FR: We last spoke to you two years ago before the launch of FSE London - and you’re now preparing for your third show in the capital. What’s changed since then?
We started with one show in London - so the most obvious thing that’s changed is that we have since launched successful shows in both Manchester and Glasgow. By having a wider geographical spread, we’ve been able to take our unique approach to a much bigger audience.
The industry itself has changed - the Mortgage Market Review has landed, we are well on our way to Mortgage Credit Directive implementation, pension reforms have been announced. It was imperative to us that we kept the shows relevant and useful for intermediaries throughout these changes, to be a resource rather than just a day out of the office. And I’m pleased to say we’ve succeeded - we look at the big issues in the industry as we plan each show, and we ensure our seminar programme and speakers reflect what advisers really need to hear about.
Of course, we’ve also launched the Financial Services Expo Gala Dinner and our Race Day since then, so we’ve been very busy. And there’s more in the pipeline, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements!
FR: Why should intermediaries attend FSE?
We’re opening our doors to advisers at a crucial time for the mortgage market, not least because of the impending changes that MCD will herald but also because of the way the market continues to move in advisers' favour.
This means that, while there will undoubtedly be challenges to overcome, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore.
It is a massive opportunity for intermediaries to hear from their regulator and to network in the heart of city of London. If you are going to survive and grow in this industry then attending events such as FSE is an easy way for you to develop and learn new opportunities for the consumer i.e. your clients.
FR: What has your biggest achievement been in the two and a half years since you launched Financial Services Expo?
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific show or moment as the biggest achievement - I think simply the difference between where we were in 2013 and where we are now is what I’m most proud of. To have launched not one but three shows and built up our reputation as the most innovative and exciting trade show is good going for less than three year’s work, and it’s only the start.
Being nominated for an Exhibition News award and, of course, winning two Financial Reporter Best Industry Event awards has been fantastic as well. We’re still a new company, so to have got that kind of recognition so early on is a brilliant sign of how we’re doing.
FR: What are the big issues facing the market in the next year and how will FSE seek to respond to them?
Obviously the full implementation of the Mortgage Credit Directive is on its way so this is something that will definitely still be a focus going into the beginning of next year. We’re also looking at a Bank Rate rise at some point, so it will be interesting to see how lenders and consumers respond to that - and by getting providers and brokers into the same place to discuss these changes, as well as tailoring our seminar programme around the most up-to-date topics, we hope to ensure brokers are fully equipped to cope with whatever the market throws at them next.
FR: If you could read any headline about financial services, what would it be?
“Sir Clive Woodward headlines FSE 2015" - that might be cheating, but honestly to be able to say that is incredible!
Further details on Financial Services Expo London, including how to register, are available here.
