We moved to the one day bootcamp structure last October as we had so many advisers attending, who were typically employed and so found it difficult to attend a weekly programme. Instead, they popped a day’s leave in the diary and came along to spend a day finding out the options should they decide to do their own thing.
Having sat with 40 advisers in four months, the key themes that are coming out are:
More often than not, the firm they are with was sold to a consolidator and / or PE have been involved. While most advisers are loyal and would stay with their firm ordinarily, the culture shift that occurs post sale is the biggest driver of them choosing to leave. A shift in the tone of the business, the changes to structure and the lost ability for them to have a voice are all contributing factors to them looking to start their own business.
A heartening aspect of the bootcamps is that rarely, if ever, are advisers coming along saying “I want to start my own business because I want more money”. Instead, over and over, I hear how they want to support their clients and, for one reason or another, are feeling unable to do so in the way they want in their current firm. It could be proposition changes, it could be that they’ve been given more clients to support and not enough time to now do it. Whatever it is, the client, relentlessly comes first in their mind - which is a wonderful thing to see.
Typically they’re weighing up pros and cons of starting their own business, pros and cons of DA vs AR and pros and cons of various networks. It is impossible to get completely impartial, objective information elsewhere. Networks will tell you DA is impossible. Compliance businesses will tell you networks are too restrictive. Advisers just want the facts, without a sales pitch, to help them make the leap with as much confidence as possible. Which is where the bootcamps come in!
As one delegate at the last bootcamp said; “Not only is it amazing that these bootcamps are free, the fact is, they are something money can’t buy. There aren’t even any comparative paid options - nowhere else supports us with such a complete lack of bias”.
Our Ready Bootcamps are designed for advisers wanting to start their own advice firm and looking for an expert take on the what, why and how of getting started. You'll get all the information and support that you'll need to make the touch decisions before you go for it.
We have seven further bootcamp events scheduled across the remainder of 2026, and places are already filling up fast. The bootcamps are mostly held in person, with locations from Scotland, to the north of England, to London, although some online dates are available for those unable to attend in person.
Danielle Sissons recently launched Ivey Financial Planning after attending the Foundation’s first bootcamp in October 2025. She said: “I always dreamed about starting my own firm but thought it was far down the line in my career, that it would be far too complicated and risky for someone like me. The Verve Foundation’s Ready Bootcamp helped me see the realities of what would go into making that leap - and ultimately gave me the confidence to do it!”
Just head over to our Ready page to see the dates and locations and get signed up if you’d like to know more.
