Bridgewater 'launch state benefits update' seminars

The seminars take place during November and December in Warrington and London and will be focusing on the impending welfare benefits changes and what they mean for equity release clients.

The first seminar takes place on Tuesday 29th November at the Village Hotel Warrington, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QA.

The second seminar takes place on Wednesday 14th December at the offices of DWF, Capital House, 85 King William Street, London, EC4N 7BL.

The seminars are designed specifically for advisers working with equity release and will explore the following areas as a result of the impending welfare reforms:

- The impact on older people.

-  Changes to benefits for homeowners.

- The effects of simplification.

Gareth Morgan, Managing Director of Ferret Information Systems Ltd will lead the seminar; he is widely acknowledged for his work in developing the modelling of the future benefits system which is used as the basis for much research and comment.

Additionally Peter Welch, Head of Sales and Distribution at Bridgewater will run a short session on obtaining equity release leads from professional introducers.

Both events will begin at 10.30am - free parking is available at each venue, lunch will be provided and certificates of attendance will also be made available to attendees.

Places at the seminars are strictly limited and those advisers wishing to register or enquire about the event should contact Karen McCulloch.

Peter Welch, Head of Sales and Distribution at Bridgewater Equity Release, commented:

“Earlier this year we conducted an adviser survey which, amongst other areas, asked advisers to tell us what areas they would like more support on. 

"One of the key issues that was highlighted from the feedback we received was a request for more help from providers in the area of State Benefits and in particular the changes that are being implemented and how this impacts on clients and the provision of equity release advice. 

"To this end we are working with Ferret Information Systems in holding these seminars that will hopefully provide attendees with a detailed understanding of the State Benefit changes.  

"Advisers have to tread particularly carefully when discussing equity release and its potential impact on benefits and we believe this seminar will go a long way to helping advisers provide the most suitable recommendation which will not impact negatively on a client’s claims to future benefits. 

"For the equity release advisory community this is a not to be missed event and we would urge all those who wish to attend to contact us immediately as places are limited.”