Director of consulting

• Sep 2023 - Present

Ben joined the lang cat as Director of consulting in September 2023, despite owning only a dog. Prior to hopping into the basket, he worked as an industry consultant for almost a decade and has been involved in financial services for more than two of them. His passion (if that’s the right word) has been platforms and technology since his time at M&G Wealth, née Ascentric, and Cofunds, where he worked hard to develop new and innovative products and solutions. Ben is a regular… Show more Ben joined the lang cat as Director of consulting in September 2023, despite owning only a dog. Prior to hopping into the basket, he worked as an industry consultant for almost a decade and has been involved in financial services for more than two of them. His passion (if that’s the right word) has been platforms and technology since his time at M&G Wealth, née Ascentric, and Cofunds, where he worked hard to develop new and innovative products and solutions. Ben is a regular contributor to the press, judges a few different awards (and can often be found at the associated ceremonies) and is always up for a coffee and a chat; however, his music choices are sometimes frowned upon and so he often finds himself banned from accessing the office Sonos. Show less Ben joined the lang cat as Director of consulting in September 2023, despite owning only a dog. Prior to hopping into the basket, he worked as an industry consultant for almost a decade and has been involved in financial services for more than two of them. His passion (if that’s the right word) has been platforms and technology since his time at M&G Wealth, née Ascentric, and Cofunds, where he worked hard to develop new and innovative products and solutions. Ben is a regular… Show more Ben joined the lang cat as Director of consulting in September 2023, despite owning only a dog. Prior to hopping into the basket, he worked as an industry consultant for almost a decade and has been involved in financial services for more than two of them. His passion (if that’s the right word) has been platforms and technology since his time at M&G Wealth, née Ascentric, and Cofunds, where he worked hard to develop new and innovative products and solutions. Ben is a regular contributor to the press, judges a few different awards (and can often be found at the associated ceremonies) and is always up for a coffee and a chat; however, his music choices are sometimes frowned upon and so he often finds himself banned from accessing the office Sonos. Show less

Investments Director

• Mar 2022 - Aug 2023

Platforms Director

• Oct 2019 - Feb 2022

Responsible for the Platforms Practice at Altus Consulting

Principal Consultant

• Oct 2018 - Sep 2019

Senior Consultant

• Oct 2014 - Sep 2018

Key Skills • Wide experience of platforms, investments, general insurance and multiple distribution channels including product delivery. • Use of business and distribution modelling techniques to design and implement scalable technology systems; inc. adviser back offices , investment platform solutions and proprietary systems. • Completion of technology and operational RFPs including market scans and supplier due diligence. • Production of detailed business cases involving… Show more Key Skills • Wide experience of platforms, investments, general insurance and multiple distribution channels including product delivery. • Use of business and distribution modelling techniques to design and implement scalable technology systems; inc. adviser back offices , investment platform solutions and proprietary systems. • Completion of technology and operational RFPs including market scans and supplier due diligence. • Production of detailed business cases involving commercial and operational modelling prior to presentation at Board level. • Target operating model and process design using experience and understanding of market trends and outsourced solutions. • Extensive use of the product lifecycle management process and project management methodologies. • In-depth knowledge of customer and distribution needs, key profit drivers and risk and compliance implications to produce compelling products and offerings. • Strong analytical, professional presentation and communication skills (verbal and written). Achievements • Technical and operational cost model design and process interrogation in order to decide the shape of future systems architecture for a market-leading fund supermarket. • Running a full RFP process and providing solution recommendations for an international life company and a large UK building society. • Definition of strategy, capability maturity assessment, detailed cost analysis and target operating model for a large life company platform. • Commercial agreement and delivery of multiple system and process upgrade projects for a traditional life firm. • Design of proposition and product changes for multiple regulatory deadlines; e.g. RDR, PS13/1, Sunset. • Propositional, operational and target model redesign of a model portfolio management tool for a major platform client.

