PRESS RELEASE
SOLLA on track to make Later Life Advice fastest growing market
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SOLLA on course for 1000 members in 2015/16
SOLLA responds to the rapidly growing requirements of legislative change
Commercial activities to be separated from the Society under a new entity SOLLA
Enterprises Ltd
John Prout formally Director at NS&I and Prudential announced as a Non- Executive Director
of SOLLA Enterprises Ltd
SOLLA Enterprises Ltd will be seeking strategic partnerships to support their rapid growth
SOLLA Standards are expanding beyond Later Life Adviser Accreditation to reflect guidance
and advice needs under both the Care Act and the changes to retirement planning next
year.
The not for profit Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) today announces a number of
important strategic developments.
As the reach of SOLLA as a trusted source of advice and training continues to accelerate the adviser
membership numbers are now on target to reach 1000 during late 2015/early 2016. The
organisation is looking to extend its reach as a trusted consumer brand and support to the growing
adviser numbers with specialist and bespoke training.
A comprehensive Regional Branch structure is also being established, and the significance in
achieving full Later Life Adviser accreditation status is reaching ever increasing levels of
acceptance. Founder Tish Hanifan states that “a critical mass is now being achieved on a national
basis, and the big legislative changes emerging in 2015 are undoubtedly having a key influence on
SOLLA’s growth”.
Meeting the needs of an ever growing Later Life market requires a step change in response by the
organisation, and the time is now right to separate commercial activities to protect the accreditation
standards and the member’s body. SOLLA provides unique bespoke training and wider support to
advisers in this market. Tish Hanifan states that “SOLLA, although growing very quickly, intends to
uphold the standards, values and reputation that have been established over the last 5 years. SOLLA
Enterprises Ltd will deliver professional development support services and standards for other areas
of Later Life planning, and in this regard will be partnering with third parties who share our values
and aims in the older client market.”
In order to help progress these changes SOLLA is pleased to announce that John Prout will join the
Board of SOLLA Enterprises Ltd as a Non-Executive director. John, who retired recently after 10 years
as Retail Customer Director at NS&I, had previously spent over 14 years in senior roles at Prudential
PLC.
SOLLA Joint Chair – Jane Finnerty - says “We are delighted that John has agreed to join our Board at
this strategically important time. He has been an ardent supporter of SOLLA for over 3 years and has
served on the Advisory Board. His expertise and reputation will clearly help both SOLLA and SOLLA
Enterprises achieve the big step changes that are planned over the next year.
John Prout commented “I am truly delighted to be extending my involvement at this time. The
SOLLA brand has a bigger reach than ever before and is clearly increasing awareness of the
important role that advice plays in this market. It is a genuinely trusted organisation with a high
quality membership. The Later Life challenge is truly immense – and future legislation demands
that Financial Planning must fully incorporate the changes that the new Care Act will deliver. The
SOLLA Brand will be ready to lead on this – with customer needs at its very heart.”
John continued “The fact that the SOLLA team are so actively involved with our legislators and
regulators is testimony to their reputation and influence – which in turn effectively means that
SOLLA has a seat at some very important tables.”
Tish Hanifan confirmed that the way in which partner organisations might be invited to support the
SOLLA brand would be revealed later in 2014.
ENDS
Editors Footnotes
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SOLLA is the “Society of Later Life Advisers” – launched in January 2009
Tish Hanifan is founder, and also a founding member of SFE - Solicitor’s for the Elderly
SOLLA is jointly chaired by Tish Hanifan and Jane Finnerty
Full Members of SOLLA are accredited to standards endorsed by the FLSP.
Tish Hanifan, Jan Finnerty and John Prout are all available for interview
See www.solla.org.uk for further information
The Society of Later Life Advisers [SOLLA] is a not for profit, consumer facing organisation whose
primary objective is linking consumers and their families with Accredited Independent Financial
Advice. Established in 2008, Later Life Advisers specialise in the financial needs of older and disabled
people. The Later Life Adviser Accreditation [LLAA] scheme has been developed by the standardsetting body, the Financial Skills Partnership [formerly the Financial Services Skills Council in
collaboration with the specialist financial services consultancy SVARfair.
For further information, please contact:
Tish Hanifan 07875356294
Jane Finnerty 07889986042
John Prout 07860 727392
Website Address: www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk Telephone: 0845 3032909
info@societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk