FPA provides 'tools of the trade' for small principals

A demand for more 'tools of the trade' from the Financial Planning Association's (FPA) small principal members has driven the FPA to create a specifically designed website for this group, called the 'Small Principal Members' Information Centre'.

The new web page, which is hosted on the FPA's website, was launched this week and aims to better meet the needs of small principal planners for resources and communication, FPA board chair Julie Berry said.

Small principals are expected to both run the business and be the planner, Berry said.

"They're skilled in a lot of different areas."

However, feedback from small principals showed that many lack the resources other planners may get from a larger licencee, she said.

The website includes news and advocacy, a resource centre, networking and communication.

A pilot online small principals forum will also be launched on the site next week, which will enable planners to "discuss peer-to-peer issues of concern to them", FPA general manager membership and marketing Rebecca Murray said.

Small principal planners attending the FPA Small Principals' conference in Canberra today were supportive of the website inititaive. Three-quarters of attendees were also in favour of a practice register aspect of the site, which would allow planners to attend the office of another small principal member, enabling them to 'watch over their shoulder' and share ideas in the running of a business.