Proposition Manager

• Aug 2012 - Sep 2014

Role & Responsibilities: • Identification, development, delivery and ownership of end-to-end propositions across the Cofunds business. I used my understanding of customer and distribution needs as well as key profit drivers to produce compelling offerings that met the needs of our clients as well as the company strategy. • Working collaboratively with Finance, Operations and Compliance departments, I produced detailed business cases for new developments. I was repeatedly able to… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Identification, development, delivery and ownership of end-to-end propositions across the Cofunds business. I used my understanding of customer and distribution needs as well as key profit drivers to produce compelling offerings that met the needs of our clients as well as the company strategy. • Working collaboratively with Finance, Operations and Compliance departments, I produced detailed business cases for new developments. I was repeatedly able to prove that a commercial gain or cost saving would be possible through a combination of commercial and operational modelling as well as post-launch monitoring. • Management of the Product Lifecycle process to ensure propositions meet customer needs. I used my experience of customer and distribution research, as well as project management skills, to enable the development pipeline remain relevant to market needs. • Represented senior managers in both an internal and external capacity to ensure business continuity. I assumed responsibility for business critical issues from senior members of the company on a regular basis due to my experience and understanding of the financial services market and ability to react quickly to a situation. Key Achievements: • Propositional delivery and commercial agreement for £2m system and process merging program. • Successful design and delivery of proposition and product changes to meet the FCA’s PS13/1 regulations deadline. • Assessment of multiple core software releases for propositional suitability in order to build successful business cases. • Through Legal & General’s Every Day Matters initiative and willingness to take on new challenges, I was able to gain experience and knowledge of business functions outside my immediate role. I used this to gain a fuller understanding of business needs as well as establish a wide network of stakeholders. Show less Role & Responsibilities: • Identification, development, delivery and ownership of end-to-end propositions across the Cofunds business. I used my understanding of customer and distribution needs as well as key profit drivers to produce compelling offerings that met the needs of our clients as well as the company strategy. • Working collaboratively with Finance, Operations and Compliance departments, I produced detailed business cases for new developments. I was repeatedly able to… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Identification, development, delivery and ownership of end-to-end propositions across the Cofunds business. I used my understanding of customer and distribution needs as well as key profit drivers to produce compelling offerings that met the needs of our clients as well as the company strategy. • Working collaboratively with Finance, Operations and Compliance departments, I produced detailed business cases for new developments. I was repeatedly able to prove that a commercial gain or cost saving would be possible through a combination of commercial and operational modelling as well as post-launch monitoring. • Management of the Product Lifecycle process to ensure propositions meet customer needs. I used my experience of customer and distribution research, as well as project management skills, to enable the development pipeline remain relevant to market needs. • Represented senior managers in both an internal and external capacity to ensure business continuity. I assumed responsibility for business critical issues from senior members of the company on a regular basis due to my experience and understanding of the financial services market and ability to react quickly to a situation. Key Achievements: • Propositional delivery and commercial agreement for £2m system and process merging program. • Successful design and delivery of proposition and product changes to meet the FCA’s PS13/1 regulations deadline. • Assessment of multiple core software releases for propositional suitability in order to build successful business cases. • Through Legal & General’s Every Day Matters initiative and willingness to take on new challenges, I was able to gain experience and knowledge of business functions outside my immediate role. I used this to gain a fuller understanding of business needs as well as establish a wide network of stakeholders. Show less

Proposition Development Consultant

• Feb 2011 - Jul 2012

Role & Responsibilities: • Design and implementation of a repeatable external product partner setup plan in order to support the needs of the business. I used a good understanding of distribution and business modelling in order to successfully launch and manage a number of providers onto the platform, including discretionary managers and product providers. • Engagement in multiple projects to deliver new products that met the needs of a wide range of customers. I was able to… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Design and implementation of a repeatable external product partner setup plan in order to support the needs of the business. I used a good understanding of distribution and business modelling in order to successfully launch and manage a number of providers onto the platform, including discretionary managers and product providers. • Engagement in multiple projects to deliver new products that met the needs of a wide range of customers. I was able to work closely and collaboratively with external advice firms and other distributors to gather requirements before building the proposition and business case for launching a number of new products onto the platform. • Propositional responsibility for the design and delivery of system improvement processes. I was able to use my analytical and communication skills to design, document and continually improve sales and operational processes to bring efficiencies across the business. Key Achievements: • Launch of multiple new partners onto the platform to bring in new assets to help the company meet sales targets. • Launch of the Ascentric Offshore Bond on platform to meet adviser, customer and commercial needs. • Design and assessment of a new Junior ISA product for launch. • Propositional and operational redesign of model portfolio management tool. Show less Role & Responsibilities: • Design and implementation of a repeatable external product partner setup plan in order to support the needs of the business. I used a good understanding of distribution and business modelling in order to successfully launch and manage a number of providers onto the platform, including discretionary managers and product providers. • Engagement in multiple projects to deliver new products that met the needs of a wide range of customers. I was able to… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Design and implementation of a repeatable external product partner setup plan in order to support the needs of the business. I used a good understanding of distribution and business modelling in order to successfully launch and manage a number of providers onto the platform, including discretionary managers and product providers. • Engagement in multiple projects to deliver new products that met the needs of a wide range of customers. I was able to work closely and collaboratively with external advice firms and other distributors to gather requirements before building the proposition and business case for launching a number of new products onto the platform. • Propositional responsibility for the design and delivery of system improvement processes. I was able to use my analytical and communication skills to design, document and continually improve sales and operational processes to bring efficiencies across the business. Key Achievements: • Launch of multiple new partners onto the platform to bring in new assets to help the company meet sales targets. • Launch of the Ascentric Offshore Bond on platform to meet adviser, customer and commercial needs. • Design and assessment of a new Junior ISA product for launch. • Propositional and operational redesign of model portfolio management tool. Show less

