Succession to utilise Shipway’s 'global knowledge'

Ian Shipway will bring to newly-launched business transition consultants Succession Advisory Services knowledge of “global best practice”, director Tim Parsons says.

Shipway, until this week head of strategic development at Bluefin Advisory Services (formerly Thinc), has joined the firm set up by ex-colleague Simon Chamberlain as financial planning director.

Business transition director Tim Parsons says Shipway's three years representing the UK on the International CFP Council means those firms that sign with Succession will benefit from his familiarity with the best-run IFAs from around the world.

"He [Shipway] brings with him global best practice in the structure and running of leading-edge adviser firms," Parsons says. "There are a number of transition models around but none that really go down to the client level of detail.

"It is all very well telling firms how best to run their businesses, but they are the ones who must sit in front of clients explaining their costs. Very few transition planning firms go to that level but that is what Ian will bring us."

Shipway adds: "I am delighted to be joining Succession and to be provided with the opportunity to give something back by expanding the role of holistic financial planning.

"Succession's considered yet innovative approach to preparing firms for the post-RDR environment will reshape the dynamics of financial services distribution."

The International CFP Council, founded in 1990, was set up to "promote the professionalism of individuals and organizations offering personal financial planning services" and to ensure those services are offered in an "ethical and competent manner".

Shipway sold his Sage Asset Management business to Thinc, where Chamberlain was chief executive, in 2003.