James Prosser, Director of Front Events

FR: You’re coming up to the launch of your new event, the Financial Services Expo – tell us more about the event...

The FSE is a show that been created for the new era of financial advising. As we are entering a new world of regulation and the implementation of RDR and the pending implementation of MMR it is pivotal that advisers are given access to the information that they require. The FSE will assist advisers with this through the conferences and from the sponsors and exhibitors.

FR: Why should intermediaries attend FSE?

It is a massive opportunity for them hear from their regulators and to network in the heart of city of London. If you are going to survive and grow in this industry then attending events such as FSE is an easy way for you to develop and learn new opportunities for the consumer i.e. your clients.

FR: What response have you had from the industry to launching a new event?

I have been delighted with the support shown from the industry. In the mortgage zone of the show alone, we have every one of the UK’s top ten mortgage intermediary lenders, either exhibiting or sponsoring the show. People have been very quick to get on board and that is exactly the response I had hoped for.

FR: Why did you feel now was the right time to launch an event like FSE?

This industry is about to start growing again and I want to be part of it and assist in developing it. If I can look back when I am 70 and be regarded as someone like John Malone is now, then I will be very proud. John has mentored me and given me advice and direction for many years and for that I am very grateful.

FR: What would you be doing if you weren’t in the financial services industry?

This is a difficult one to answer as I have been in the industry for thirteen years now. I have worked in publishing and events in financial services and have also been a life and protection broker so this industry is all I know. I guess if I wasn’t in Financial Services then I would have liked to been a fighter pilot!