How a newly independent adviser built compliant reports from day one

Client Context

Mark* had recently stepped away from a large national network to set up his own practice. While he welcomed the freedom of independence, he quickly realised how much the network had previously handled behind the scenes. Suitability report structures, compliance checks, and templates were no longer provided. He had to create everything from scratch.

The Challenge

Mark’s challenges included:

• No established report templates or processes
• Uncertainty around how to evidence suitability correctly
• Anxiety about passing future file reviews without the network’s compliance safety net

He wanted to focus on building his new client base, but the pressure of getting reports right was slowing him down.

The Turning Point

After spending two full days struggling to draft a single suitability report, Mark admitted he needed help. He couldn’t afford early mistakes that might expose him to regulatory risk.

The Solution

Mark partnered with Plus Group to establish strong paraplanning foundations from the outset. We:

• Built a consistent, FCA-ready report template tailored to his business
• Provided a dedicated paraplanner to support him on all new cases
• Guided him through structuring advice in a way that stood up under scrutiny

Implementation Insight

The first few reports were reviewed line by line with Mark, giving him confidence in the process. Over time, he relied on Plus Group to handle report writing while he focused on client meetings and business development.

Results

• Suitability reports produced correctly and consistently
• Compliance confidence established from the beginning
• Faster onboarding of new clients without admin delays

Emotional Impact

For Mark, the relief was immediate. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by compliance responsibilities, he could concentrate on growing his new practice knowing his reports were accurate and professional.

Before vs After

Barriers Addressed

Mark worried that outsourcing so early in his business journey might be too costly. But by preventing compliance mistakes and saving valuable time, paraplanning support proved an investment that paid off immediately.

If you’re starting out in independence and want strong compliance processes from the beginning, Plus Group can help you build the right foundation.