Specialist Financial Services Training — Est. 2010 · Revitalised 2026.
Build Better
Financial Planning
Businesses.
Specialist training, consultancy and operational support for financial planning firms. We work with businesses to improve systems, strengthen ways of working and help teams get more value from the tools and processes they rely on every day.
// Three Connected Services
Training · Consultancy · Academy — working together for your firm
- Informed Training — Systems & Technology
- Informed Consultancy — Operational Improvement
- Informed Academy — Continuous Development
- Intelliflo Office · Plannr · Ningi
- Acquisition Readiness & Exit Preparation
60+
Yrs Combined Experience
2010
Founded — Day One
2010
Founded — Est. Day One
100%
Bespoke Delivery
CPD
Records Provided
Remote
Secure Screen Share
Intelliflo Office ·Ningi — Coming Soon ·Plannr — Coming Soon ·CRM Consultancy ·Operational Support ·Microsoft 365 ·Acquisition Readiness ·Workflow Redesign ·BiteSize™ Training ·SOP Creation ·Informed Academy ·Financial Services CRM ·MI Reporting ·Intelliflo Office ·Ningi — Coming Soon ·Plannr — Coming Soon ·CRM Consultancy ·Operational Support ·Microsoft 365 ·Acquisition Readiness ·Workflow Redesign ·BiteSize™ Training ·SOP Creation ·Informed Academy ·Financial Services CRM ·MI Reporting ·
Three Specialist Divisions. One Connected Proposition.
Supporting Financial Planning Firms Through Training, Consultancy & Continuous Development.
Informed Training Ltd is built around three connected service areas. Some firms need focused support around systems and staff development. Others are looking at wider operational challenges, process improvement or future business change. Our services can operate independently or work together as part of a broader improvement programme.
Division 01
Informed Training
Training designed around the systems, technology and day-to-day processes financial planning firms rely on — built around real business scenarios, existing workflows and the challenges teams experience in practice.
- Intelliflo Office (iO)
- Plannr & Ningi (Coming Soon)
- Microsoft 365 Suite
- BiteSize™ Remote Sessions
- New Starter Onboarding
- CPD-Supported Learning
Systems & Technology
Division 02
Informed Consultancy
Our consultancy support helps firms review and improve the way their businesses operate — identifying inefficiencies, redesigning processes, strengthening reporting or supporting broader operational change initiatives.
- CRM Health Checks & Workflow Redesign
- SOP Creation & Process Optimisation
- MI Reporting & Annual Review Redesign
- Operational Strategy & CIP Alignment
- Acquisition Readiness
Operational Improvement
Division 03
Informed Academy
The Academy provides firms with ongoing access to learning, development and support beyond one-off projects — creating a longer-term environment that helps teams continue developing as businesses and systems evolve.
- Knowledge Hub Access
- Live Learning Sessions
- CPD Support & Records
- New Starter Pathways
- Role-Based Learning
- Three-Tier Membership
Coming Soon
What We Do
Building Better Financial Planning Businesses.
We do more than provide system training. We work with firms to improve the way technology, people and operational processes work together — helping businesses work more effectively at every stage of growth.
Core Specialism 01
CRM & Platform Optimisation
Many firms only use a fraction of the functionality available within their systems. We help businesses review how technology is being used, identify opportunities for improvement and create ways of working that better support teams and business objectives.
- Automated workflows & task management
- MI reporting & data intelligence
- Compliance & suitability workflows
- Full system configuration & setup
- CRM health checks & workflow redesign
- Data quality improvement
Intelliflo Office
Core Specialism 02
The Next Gen: Plannr & Ningi
New technology platforms create opportunities, but successful adoption requires more than implementation alone. We support firms introducing next-generation systems through practical onboarding, role-based learning and guidance designed around how teams actually work.
- Bespoke onboarding programmes
- Workflow & procedure design
- Migration support & training
- Early adopter programmes
- Role-based learning pathways
- Team implementation support
Coming Soon
Core Specialism 03
The Integrated Ecosystem
Systems rarely operate in isolation. Businesses often rely on multiple platforms, research tools and data sources, creating inefficiencies where processes do not connect properly. We help firms review these areas and improve how technology works together.
- CRM & platform integrations
- Elimination of manual data entry
- Research tool & portal connectivity
- End-to-end workflow optimisation
- Systems alignment reviews
- Process automation opportunities
Full Stack
Core Specialism 04
Operational Consultancy & Growth Support
Operational challenges rarely sit within one process or one system. Our consultancy support focuses on helping firms review and improve wider operational areas — ownership, reporting, consistency and process design — to create stronger foundations for growth.
