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

NextWealth MD Hopkins on staying ahead of advice sector changes, data challenges and flattening MPS fees

NextWealth MD Hopkins on staying ahead of advice sector changes, data challenges and flattening MPS fees

Making technology work better

Katrina Lloyd
clock 03 July 2025 • 9 min read
IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

Expect increase in stock market volatility

Jen Frost
clock 02 July 2025 • 2 min read
Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Investing in LTAFs, accessibility aside, needs careful consideration

Dorian Hughes
clock 02 July 2025 • 5 min read

In-depth

Why Gen Z still trusts financial advisers in the age of finfluencers

Why Gen Z still trusts financial advisers in the age of finfluencers

A digital generation with a human touch

Sahar Nazir
clock 23 June 2025 • 4 min read
QROPS class actions: What next for frustrated UK expats?

QROPS class actions: What next for frustrated UK expats?

Calls for reform across the board as insurers fight back in IoM

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 May 2025 • 7 min read
AI on trial: FCA's Live Testing opens new path for advisers

AI on trial: FCA's Live Testing opens new path for advisers

Offering regulated firms a controlled space to trial advanced technologies

Sahar Nazir
clock 21 May 2025 • 7 min read