In conversation with advisers: outsourcing to the specialists

clock • 1 min read

Partner Insight: Cathi Harrison, owner and director of para-sols and Apricity and Clare Farrell managing director at Northfield Wealth met in London recently to discuss outsourcing to specialists.

In the second video of the series, they talk to Julian Marr, Editor of Professional Adviser about outsourcing.

Farrell says: "I think it is the right time for financial advisers to outsource. When Northfield was a very small firm, we outsourced to para planners and we outsourced our investment research. It was good to have the outlook of a bigger firm, whilst being part of a smaller one. As the business grew we brought those roles in-house, the para planner and the administrator role, and outsourced less. But we still outsource in busy times.

"Outsourcing helps us to manage our workflow internally, by focusing on our processes, so if we do have to outsource to a firm, they can pick up on our processes and it is not a burden.

"Technology has also really helped. We have been able to share documents. And as a small firm, it is perhaps easier to outsource to an investment research expert to pull together an investment panel."

Harrison adds: "If you don't have the internal processes nailed down, then outsourcing won't really work for you. Clarity is therefore good, before a financial adviser starts the outsourcing process, and then the second step is finding out who to outsource to - a para planner, administrator support and investment research, there is so much out there."

To read more articles like this, sign up here

More on Investment

SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

‘Mansion House ambition’

Cristian Angeloni
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read
Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

'A well-balanced portfolio should also take in the broadest possible range of growth opportunities'

Darius McDermott
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read
Fahad Hassan: Progress on many fronts

Fahad Hassan: Progress on many fronts

'Financial markets are increasingly pricing in a more benign inflation environment ahead'

Fahad Hassan
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read

In-depth

Rise of the money coach

Rise of the money coach

Advice hurdles pose as push factors but plenty of pull factors too

Sophia Panayi
clock 30 June 2026 • 9 min read
'Bolder moves on taxation' likely if Burnham takes prime minister role

'Bolder moves on taxation' likely if Burnham takes prime minister role

Changes to CGT would have ‘clear implications for wealth planning’

Sophia Panayi
clock 22 June 2026 • 4 min read
IHT on pensions: Advisers on a new way of working

IHT on pensions: Advisers on a new way of working

‘It has shifted the timing and focus of conversations’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 June 2026 • 8 min read