- SOP creation & documentation
- Process mapping & annual review redesign
- Client journey reviews
- Operational reporting & MI
- Workflow alignment & process standardisation
Consultancy
Core Specialism 05
Acquisition Readiness & Exit Preparation
Businesses preparing for future growth, succession or a potential transaction often discover that systems and processes have evolved without a consistent structure. We help firms create stronger operational foundations, cleaner data and more consistent ways of working ahead of future change.
- Operational due diligence preparation
- CRM clean-up & rationalisation
- Process standardisation
- Management information improvements
- Broker & strategic partner liaison support
Exit & Growth
Why Firms Choose Us
Four Reasons Firms
Partner With Us.
We are not a generalist training provider. Every reason a firm works with us comes back to the same thing — deep specialist expertise and real financial services experience that drives lasting change.
01
CRM & Platform Specialists
We know systems like Intelligent Office inside out. We do more than provide training — we help firms create processes that work in practice and support the way their business operates.
02
A Roadmap for Growth
Technology and financial services continue to evolve. Whether firms are adopting new platforms like Plannr or Ningi, redesigning processes or reviewing operational structures, we help identify practical next steps.
03
Data Integrity First
Reliable reporting starts with reliable data. We help firms create a trusted source of information that supports stronger decision-making and greater confidence across the business.
04
Real Financial Services Experience
We have worked across operational leadership, administration, paraplanning, compliance, project delivery and acquisitions. That practical experience helps us understand the realities firms face and deliver support that works in practice.
Sectors & Platforms
Financial Services
is Our Home Ground.
With over 60 years of combined Financial Services experience — spanning administration, paraplanning, compliance, operations, project delivery, acquisitions and senior leadership — we understand the realities firms face because we have worked within them ourselves.
That experience allows us to support businesses not only with training, but also with wider operational initiatives, process improvement and business change projects.
Who We Train
Advisers · Paraplanners · Administrators · Operations · Compliance · Network Support · Leadership Teams
We Also Support
Consolidators · Acquisition-led businesses · Firms preparing for succession · Business transformation projects
Networks
Tenet · Lighthouse · Sense · Three Sixty · St. James’s Place & more
Delivery
Remote · BiteSize™ Group Sessions · Secure Virtual Screen Share · Nationwide
CPD Records
Structured CPD records provided for all training sessions
Wider Support
Operational initiatives · Process improvement · Business change projects · Acquisition readiness
Intelliflo
Office (IO)
Intelliflo Office remains one of the most widely used back-office systems within financial planning. Whether firms are implementing IO for the first time, migrating data or simply trying to get more value from an existing system, our support is designed around practical use rather than theory.
Our BiteSize™ online sessions run regularly and cover key IO modules, helping firms access focused and affordable training that can be applied immediately.
Client Management & Tasks
Client records, task workflows, diary management, activity tracking and follow-up processes
Compliance & Suitability
Risk profiles, suitability letters, compliance workflows, audit trails and regulatory record-keeping
Data & Integrations
Iress / Xplan integration, Assureweb, provider feeds, data imports and clean-up
IO Customisation & Setup
Custom fields, workflow builders, templates, user roles and system configuration
BiteSize™ Group Sessions
Regularly scheduled remote group training — focused, affordable and open to all IO users
New User Onboarding
Getting new starters up to speed quickly — structured onboarding programmes for all IO roles
Training Coming Soon
Ningi &
Plannr
New CRM platforms continue to emerge across financial services and many firms are beginning to explore alternatives to traditional systems. We are developing comprehensive training programmes for both Ningi and Plannr to help firms adopt these platforms in a practical and structured way.
Register your interest now and be among the first to access our early-adopter training and onboarding support.
Early Adopter Onboarding
Structured onboarding for firms moving to Ningi or Plannr from legacy systems
Workflow & Procedure Design
Building compliant, scalable procedures native to the new platform architecture
Migration Support
Data migration planning, clean-up and validation to protect integrity through transition
Role-Based Training Programmes
Adviser, paraplanner, admin and operations training tailored to each platform’s UX
Operational Consultancy & Business Improvement
Your Operations Shape How Your Business Performs.
Strong businesses are rarely held back by one system or one process. More often, challenges build over time through workarounds, duplicated activity, inconsistent processes and systems being used differently across teams.
Pillar 01
Tech Stack Strategy
Technology often develops over time as firms grow, add systems or respond to changing requirements — leading to duplicated functionality and disconnected processes. We review your existing setup and provide practical recommendations focused on helping systems work better together.
- Systems audit & mapping
- Tool consolidation recommendations
- Vendor evaluation support
- Phased implementation roadmap
Pillar 02
Procedure Optimisation
Technology alone rarely solves operational problems. Teams need processes that are clear, repeatable and practical to follow. We help firms review existing ways of working, document key processes and create procedures that support day-to-day delivery.
