As we gear up for our last big event of the year, HomeGame 4, we figured it was high time to let you know what we have in store.

(And if you’re yet to sign up, then maybe this will persuade you…. #marketing)

Lang cat events are designed with a few principles in mind: get a bunch of good people together with interesting things to say, challenge a few assumptions, bring the substance and have a good time. It’s a tried and tested recipe, and we’re confident this one will hit the mark too (not hit the Mark though, that’s dangerous).

What’s all this about a new venue?

You have deduced correctly – after being very well looked after by the National Museum of Scotland we are off to pastures new, out of the city and down the tram line to Patina.

For those of you who joined us in London earlier in the year, there are definite echoes with Patina, Kings Place’s little sister. Because it’s us, we’re using the space a bit differently. This comes with many advantages, the main one being you can join in with the sessions while eyeing up the bar for later.

What happens when?

You’re all busy people. So this is a half-day event, where you can start with some lunch before formal proceedings begin at 1pm. (We’re also having a mini get-together beforehand for some invited guests – keep your eyes peeled for details of that.)

We’ll wrap by about 5pm. If you’re joining us in person, there’s a big evening shindig too, with a buffet dinner and entertainment galore.

Agenda: HomeGame 4

Thursday 3 October 2024, Patina, Edinburgh

12pm Lunch

1pm Welcome

1.10pm State of the Scottish Nation: Where next for financial services?

We’ll kick things off with a look at what’s going on in financial services from a uniquely Scottish perspective. What are the pressing policy issues? What impact, if any, has the changing political backdrop had on the sector? And with the first Budget of this government on the horizon, what do firms want to see for individuals, advisers and business as a whole?

1.40pm Advice: The next generation

In this session we’ll hear from two different firms about their experiences in bringing through the next wave of advice talent. From the well-oiled recruitment machine that is St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, to one woman’s very personal journey into financial planning and how that has gone on to shape her own approach to recruitment.

2.10pm The big debate (part 1): Consolidation under the microscope

“Big advice brands aren’t good for clients – smaller firms are.” We want to get into the nuance behind the shape of the advice sector, and challenge the usual arguments. First up: the scale players. What do they say to the naysayers? And what’s it like to go from start-up to acquisition, not once but twice?

2.40pm Afternoon break

3.30pm The big debate (part 2): Is smaller always better?

Here the small planning practices get their right of reply. Is the ‘right’ size of firm naturally smaller and more entrepreneurial? What does that mean for a sector where the big consolidators are going for growth? We’ll also examine how small firms stand up to the big brands and – controversially – are there areas where larger firms win out?

4pm Tech: What (and who) is it good for?

For better or worse, technology plays an increasingly large part in advice professionals’ day-to-day lives. Are we now in a place where advisers have to be into tech in a big way to deliver good client outcomes? Speakers from across tech and planning have their say. Plus we’ll get a demo and update from our AdviceTech Catwalk winner ZeroKey about what they’ve been busy building.

Hopefully that’s whetted your appetite. Look forward to seeing you there – join us in person or online.