"Breaking New Barriers" Seminar

1st - 3rd October 2007
The Marriott Denia Golf Resort and Spa, Alicante, Spain

After a long wait the first solo IAW Convention took place in Spain. 63 Delegates descended upon The Marriott Denia Golf Resort and Spa.

Without exception both the delegates and the sponsors agreed that this was the best conference they have ever attended. The hotel provided exceptional accommodation, and the speakers at the conference surpassed themselves in their delivery and content.

Having attended many conferences over the years, I can honestly say that I have never experienced the buzz which was tenable after the first day. In addition the speakers of that day found the surge off enthusiasm, transmitting itself into actual business being placed with them, plus many promises of more to come.

I believe the conference epitomised the changes in the company over the last few years, not just by record attendance, but also by the enthusiasm from all concerned. Coupled with this is the performance of the company overall, and many members individually. At the time of writing overall production stands at virtually twice what was produced in the whole year 2006. This has been brought about both by new members adding their contribution, but also by the fact that over 50% of members have produced more business to September 07 than the whole of 2006, and another 20% are ahead of the equivalent period in 2006. Thus the year should finish with the 70% the older members outperforming 2006.

One factor which has become very clear is the influence of fund generated commissions. Many members now are in a position where the cost of membership is more than offset by the contribution of fund based commission. Two years ago a small fraction of fund based commission represented the total income, in 2007, we are approaching 20% of all income generated is coming from fund generated commission.

New funds from Royal Bank of Scotland, BNP Morgan Stanley to name a few have added new ammunition to member’s portfolios, and provided their clients with valuable guarantees.

As we enter the last quarter, we can look back on some exceptional performances, of new members, old members, the conference, new exciting funds. IAW has remerged as a resounding success, members now at last getting true value for money, and profiting from the additional support. We look forward with great enthusiasm at the opportunities which 2008 will bring us. First we must end the year, with most likely income at the levels not seen for three years. In addition, if our projections are right by this time next year, we anticipate being the third largest producer in income terms in the international arena.

Finally, the best is yet to come, we are working on a number of new initiatives which will enable members set themselves apart from other IFAs, to write more business, to serve their clients even better, and to earn more for themselves and their clients.

Stephen