1 Dec 2009

The National Skills Academy for Financial Services launches in the West Midlands

Last Thursday evening education charity, the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS), held its official launch event in the West Midlands, at the Millennium Point in Birmingham, bringing employers, training providers and students in the region together. Pictures are available of the event. The event highlighted NSAFS’s work facilitating education and skills development in financial services across the West Midlands.

Dan Williams, a former insurance apprentice, now a helpdesk co-ordinator at JLT Online, communicated the value of the modern apprenticeship scheme: “The ability to gain a role in a recognised company, and train for a qualification at the same time were of great benefit to me, helping me cement my knowledge base, skills set and professional experience.”

Guests heard from speakers across the financial services spectrum, with Craig Errington, Chairman of the NSAFS’ West Midlands Board and Chief Executive of the Birmingham-based Wesleyan Group – a key financial services employer in the area – kicking off proceedings from the employers’ perspective.

Paul Lewis, the freelance journalist and author, best known as a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Money Box’ programme delivered the keynote address which set the scene from the consumers’ point of view.

Paul said: “There is an increasing need for greater transparency in the financial advice sector, the financial advisers of tomorrow need to provide consumers with information which is unbiased by commission or fee prospects.”

See more photos from the West Midlands Launch.

For more information please contact: Sarah Evans Toyne or Saira Khan (Broadgate Mainland) 020 7726 6111 or email nsafs@broadgatemainland.com.

Notes to Editors

1 The National Skills Academy for Financial Services is a registered charity which was created with the express purpose of delivering world-class education and training aligned with employer needs in the financial services industry to people of all age groups and learning backgrounds, helping them to prepare for and develop financial services careers.

2 The event was held at the Millennium Point in Birmingham the city’s flagship millennium project built to encourage science, technology and education in and around the city.

3 Guests at the launch included key employers, training providers, students from Birmingham Metropolitan College and senior members of the regional and national team at NSAFS including Sylvia Perrins, CEO of NSAFS and Beverley McGillycuddy, NSAFS Regional director for the West Midlands.