Foresight: VCTs Theory to Practice - Overcoming Common Client Objections

As clients continue to seek alternatives to pensions and traditional tax wrappers, Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) are becoming a far more mainstream planning tool. But while demand is increasing, many advisers still face challenges when positioning VCTs, particularly around risk, liquidity, and suitability.

In this interactive session, Foresight moves beyond the theory and focuses on real-world client conversations. Explore three of the most common planning scenarios where VCTs play a strong role, and you’ll see a step-by-step demonstration of how to address typical objections in each case, from concerns about volatility and exit options to questions on value, charges, and long-term performance.

With tax relief changes arriving in 2026, unpack why VCTs remain relevant, which clients will benefit most, and how advisers can position the opportunity confidently and compliantly.

‍Learning Objectives:

• Understand why VCTs are becoming a more mainstream planning solution for a wider cohort of investors.
• Confidently handle client objections and challenges using practical, tested conversation language.
• Identify client planning opportunities and access a toolkit to support VCT positioning in real client meetings.

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Marlborough: The 2026 outlook
The Marlborough team will present their 2026 outlook and highlight the key themes they expect for the year. They will then provide an overview of the bespoke discretionary offering. Finally, the Portfolio Manager will share live case studies, focusing on clients in the decumulation phase of their lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyse the 2026 market outlook and evaluate whether recent market trends can sustain their momentum.
• Understand the principles of curating bespoke mandates to deliver tailored investment solutions.
• Delve into decumulation strategies and understand why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work.

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Marloo: How AI is transforming IHT planning for financial advisers

Inheritance tax is one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of financial advice - and with recent Budget changes bringing more estates into scope, demand for IHT planning has never been higher. But delivering high-quality, personalised IHT advice at scale remains a challenge for most firms.

In this session, Jack Allington - a Chartered Financial Planner now leading product at Marloo - will share practical ways advisers and paraplanners can use AI to enhance their IHT planning process. From capturing complex family structures in client meetings to drafting clear suitability letters that explain trust arrangements, Jack will demonstrate real examples of how AI can help firms deliver better IHT outcomes without adding to the admin burden.

Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already experimenting, you'll leave with actionable ideas you can apply immediately.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand where AI can support the IHT advice process, from initial meeting through to recommendation.
• See practical examples of AI-assisted documentation for trust and estate planning scenarios.
• Know how to get started with AI in a way that strengthens (not complicates) your compliance approach.