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

AJ Bell posts record rise in platform flows as AUA hits £108.7bn

AJ Bell posts record rise in platform flows as AUA hits £108.7bn

Net flows up 42%

Cristian Angeloni
clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read
Why advisers should adopt Gaudi's 'my client is not in a hurry' approach

Why advisers should adopt Gaudi's 'my client is not in a hurry' approach

Dan Brocklebank makes keynote speech at PA360

Isabel Baxter
clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read
Four Asian investment lessons in the face of turmoil

Four Asian investment lessons in the face of turmoil

South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia have suffered some of the biggest falls since the start of the war

Gabriel Sacks
clock 23 April 2026 • 4 min read

In-depth

Standard Life/Aegon UK deal signals provider 'shrinkflation' as advisers await impact

Standard Life/Aegon UK deal signals provider 'shrinkflation' as advisers await impact

'Strategically smart, operationally delicate'

Isabel Baxter
clock 15 April 2026 • 7 min read
Are AI tools the new robo advisers?

Are AI tools the new robo advisers?

Reform not replacement

Laura Miller
clock 07 April 2026 • 8 min read
Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Changes offer an opportunity for more ‘meaningful’ advice

Sophia Panayi
clock 26 March 2026 • 4 min read