Project Manager

• Jun 2009 - Dec 2010

Role & Responsibilities: • Led a project to migrate 350,000 existing Moneyextra.com investment portfolio users to a bespoke website, offering customers new functionality to help them to consolidate and manage their finances online. • Communications with the partner and end customers to ensure requirements were gathered and baselined before building into the design. • Test planning and execution prior to the live deployment of system updates. Key… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Led a project to migrate 350,000 existing Moneyextra.com investment portfolio users to a bespoke website, offering customers new functionality to help them to consolidate and manage their finances online. • Communications with the partner and end customers to ensure requirements were gathered and baselined before building into the design. • Test planning and execution prior to the live deployment of system updates. Key Achievements: • Launch of pilot service to select number of regular users. I planned and implemented the migration and communication plan for a pilot group of users onto the new service, before performing customer research to enable post-launch improvements to be planned and implemented. Show less Role & Responsibilities: • Led a project to migrate 350,000 existing Moneyextra.com investment portfolio users to a bespoke website, offering customers new functionality to help them to consolidate and manage their finances online. • Communications with the partner and end customers to ensure requirements were gathered and baselined before building into the design. • Test planning and execution prior to the live deployment of system updates. Key… Show more Role & Responsibilities: • Led a project to migrate 350,000 existing Moneyextra.com investment portfolio users to a bespoke website, offering customers new functionality to help them to consolidate and manage their finances online. • Communications with the partner and end customers to ensure requirements were gathered and baselined before building into the design. • Test planning and execution prior to the live deployment of system updates. Key Achievements: • Launch of pilot service to select number of regular users. I planned and implemented the migration and communication plan for a pilot group of users onto the new service, before performing customer research to enable post-launch improvements to be planned and implemented. Show less

Project Management Consultant

• Feb 2010 - Oct 2010

Consulting Project Manager on system integration for comparison site. Consulting Project Manager on system integration for comparison site.

Project Management Consultant

• Oct 2009 - Feb 2010

Consulting Project Manager redesigning website for pensions specialist. Consulting Project Manager redesigning website for pensions specialist.

Manager and Chef

• Jul 2008 - Jun 2009

Pub Manager responsible for renovation and running of country pub. Pub Manager responsible for renovation and running of country pub.

Senior Account Manager

• Mar 2005 - Jul 2008

- Delivering targeted sales revenue and traffic volume through acquisition and management of provider and partner relationships - Account management including monthly invoicing, client reporting and regular face-to-face contact - Part of agile project management team; involved in all aspects including system test planning and execution - Prospecting to new clients and working with development team to deliver timely, high quality technical solutions to partners as required - Setting… Show more - Delivering targeted sales revenue and traffic volume through acquisition and management of provider and partner relationships - Account management including monthly invoicing, client reporting and regular face-to-face contact - Part of agile project management team; involved in all aspects including system test planning and execution - Prospecting to new clients and working with development team to deliver timely, high quality technical solutions to partners as required - Setting up and maintaining external relationships with 3rd party companies providing services to customers via the website - Managing multiple partners including Microsoft and Virgin Media - SEO and PPC management - Received annual sales/management achievement award, presented at the company annual conference Show less - Delivering targeted sales revenue and traffic volume through acquisition and management of provider and partner relationships - Account management including monthly invoicing, client reporting and regular face-to-face contact - Part of agile project management team; involved in all aspects including system test planning and execution - Prospecting to new clients and working with development team to deliver timely, high quality technical solutions to partners as required - Setting… Show more - Delivering targeted sales revenue and traffic volume through acquisition and management of provider and partner relationships - Account management including monthly invoicing, client reporting and regular face-to-face contact - Part of agile project management team; involved in all aspects including system test planning and execution - Prospecting to new clients and working with development team to deliver timely, high quality technical solutions to partners as required - Setting up and maintaining external relationships with 3rd party companies providing services to customers via the website - Managing multiple partners including Microsoft and Virgin Media - SEO and PPC management - Received annual sales/management achievement award, presented at the company annual conference Show less

Assistant Content Manager

• Sep 2003 - Mar 2005

- Managing day-to-day relationship with clients such as Microsoft and NTL - Change request management and data quality checking - Site statistics management using Webtrends - Domain name management including resolution of legal issues - Creating and maintaining relationships with new and existing partners - Supporting sales team as required - Managing day-to-day relationship with clients such as Microsoft and NTL - Change request management and data quality checking - Site statistics management using Webtrends - Domain name management including resolution of legal issues - Creating and maintaining relationships with new and existing partners - Supporting sales team as required

Customer Service Executive

• Apr 2001 - Aug 2003

Recruitment Consultant

• Dec 2000 - Apr 2001

Recruitment consultant filling job roles including lorry drivers, fork-lift operators and warehouse staff. Involved both sales calls to get jobs on the books, interviewing candidates and ensuring clients were happy with the whole process. Recruitment consultant filling job roles including lorry drivers, fork-lift operators and warehouse staff. Involved both sales calls to get jobs on the books, interviewing candidates and ensuring clients were happy with the whole process.

Team Leader

• Oct 1998 - Dec 2000

Working for the Fiat and Alfa Romeo account. Dealt with customer service type calls as well as supervising a team of 10 and performing some project management role work. Working for the Fiat and Alfa Romeo account. Dealt with customer service type calls as well as supervising a team of 10 and performing some project management role work.