These new services form part of Sesame’s practical face-to-face and online support, delivering tangible benefits for advisers and enabling them to capitalise on the emerging opportunities being created by the new RDR environment.
“Many advisers will be investing a great deal of time over the next few years to meet the qualification requirements and review their business models, along with the service they offer to clients going forward. Our role is to help advisers maximise this opportunity and use it as a platform for future growth. Sesame is committed to continually investing in new initiatives to help advisers build thriving businesses that deliver a valuable service to clients for many years to come.”
The new services have been developed following the largest adviser audit ever undertaken by the support service provider. Findings from the study of 900 IFAs have given Sesame a valuable insight into advisers’ views and needs in the transition to the new RDR world – helping Sesame to develop and shape a package of support for advisers going forward.
Gary Malone, Principal at IFA firm Reassure Financial Services in Fleet, Hampshire said: “It is good to see firms such as Sesame being proactive in this area. Many IFAs are deeply concerned about the future given current economic conditions, along with the changes being proposed as part of the RDR, so any help and practical support is to be welcomed.”
Sesame has also recently announced that it is piloting a study programme to help advisers build their technical knowledge and refine their exam technique ahead of the CII’s J01 (personal tax) exam in October with the aim of significantly increasing the adviser pass rate.