- Process mapping & documentation
- SOP creation & formatting
- Workflow redesign
- Approval chains & governance
Pillar 03
Bespoke Staff Training
Training works best when it reflects how businesses actually operate. Rather than generic demonstrations, sessions are built around your systems, your workflows and the roles within your business — so new tools and new processes genuinely land.
- Role-based training programmes
- Tool-specific workshops
- Train-the-trainer options
- Ongoing support & refreshers
Pillar 04
Acquisition Readiness & Operational Alignment
Businesses preparing for future growth, succession planning or a potential transaction often discover that systems and processes have evolved without a consistent structure. We support firms by improving documentation, strengthening processes and creating a more organised environment.
- CRM structure reviews & due diligence preparation
- Process standardisation & workflow alignment
- Documentation reviews
- Management information enhancement
Problems We Solve
Common Operational Challenges
Many firms already have good technology and capable people in place but still experience operational challenges. Processes naturally evolve over time and teams often develop workarounds that create inconsistency or additional administration.
- Duplicated administration across teams
- Underused CRM functionality
- Inconsistent workflows and processes
- Weak or poorly structured onboarding
- Poor management information quality
- Legacy data issues and data integrity problems
- Lack of clear process ownership
- Inefficient annual review processes
Tech Stack Audit Report
A review of existing systems identifying duplication, gaps and practical opportunities for improvement.
Standard Operating Procedures
Documented workflows and procedures covering all key business processes — ready for implementation from day one.
Strategic Roadmap
A phased plan outlining priorities, ownership and recommended next steps — practical and actionable.
Bespoke Training Programme
Tailored sessions built around your real systems, delivered remotely via secure screen share.
CRM Health Check Report
A review highlighting opportunities to improve system usage and operational effectiveness.
Acquisition Readiness Assessment
Support designed to strengthen operational structures ahead of future transactions or succession events.
The Informed Academy
Coming Soon
Continuous Learning &
Long-Term Support.
The Informed Academy is designed to provide firms with ongoing access to learning, development and support beyond one-off projects or training sessions.
The aim is to create a longer-term environment that helps teams continue developing as businesses, systems and requirements evolve — building genuine partnerships rather than one-off engagements.
Academy Focus Areas
Knowledge Hub access & resources
Live learning sessions & webinars
CPD support & structured records
Recorded content library
New starter onboarding pathways
Role-based learning tracks
Continuous system updates
Three-tier membership structure
Tier 01 — Essentials
Essentials
Suitable for smaller firms or individual users wanting ongoing access to core support and learning resources.
- BiteSize™ session access
- Knowledge Hub resources
- CPD support & records
- System update notifications
Tier 02 — Professional
Professional
Designed for firms wanting broader team access and more structured support for development and onboarding.
- Everything in Essentials
- Live learning sessions
- Recorded content library
- New starter pathways
- Priority access to resources
Tier 03 — Network / Enterprise
Enterprise
Designed for networks, consolidators and larger firms looking to support wider teams through shared learning and onboarding resources.
- Everything in Professional
- Full team access
- Bespoke content development
- Structured onboarding pathways
- Optional consultancy support
Who We Are
Led by people who've
been in your shoes.
Established in 2010 and revitalised in 2026 under the leadership team of Christian Markwick, Lianne McComish and Mike Russell, Informed Training brings together more than 60 years of combined Financial Services knowledge across operations, consultancy, systems, training and business change.
What makes our approach different is that our support comes from first-hand industry experience. We understand the realities of advice businesses because we have worked within them — not simply advised them from the outside.
Former IFA & FS Operations
Founded 2010 · Revitalised 2026
60+ yrs Combined Experience
CPD Records Provided
BiteSize™ Remote Training
Acquisition Readiness
CM
Christian Markwick
Director & Business Consultant
Christian has worked across adviser support, training & competence, compliance and consultancy roles — helping firms navigate change and translate complex challenges into practical solutions. His focus has always been on helping businesses create frameworks that are realistic, usable and capable of supporting future growth.
LM
Lianne McComish
Director & Training / Operations Lead
Lianne brings more than twenty years of leadership within financial planning businesses, with a background spanning operations, systems, people management and delivery. Having worked closely with advisers, paraplanners and operational teams, she understands the challenge of balancing process, people and day-to-day business demands.
MR
Mike Russell
Director & Operations, Consultancy & Acquisitions Lead
Mike’s nineteen-year career has included operational leadership, acquisitions, project delivery and wider business change — with hands-on experience across administration, paraplanning and compliance functions. He understands how firms operate at every level, from client servicing through to due diligence and acquisition activity.
