The academy will focus initially on the 150+ advice firms Benchmark currently work with, with pathways designed for advisers, administrators and paraplanners. The aim is to go beyond standard qualifications, with a focus on developing the professional skills required to operate at the highest standards across the financial planning profession.

It will provide structured training solutions through a blend of eLearning, digital support and live or virtual training.

The objective is to assist individuals achieve their regulatory qualifications whilst embedding the client relationship and service skills needed to deliver the best possible client outcomes. The training will support individuals regardless of their prior knowledge, exposure to financial products or past career. The first cohort of 26 candidates started last week.

Ed Dymott, managing director wealth, Benchmark, commented: “Our focus is to continue to work with the highest quality financial planners in the UK, with the aim of helping them grow the value of their businesses. The Benchmark Academy will help create the next generation of the best qualified advisers, paraplanners and administrators.

“We are passionate about attracting and developing the very best talent into our profession, and we hope that this programme will help to create a rich, diverse and inclusive group of individuals who will be the future leaders in financial advice.”

David Tait, co-founder & director of Redmill Advance, added: “We are strongly aligned to Benchmark’s aims of creating the next generation of financial planning talent and are delighted to partner with them. The Benchmark Academy programme has been designed using our blended, fully digital, learning solutions, and we believe it will provide the broad skill sets required to operate at the very highest standards.  We are looking forward to working with Benchmark and their adviser firms in supporting the next generation of candidates, and welcome those just embarking on their journey, and look forward to their positive results in due course.”