Firms can seek and obtain capital anywhere. We are investing in the profession, not the industry. The change we want to see is not simply reserved for balance sheets.

We want the firms we invest in to be, or determined to become:

• a great place to work: interesting, enjoyable and stretching
• recognised in their region for the positive impact they have on people’s lives
• networked with other businesses in the Vertus Alliance, sharing best practice and allied in the common cause of growing the profession and raising professional standards
• a safe haven for other firms wishing to sell to people that share their values
• managed in a way that not only reduces risk, but also minimises stress and pressure on the management team and decision makers.

We believe people make better decisions when they are under less pressure. We also believe both recruitment and retention are easier for a business that’s enjoyable to work in, is recognised as a positive contributor to society, and offers authentic development opportunities to its brightest and best.

The key to our alliance is that we can all gain the benefit of all our partners working collectively and collaboratively, without diminishing the motivation their business autonomy allows them.

Throughout, we will provide our business partners with advice and support towards streamlining their operations, with the aim of reducing cost, risk and strain on management teams.

As part of continuing support, we offer a range of events, services and activities designed to bring like-minded people together, so we can exchange opinions, work through problems and share successes. Some of these get-togethers will have no specific purpose other than to encourage fun, inspire good collaboration and build lasting friendships – because we really believe this is the best way to achieve success.

This is a very different approach to investing in financial advice businesses than we’ve observed in the sector. Do you agree?