By Will Salmon – Candidate Support and Business Development Adviser – Bespoke Training Solutions (BTS)
The recent Quilter Academy Open Evenings in October were a fantastic opportunity for aspiring Financial Advisers to connect with the Academy’s leadership team in a relaxed and informative setting. Whether you attended the London or Manchester event, the evenings offered valuable insights into the possible journey to becoming a Financial Adviser with Quilter and how BTS can support that journey every step of the way.
I was fortunate to attend the London event, and in this article, I’ll share some of the key takeaways and memorable moments. If you couldn’t make it this time, I hope this gives you a flavour of what was covered and inspires you to join us at the next one.
The evening featured three engaging and insightful members of the Quilter team:
· Andy Smith, Regional Academy Manager
· Robin Horner, National Academy Manager
· Amanda Cassidy, Managing Director, National Advice Business
Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the profession and the opportunities within Quilter. After the presentations, attendees had the chance to meet them in person during the networking session – complete with drinks and nibbles (yum!)
Robin introduced a thought-provoking framework for thinking about work:
· Job: You clock in, do the work, and clock out.
· Profession: Financial Advice fits here, requiring qualifications and ongoing CPD.
· Vocation: A calling, like being a priest.
This really resonated with me. Many of us have experienced roles that felt like “just a job,” where every day was the same and you counted down the hours until clock-out time. Financial Advice, however, is firmly in the “profession” category. It requires a minimum level of qualification to give advice in the UK – that’s where BTS comes in!
But the learning doesn’t stop once you’ve passed your Level 4 Diploma or even your Level 6 Chartered exams. Continuous CPD is essential to keep your knowledge up to date, especially with frequent changes to tax rates and allowances.
Why do we commit to all this study? Because it matters. Financial Advisers help clients make the most of tax allowances, ensure adequate protection, and plan for long-term investments and retirement. It’s an exciting, future-proof career – especially as the demand for advice grows amid rising living costs, changing tax rules, and a shrinking pool of advisers due to retirements.
Robin summed it up perfectly with what I think was the quote of the evening:
“Your job is to make something reasonably complicated feel really simple for clients.”
This mindset is exactly what BTS promotes through its Level 4 Diploma support. Our materials and workshops help learners not only pass exams but also develop the ability to simplify complex financial concepts for clients.
Robin also highlighted what makes the Quilter Academy special. Each intake is small -approximately 20 delegates as a maximum – allowing for personalised support throughout the journey. And with Quilter being a FTSE 250 company, qualified advisers benefit from the backing of a well-established firm. Small intake = big support + large-scale stability = the best of both worlds!
Amanda provided a powerful overview of the current financial challenges facing clients and advisers, including:
· President Trump’s tariffs
· Rising Stamp Duty Land Tax for second properties and landlords
· Pensions becoming subject to Inheritance Tax from 2027
· Uncertainty around the upcoming November 2025 budget, with speculation about changes to pension tax-free cash and ISA allowances
She also addressed the gender gap in financial advice. Nationally, only 17% of advisers are women, but Quilter Academy boasts 30% female representation – a promising sign, though there’s still work to do. This aligns with BTS’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Through the BTS Careers Zone, we support learners from all backgrounds – career changers, returners, and newcomers – by offering clear pathways into the profession and tailored guidance for success.
Amanda explained that the Quilter Academy offers a fantastic route for those who want the autonomy of being self-employed while having access to a wide range of services. Unlike some firms that restrict advisers to a narrow product set, many Quilter products are whole-of-market, giving advisers greater freedom in making recommendations.
Another standout feature is Quilter’s Affinity Program, which connects advisers with organisations such as trade unions and well-known retailers. This program provides 100 leads during your first 12 months after qualifying – a huge advantage for building your client base. And for those wondering about CAS status, you can expect to achieve it within 6–9 months of qualifying.
The evening was packed with useful insights, honest reflections, and a real sense of community. If you’re considering a career in financial advice – or know someone who is – keep an eye out for the next Quilter Academy Open Evening. It’s a brilliant way to learn more and meet the people who make it all happen. Hope to see you there!
If you’re currently studying for your Level 4 Diploma or planning to start, get in touch with BTS today. We can tell you more about the Quilter Academy and introduce you to their team directly. As well as provide expert resources, workshops, and guidance to help you succeed with your exams.
Find out more about the opportunities with Quilter Academy, check out their Featured Company Profile page.
You can also connect with Quilter by editing your profile and updating your connect with featured companies preferences to start a conversation.
Read a recent article from Quilter “Inside The Quilter Academy: Building knowledge, confidence and professional resilience” below.
Get in contact with BTS by going to our website below, so we can introduce you to the Quilter team directly.
