Headline Sponsor CTT Group

Returning for a second year to headline sponsor the awards, CTT Group has proven itself time and again as a leading voice in support of the industry.

For over twenty years, CTT has been a unique support mechanism—empowering advisers with estate planning knowledge and digital tools for successful business growth.

But what does this mean in practice? We take a deeper look into what makes CTT tick and how their ethos has revolutionised the way we think about estate planning →

KNOWLEDGE

CTT Group operates under the adage that “knowledge is power” and provides some of the finest estate planning training available in the UK. Their courses and webinars are accessible remotely, allowing advisers to learn at their own pace and to their own schedule.

Their cutting-edge training portal gives easy access to members and non-members alike and courses are structured from foundation to specialist topics so that anyone can benefit: expert or novice.

As advisers to the professional adviser community, CTT offers a huge range of support services, from document checking and processing to 24/7 advice and case referrals. CTT members can also tap into the expertise and services of their strategic partners: CTT Accountancy, CTT Private Client and CTT Law.

TOOLS

Because of CTT’s commitment to utilising the latest in technological innovation for their members, they have transferred the entire estate planning journey for clients and their customers into the digital realm.

Transforming what it means to be an estate planner with CTT’s tools—like their Legacy Software for members and the Legacy Portal app for their clients, delivering streamlined Fact Find forms and creating personalised digital reports, detailing all the financial products suitable for customers—is as easy as a couple clicks of a button or taps on a smartphone!

One of their most recent and exciting developments is in embracing the AI revolution, using AI avatars to create educational videos for clients and their appointees to empower their estate planning choices and drive new referrals.

Learn about Legacy Portal →

GROWTH

Adapting to the changes in this industry is of the utmost importance if you want to survive; “Digitise or Die” is a key mantra of CTT Group’s Director of Partnerships, Jonathan Maskew. Jonathan and his Partnership Team specialise in giving advisers what they need to digitise their entire client journeys, grow their business and ensure success.

Whether you’re looking to start an estate planning business, grow your current one or diversify your advisory services into estate planning, the Partnership Team are on hand to help. Starting with a 1:1 consultation, they will strive to fully understand your business needs, offer exemplary client services and help make the most of your membership.

MEET THE TEAM

Andrew Houston

Andrew Houston

Managing Director of CTT Group

A gap-year placement with an investment management firm changed Andrew Houston’s career path forever. Now a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment with over 32 years in the wealth management sector, Managing Director of CTT Group Andrew thrives on the daily challenges that inspire him to lead his team and his clients to achieve their goals.

His wealth of industry experience, combined with the teambuilding and leadership skills he’s gained from his days on the rugby pitch, make him the ideal person to captain CTTC into its next phase of development.

Bob Massey

Bob Massey

Co-Founder & Director of CTT Group

Began his career in 1983 as a Financial Adviser, and eventually becoming the youngest manager for L&G at 29, Bob is no stranger to excelling at work. He has the expertise, attitude, and skills to build teams of likeminded and talented individuals that are guaranteed to exceed clients’ expectations.

In fact, exceeding expectations is something Bob prides himself on and he leads by example, continuing to work as an IFA and a Practising Trust and Estate Planner, building those trusted relationships that are the lifeblood of the industry.

As a Founder and Director of CTT, Bob guided the company to become a nationally recognised centre for wealth and asset protection.

Clive Ponder

Clive Ponder

Co-Founder & Director of CTT Group

Starting his career with a degree in mining engineering, and substantial success as a member of the National Coal Board, Clive couldn’t have had a more different initial career from where he now resides as the director of CTT.

Proving that this industry is open to people from any professional background, with any skillset, Clive flourished when, after a career change in his late 30’s, he joined a company taking instructions for wills and associated documents.

Recognising a gap in the market he helped to set up CTT over 20 years ago and the rest is history.

Spencer Tattam

Spencer Tattam

Technical Director of CTT Group

Since 2017, Spencer has been bringing exciting technical innovations to CTT. With over a decade of experience as a Financial Adviser he has focused on building a reputation for his technical expertise and loves nothing more than sharing his extensive knowledge with others.

As a renowned presenter, Spencer uses his status as a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates to deliver training to members of CTT.

Heavily involved in the technical development of CTT’s Legacy Software, he enjoys nothing more than furthering the development of his colleagues as well as providing the tools for them to excel as advisers.

Charlotte Ponder

Charlotte Ponder

Legal Director of CTT Group

Charlotte was appointed as the Legal Director in 2017 and plays a pivotal role in overseeing risk management and anti-money laundering compliance. She became a full TEP in 2017 following her completion of the STEP Diploma in Advising Vulnerable Clients. Charlotte regularly speaks at industry events and attends meetings with key stakeholders in the legal sector such as the Law Commission.

She was a member of the Industry Working Group (IWG) on Electronic Execution of Documents established by the Ministry of Justice, a 3 year appointment looking at increasing confidence and reliance on the electronic execution of documents across law and industry. The Group’s Final Report was published in February 2023.

Charlotte is passionate about encouraging others to follow careers in Private Client, Legal Tech and Legal Project Management and has taken part in events at local high schools, colleges and universities to highlight the diverse range of roles available.

Jonathan Maskew

Jonathan Maskew

Director of Partnerships at CTT Group

For 25 years, Jonathan managed barristers in chambers, introducing industry-leading technology to smooth processes and improve communication. He has experience working with clerks, chambers’ directors, lawyers, estate planners, and legal firms; now, he’s sharing his unique skillset and industry insight with CTT Group.

Jonathan’s industry knowledge and cutting-edge approach to Legal Services Innovation is instrumental in delivering CTT’s digital offering to our advisers. His holistic, hands-on approach to helping clients and change management makes him a huge asset to our members.