September Team Update

Published on September 18, 2026 by Blackstone

September has been a slightly unusual month in the office, with various members of the team either travelling, recovering or preparing to disappear overseas for remarkably short periods of time!

Gareth goes International

Gareth has been invited to Athens to speak to an international audience of financial planners about how we’re using technology and automation within the business.

A particular focus will be how Gareth records client meetings and uses meeting note-taking technology to summarise what’s been discussed and, perhaps more importantly, make sure he actually does the things he’s said he’s going to do!

It’s a good example of technology doing something genuinely useful – reducing time spent writing notes, making sure nothing gets forgotten and allowing more time to focus on clients.

Where’s Louise when you need her?

Back in the office, Louise has been away for much of September. As she’s normally the first port of call for many clients when they telephone, she has definitely been missed. We’re looking forward to having her back.

Sheneen’s on the mend

Sheneen, meanwhile, has had her second knee operation and is currently recovering. We hope her recovery continues to go well and look forward to welcoming her back later in the year.

Milan and back before bedtime?!

Finally, Josie is taking the concept of a day trip to another level. On Saturday 19 September, she’s heading to Milan with some friends on an “extreme day trip” – leaving in the early hours of the morning, spending the day in Italy and arriving home again before midnight.

Quite what possesses anyone to travel all the way to Milan without even staying the night is baffling, but we hope she has a brilliant day!

Autumn Budget Briefing:

The Autumn Budget takes place on 28 October, and, as usual, there is likely to be plenty of coverage before and after the Chancellor gets to their feet.

Rather than trying to digest all the headlines and speculation, we’ll be holding a Virtual Budget Briefing at 10.30 Wednesday 4 November, where we’ll dissect what has actually been announced and, more importantly, what it might mean for you and your finances.

We’ll look at the key changes affecting areas such as tax, pensions, investments and financial planning, separating the things that genuinely matter from some of the inevitable noise.

More details on how to join us will follow shortly, but for now, please put 10.30 Wednesday 4 November in your diary.