In Part Two, Sam Sloma dives into the niche that shaped Engage FS - advising professional footballers - and why that market runs on trust, discretion, and long-term agent relationships.

While athletes make up 25% of the firm, the real growth engine is advising younger business owners exiting for £10m+. We explore how exit planning differs from traditional retirement advice, and why Sam uses financial planning software as a “red flag” tool rather than a forecasting crutch.

We also discuss niche positioning, acquisition offers, scaling a UK financial planning firm, percentage vs fixed fees, and Sam’s candid views on industry ego and long-term wealth planning.

In Part One, Sam Sloma, Managing Director of UK financial planning firm Engage FS, shares his journey from lower-league professional footballer to building a 140-family advice business.

We unpack how he launched his IFA firm in 2017 with 25 loyal clients and £180k in first-year revenue, the early operational mistakes that shaped the business, and why he chose - and later questioned - a fixed-fee pricing model.

We also explore his annual “Surge” client review system, lessons from his first acquisition, and how he thinks about scaling a financial planning firm without sacrificing lifestyle.

A candid conversation on fee models, firm growth, and staying calm under pressure.

In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we chatted with Max Tennant. 

Here we discussed; the power of thoughtful client questions, misconceptions about ESG investments and shifting the advice profession’s mindset from “Do Nothing” to “Do Something”. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we are joined by the brilliant Iona Bain. 

We discuss misconceptions about Millennials and Gen Z's financial habits, barriers to wealth building, and the impact of social media on young people's financial knowledge.

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we talk to Ian Dempsey. 

Here we discuss; harnessing social media, building trust with clients online and the power of personal branding. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we sit down with Charlotte Phillips-Lynn. 

We chat about; the importance and impact of diversity, inclusion, and equity in financial services, practical steps firms can take to become more inclusive and why creating genuinely welcoming workplaces benefits both individuals and businesses.

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In this episode we chat with Steve Nelson, Insight Director at The Langcat.

We discuss the data in the latest Langcat report, what trends are emerging now and what the future for the profession might look like. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we talk to the brilliant Jon Dunckley. 

We chat about; the importance of curiosity in financial planning, psychology's role in enhancing client relationships and explore the role of neuroscience in manifesting and stress management.

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In this episode we are joined by co-founder of Aila Money, Elisabeth Prager. 

We discussed the gender wealth gap, how education can empower women financially and the role of fintech in supporting traditional financial advice.

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In this episode of the NextGen Planners Podcast we chat to Ash Weston, Head of Managed Portfolio Services at 8am Global.

Here we chat about the relationship between financial advisers and DFMs, the challenges of data transparency and reporting in the DFM industry and the age old question of whether a monkey or kangaroo would win in a fight. 

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In this episode we are joined by Karl Dines. Karl works with UK Financial Services Firms on a consultancy basis with his firm Open Door Policy Building Propositions. 

In this episode we explore the importance of understanding and documenting the true cost of financial advice, how firms often underestimate their costs of service delivery and the challenges of pricing models.

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In this episode we have Founder and Managing Director of Core Financial Paraplanning Limited, Hannah Wynick. 

We discuss, the huge benefits of outsourced Paraplanning, Taylor's personal experience building it into his offering and the place of Paraplanning in the industry. 

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In the first podcast of 2025 the hosts tackle the topic of burnout and attempt to help you avoid it this year.

They discuss; what is burnout, how burnout can happen, and tips for avoiding it. 

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It's the Christmas Special of That NextGen Planners Podcast. 

In the episode the hosts reflect on 2024, look forward to Christmas and are joined virtually by some top notch guests sharing some words of wisdom. 

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In this episode the gang sit down with financial planner Nicola Crosbie. 

They chat about; the process of getting into advice, bringing on a business strategist and focusing on what matters. 

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In this episode we are joined by the one and only George Kinder. 

George joined us virtually to talk about listening, mindfulness and truly connecting with clients.

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we have a great chat with Christian Mather. 

Here we go into detail about what it takes to set up on your own, the struggles of getting clients initially and building a life that works for you. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we talk to the brilliant Jo Wall. 

Here we discuss the challenges of setting up your own business, the distinctions between financial planning and financial coaching as well as some key techniques to strengthen client relationships.

Every 2 weeks, we chat to a superstar entrepreneur in the world of financial planning, to hear their stories and gain insights on how to launch a successful financial planning business. 

In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we the hosts chat about dress code.

Here we go into detail about whether what you wear as a financial planner matters, how attitudes have changed and our personal feelings on the topic. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we chat with the brilliant Julian Parrott from Ethical Futures. 

Here we go into detail about why ethical investing in important, what advisers should be paying attention to and how this space has evolved in recent years. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast, we chat with the awesome Jonathon Jay from Hoxton Wealth.

We chat about Hoxton's venture into the UK with Hoxton Wealth, the growth of evidence-based investing, what real financial planning is in Jonathon's opinion, and much more.

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast, we chat with the awesome Nila Mistry, who runs Prosperity Life Planning.

We chat about the difference between financial advice and financial planning, how to grow a financial planning business that focuses on life planning, and tips for being a great financial life planner. 

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast, we chat with Chief Designer at docVinci and Head of Marketing at NextGen Planners, Dan Graham.

We chat about lots of topics including building a world class client experience, the importance of brand and standing out, marketing, personal brand, AI and much, much more! 🙌

In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we chat with the award-winning Sean & Vicki from Lightside Financial Planning.

Here we chat about about how Sean & Vicki have grown Lightside Financial Planning, the pros and cons of having lots of clients and the lessons they have learned along the way.

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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast hosts Amelia, Taylor and Clara chat with Sarah Elson co-founder of Berry and Oak. 

Here they dive into detail about; whether awards are fair, what awards should exist and some tips for winning. 

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