Three learning lights in the equity release market will be using their presentations at Bridgewater’s Equity Release Advice Masterclass in Bristol next month to outline how equity release advisers can make the most of current opportunities by establishing a greater marketing presence with potential clients and introducers.

Peter Barton of Ashford’s Solicitors, Peter Welch of Touchstone Equifax and Chris Prior of Bridgewater will also be looking behind the growing business levels equity release has seen throughout 2014 and will help attendees understand where the growing demand is coming from and how they can put their services in the local shop window.

Bridgewater’s Bristol Masterclass will be held on Tuesday 18th November at Ashford’s Solicitors, Bristol Tower Wharf, Cheese Lane, Bristol BS2 0JJ.

Peter Barton will be reviewing the complicated legal aspects involved in equity release cases, with a particular focus on lenders’ changing legal requirements and how this operates in practice.

Meanwhile, Peter Welch will highlight the hidden gems of data to help advisers target, acquire and advise equity release customers.

In addition, Chris Prior will look at the equity release market as it stands including the latest statistics and a look at what plans are being used for, plus he will also show advisers how they can branch out into other areas of later life advice to provide a more holistic service.

The Masterclass will begin at 9.30am for a 10am start and will finish at 12.30pm. Lunch will be provided allowing delegates the opportunity to network with other advisers and speakers.

Prior, who is manager, sales and distribution at Bridgewater Equity Release, said: “This is a changing time for both the equity release market and the retirement sector in particular with activity increasing and the demand for advice growing.

“The Government’s changes to pensions, the ‘interest-only time bomb’, the pullback in State support for retirees, plus the growing number of financial responsibilities for individuals, mean that more and more homeowners are looking at releasing equity from their property in order to meet their commitments.

“This is why the experts appearing at our Masterclass sessions are urging equity release advisers to ‘get visible’ around their local and regional areas in order to develop more introducer relationships and get their services out to a wider audience. There are many professionals in the financial services marketplace who are not active in equity release but see plenty of clients who might be suitable for the products – it is therefore important that advisers establish these quality relationships whilst at the same time being a visible presence directly with those retired individuals who might be looking to supplement their retirement income.

“Our Masterclass heads to Bristol next month and we would urge any advisers active in the South West to come along and hear how they can help develop their business proposition.”