Financial advice programme launches with ITN presenter Natasha Kaplinsky - plus more good news from this week

A new financial advice programme

Independent Television News (ITN) news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky is set to present a financial advice programme that will air in November 2020 and is in partnership with the Personal Finance Society (PFS). The online news-style programme, titled Financial Wellbeing, will aim to engender public confidence and trust in the personal finance profession.

It will invite experts from the sector to share examples of advice, best practice and initiatives that equip consumers with the knowledge they need to improve their financial future.

The programme will be shown at the PFS's specialist investment events and will form part of a campaign featuring PFS members and professional partners.

The events will take place throughout November and will be nationwide, including Yorkshire, Scotland, Essex and Brighton.

PFS chief executive Keith Richards said: "The UK has seen a dramatic fall in its savings ratio in recent years placing increasing responsibility on the financial planning profession to empower consumers to take command of their own financial future.

"Raising the profile of engaging in financial planning at all stages in life has never been more important given the unforeseen impact of Covid-19 on our economy and people's lives. We are pleased to work with ITN Productions to produce an educational and informative programme about the value of consumers engaging in financial planning and their financial wellbeing which can make a real difference to people's lives."

Cross-Channel swim for Great Ormond Street

Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research business development director Jamie Farquhar has raised more than £21,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in sponsorship for his cross-channel swim, which he recently attempted.

The 22-mile challenge saw him take on the world's busies shipping lane in waters of around 16 degrees. Unfortunately, after 18 hours in the water and within one kilometre off the French coast, Farquhar succumbed to salt-induced pulmonary edema which was brought on by saltwater in his lungs and was therefore forced to give up. He then spent several days in hospital recovering.

In preparation for the swim, the director swam some 20 miles per week over the first six months of 2020 and 20 miles each weekend in July. This year's challenge follows his 14-and-a-half-hour, 22-mile swim up the full length of Lake Windermere and back, which he successfully completed in the summer of 2019, raising more than £10,000 for CASCAID's GOSH appeal.  

Farguhar said: "After months of training and 18 hours in the open sea, it was disappointing to say the least to have to abandon my attempt so close to the shore. 

"While I am very sad to have fallen just short, I'm sure that I will in time feel proud - not least in that, through the generosity of all those that have supported me, GOSH will benefit to the tune of over £21,000, more than double what I was hoping to raise. My deep gratitude goes out to all those who have donated to this very worthwhile cause and who cheered me on in my training and during the swim."

If you would like to make a donation, please click here. 

Pensions Awareness Week and Royal London

Royal London will sponsor this year's Pension Awareness Week. The campaign, which runs between 14 and 18 September, aims to help the public engage with their pensions.

This year's event will be hosted online through a series of webinars, blogs and videos offering guidance and tips to help people make the most of their pensions.

Royal London pension specialist Helen Morrissey said: "In recent years the Pensions Awareness Week campaign has done so much to help people take the fear factor out of pension planning. However, there is still much to do and this year's virtual format will allow us to reach many more people.

"We really look forward to partnering with the Pensions Geeks in delivering such an important event."

Beaufort appoints new director

Beaufort Financial has appointed Sanlam senior Chartered financial planner Gwilym Lloyd Jones as the new director of its North Wales firm, Beaufort Financial St Asaph & Chester.

Jones will be taking over from Beaufort managing director and founder Stephen Lyth who will retire after 38 years in the financial planning industry.

Commenting on his new position, Jones said: "What first drew me to Beaufort Financial St Asaph & Chester was its dynamic team, with a culture firmly rooted around family values that are closely aligned with my own. I see real opportunity to drive the business forward and grow something special for both new and existing clients across North Wales and Chester.

"I can't wait to get started with this new challenge and look forward to working with Gaynor to capitalise on her and Stephen's success." 

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Your profession
• PFS
• Natasha Kapinsky
• Channel Swim
• Square Mile
• Royal London