The KBA Adviser Team Bi-Monthly Round Up: March – April 2026
Many of you tell us how valuable your regular planning meetings are, but often wonder what happens in between. As always, a significant amount of work takes place behind the scenes to ensure your financial plan remains up to date, compliant, and aligned with both current market conditions and future opportunities.
Market Insight and Ongoing Learning
Throughout March, the team continued to stay closely connected to market developments and industry insights to ensure our advice remains relevant and forward-thinking.
We attended an investment update hosted by BlackRock, which included a detailed discussion on global markets and the potential impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These insights are key in helping us understand short-term volatility while remaining focused on long-term investment strategies for our clients.
Alongside this, the team continued to attend regular industry webinars and provider updates, including sessions such as Omnis Live, Solution Builder, and Aviva’s “Cost of Cancer” webinar. These sessions provided valuable insights into protection planning, particularly the real financial impact of serious illness and the importance of ensuring clients have appropriate cover in place.
Strengthening Technical Expertise
As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards, the team has continued to invest in technical knowledge and regulatory understanding.
Hannah completed Openwork testing across key areas, including Vulnerable Customers, Financial Crime, and Data Protection, ensuring our advice remains aligned with regulatory expectations. She also attended a protection-focused session on how to effectively use Openwork tools to highlight the risks of not having appropriate protection in place.
In addition, internal IO training has taken place to further enhance the accuracy and thoroughness of how the client’s business is processed behind the scenes.
Strategic Planning and Business Development
A key focus over this period has been improving our internal processes and enhancing the overall client experience.
Time was dedicated to reviewing and refining workflows across the business, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency in how we deliver advice. This included collaborative sessions across the team to identify areas for improvement and implement practical changes.
We also hosted our Q1 Peer Group session with advisers from other Openwork firms. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to share ideas, best practices, and learnings, helping us continually improve the quality of advice and service we deliver.
In addition, regular pulse meetings and internal reviews have continued to ensure alignment across the team and maintain high performance standards.
Client Engagement and Events
March marked the beginning of an exciting year of client engagement as we officially kicked off our 25th anniversary celebrations.
We hosted our first Business Owner Brunch, in partnership with Alexander & Co, who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. This event brought together business owners to discuss key financial planning considerations in a relaxed and engaging environment, and it marks the first of many events planned throughout the year.
The team also attended external networking opportunities, including the Beyond Law networking event in Manchester, connecting with professionals across the legal, accountancy, and property sectors to strengthen relationships and expand our professional network.
We also ran our “How to Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Bill in 2026” webinar, hosted by Hannah & Sarah. Miss the live session? You can catch up here.
Professional Development and Collaboration
Developing both individually and as a team remains a key priority.
Sarah & Jack completed the final stage of the “Uncover Your Business Potential” programme with Brett Davidson, a three-year development journey focused on improving business strategy, leadership, and client outcomes.
Matt also completed a 1-2-1 review and focused assessment with his supervisor, ensuring continued personal development and alignment with best practice.
These ongoing development opportunities ensure that we continue to evolve as advisers while maintaining the highest level of service for our clients.
Team Development
As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we recently held both our quarterly team meeting and leadership meeting. These sessions gave us the opportunity to reflect on the previous quarter, set goals for the months ahead, and work collaboratively on ways we can continue to improve both internally and for our clients. Ensuring we are constantly evolving and enhancing the service we provide remains a key focus across the business.
Sarah and Hannah also attended the Openwork 2026 Wealth Roadmap Update, where they received insight into upcoming enhancements to the Openwork proposition, alongside updates to advice processes and regulatory developments. Attending events such as these helps ensure that we remain compliant, informed, and fully up to date with the latest industry guidance and best practices.
Looking ahead to June, Sarah has also been preparing for this year’s MDRT Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California. She recently took part in a Zoom meeting with fellow MDRT speakers as they prepared to deliver presentations to thousands of financial advisers from around the world, sharing the latest ideas, strategies, and developments within the profession.
In addition, Sarah and Hannah attended Royal London’s Inheritance Tax Workshop at their Alderley Edge offices. With significant changes continuing to emerge around pensions and inheritance tax planning, sessions such as these are invaluable in ensuring our knowledge remains current and that we are able to continue providing informed, proactive advice to our clients.
Looking Ahead
As we move through the new tax year, our focus remains on helping clients take advantage of new allowances and planning opportunities as early as possible.
The work undertaken over March and April ensures we are well-positioned to continue delivering proactive, high-quality advice, whether through improved processes, enhanced technical knowledge, or meaningful client engagement.
With a strong calendar of events, continued investment in development, and a clear focus on client outcomes, we are excited about the months ahead.
As always, if there is anything you would like to review or discuss, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Warm Regards,
The KBA Adviser Team