Our Approach
Practical.
Personal.
Proven.
Every business works differently, which is why our approach is designed to remain flexible whilst still following a clear structure. From the first conversation through to delivery and ongoing support, we focus on understanding how your business operates and where support can make the biggest difference.
Step 01
Understand
We start by listening. Before recommending anything, we take time to understand your business, your systems, your team structure and the challenges you are trying to solve.
Step 02
Review
Through collaborative sessions and remote access where required, we review current processes, systems and ways of working to identify opportunities for improvement and areas creating friction.
Step 03
Deliver
Support is delivered around your business rather than generic examples or pre-built demonstrations — whether through training or consultancy, everything is designed around real systems and real scenarios.
Step 04
Support
Delivery is not the end of the process. Businesses evolve, systems change and new challenges appear over time. Ongoing support helps ensure improvements continue to work as the business develops.
Step 05
Develop
Lasting improvements take time. Through continued support, Academy access and ongoing guidance, we help firms build on progress rather than treat projects as one-off exercises.
Who We Work With
Supporting Firms With Different Challenges & Priorities.
Financial planning firms operate at very different stages of development. Our support is designed to adapt around those differing requirements and provide practical solutions built around how each business actually operates.
IFA Practices
Independent financial advice firms of all sizes — implementing new systems, improving processes or developing their teams.
Networks & Partners
Networks and strategic partners supporting multiple adviser firms across technology adoption and operational improvement.
Consolidators
Acquisition-led businesses and consolidators requiring operational alignment, CRM standardisation and due diligence support.
Growth & Succession
Firms preparing for future growth, succession planning or a potential business transaction requiring stronger operational foundations.
What Clients Say
Trusted.
Recommended.
Intelliflo Office
“I’ve known the team at Informed Training for years and when we required Intelligent Office training to be provided to adviser firms around the country, they were the first people that came to mind. Highly engaging with both the business and the firms being trained.”
SG
Stephen Gazard
Financial Services Business Leader | IFA / Change Management
CRM Consultancy
“Informed Training has a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to CRM systems. They have a proven track record in improving business processes both pre and post RDR. My team and I have interacted with Informed Training on a number of occasions.”
CL
Client, Financial Services Firm
CRM Solutions for Businesses
Bespoke Training
“I can’t recommend this company highly enough. We were introduced to Informed Training purely on a training basis. Having struggled with our CRM for quite some time, the team saw our problem and spent a great deal of time resolving it.”
JC
Jade Clarke-Mackintosh
Senior Group Administration Manager, Bartons Group
Commercial Outcomes Firms Commonly Achieve
Result
Reduced administration time and improved day-to-day efficiency
Result
Cleaner CRM data and stronger management information
Result
Faster, more consistent onboarding of new staff
Result
Improved adoption of systems and technology across teams
Result
Better process consistency and reduced operational risk
Result
Improved workflow efficiency and less duplicated work
Result
Stronger operational foundations ahead of growth or acquisition
Result
Long-term scalability through sustainable processes and systems
Transparent Pricing
Fair. Flexible.
No Surprises.
No two businesses need the same level of support. Our approach is designed to remain flexible — ranging from one-off sessions through to larger projects and ongoing development programmes. All sessions are delivered remotely via secure screen share unless agreed otherwise.
Public Sessions
BiteSize™ Online
Focused remote sessions providing practical learning in an accessible and cost-effective format. Pay-as-you-go with no commitment.
- Public scheduled sessions
- Intelliflo Office focus
- Pay per session — no commitment
- CPD structured records
- Quick registration & join
Most Popular
Bespoke Private Training
Training built around your systems, your people and how your business actually operates — all via secure remote access.
- Your live systems, your workflows
- Secure remote access & screen share
- All roles covered
- Deposit to secure booking
- Balance due within 14 days post-delivery
- CPD records provided
Consultancy
CRM & Operational Projects
Hourly, day rate or project-based consultancy — scoped and priced to your specific requirements and business needs.
- System analysis & audit
- CRM health checks
- Workflow redesign & SOPs
- Acquisition readiness support
- Back-office strategy
- Ongoing route planning
Coming Soon
Informed Academy
Ongoing access to learning, support and practical resources — three membership tiers to suit firms of all sizes.
- Essentials · Professional · Enterprise
- Knowledge Hub & recorded content
- Live learning sessions
- New starter pathways
- CPD support
Get Started
Ready to Improve How Your
Business Operates?
Whether you need support with training, consultancy, operational challenges or future business change, we are always happy to have an initial conversation. No hard sales approach. No generic solutions. Just practical support based around the way your business actually works.