Welcome

Welcome to the second edition of The Researcher. With the last edition we told you about our data development plans & survey ideas. This second edition includes an update on these developments; some hints and tips to help you when using Update Manager; details of our newly launched Synopsis report and a chance to get to know some members of the Synaptic team!

Did you know...

That in 2008, on average IFAs selected 9 features during the investment bond research process before selecting a contract? If you would like to know the most frequently selected features, or sectors and ranking options; typical contribution amounts; age and status of investors, or the chances of your product surviving the research process and being selected, then you will need a copy of our Synopsis report. Further details are below.

In this edition...

• Synopsis reports
  Synaptic launched its new Synopsis service in February with the first edition focusing on investment bonds. Synopsis discloses the research and selection behaviour of IFAs to give providers a true insight to the effectiveness of their product offerings.
  
  If you are interested in this particular Synopsis report, entitled Investment bonds: a look back over 2008, please click the button below for further details. The introductory price period has been extended until the end of March.
  
  If you would be interested in receiving a Synopsis report for other product areas, please contact research@synaptic.co.uk.
  
  
  
  Back to the top
  
  
• Hints and tips
  When logging into Update Manager please ensure that you are selecting the correct company name from the list, above the login fields, as this will default as unselected when using a new PC or if the security settings on a PC have changed!
  
  
  
  N.B. Your company specific password will not change unless you ask us to do so!
  
  Back to the top
  
  
• Adviser services
  In the last edition, we requested your feedback on questions you would like to ask.
  
  We have received some ideas around facilitating ‘adviser services’ within our IFA research tools. As a result, we are considering the development of an adviser services area to accompany your company description and contact details. We’ve listed below some examples of the services that could be included in this area but would appreciate knowing what services you offer and/or what you would like to see available. Since the responses may vary with different product types, we also need to know whether you would be happy to verify this data with us on a regular basis?
  
  Commission details
  Commission reconciliation
  Online case tracking
  Online applications
  Online quotations
  Online transactions
  Provider extranet
  Risk Profiling
  Average case time (NB)
  Average case time (claims)
  
  If you have any other ideas for consideration, please email your suggested questions to research@synaptic.co.uk.
  
  Back to the top
  
  
• Synaptic data developments
  Our previous edition listed the topics being considered for investigation during 2009. Some of the areas that have been progressed include:
  
  Group SIPP - We have been in touch with relevant providers to collate information and hope to conclude our findings at the end of this month. Participating providers will be contacted at that time with details on how these products will be represented. Early indications are that a separate module is not required and that this may be accommodated using feature filtering.
  
  Life settlement trusts - Having pursued relevant providers, our feedback suggests that representing these specialised products should be deferred for the time being. This will be reviewed again in the future.
  
  Thank you for your feedback. As ever, please feel free to forward any ideas to the team by emailing research@synaptic.co.uk.
  
  Back to the top
  
  
• Meet the team
  
  

  Anita White Provider Business Development Manager anita.white@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? In Partnership. If you could have a super power what would it be? Mind reading. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Margaret Thatcher. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? No taxes. Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Robbie Williams and Robbie Williams If you could have invented something what would it have been? Treadmill. If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? A bicycle.

  Ellen Ashcroft Research and Product Development Manager ellen.ashcroft@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? AXA in the fact find vetting department – affectionately known as the business prevention squad. If you could have a super power what would it be? I could do with being able to teleport (and take people with me) – at least for the school run and to get me to work in the morning. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? I’d like to meet my grandfather on my dad’s side – I was a baby when he died so never got to know him. If you could be a 'fly on the wall' anywhere where would it be? Oh that's very dangerous – there are some things you are just not supposed to know. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? Bring back capital punishment!! Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Brad Pitt and Robert Pattinson - totally gorgeous. If you could have invented something what would it have been? Heated toilet seats. If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? Can I still teleport? Ok mobile phone then or better still helicopter complete with pilot.

  Andrew Pilkington Senior Research Analyst andrew.pilkington@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? NFU Mutual 1991 to 1999, before that Aubrey Allen butchers! If you could have a super power what would it be? To freeze time. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Fidel Castro. If you could be a 'fly on the wall' anywhere where would it be? First moon landing. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? I'd ban any drivers for life who hog the middle lane or block traffic by parking on "Keep Clear" signs. Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Stephen Fry and Sir Bobby Robson. If you could have invented something what would it have been? A shorter working week. If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? A boat.

  Anne O'Brien Senior Research Analyst anne.o'brien@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? Allen Construction. If you could have a super power what would it be? Invisibility. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? Nelson Mandela. If you could be a 'fly on the wall' anywhere where would it be? 31 August 1997, Limo Ritz Hotel Paris. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? Extra bank holiday. Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Lance Armstrong and Alan Davies. If you could have invented something what would it have been? World Wide Web. If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? Survival guide.

  Sean Casey Research Analyst sean.casey@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? AXA. If you could have a super power what would it be? Foresight. Actually, in hindsight, the ability to time travel. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? David Hasslehoff. If you could be a 'fly on the wall' anywhere where would it be? At Jimi Hendrix's house, circa September 1970. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? I would extend my contract. Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Jim Morrison and 'H' from Steps. If you could have invented something what would it have been? Cat’s Eyes (road markings). If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? James Cook.

  Mark Davis Research Analyst mark.davis5@capita.co.uk Where were you working before you joined Capita Financial Software? Homeless Hostel prior to that AXA. If you could have a super power what would it be? Be able to fly. Which historical figure would you most like to meet? William Shakespeare. If you could be a 'fly on the wall' anywhere where would it be? The White House. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do/change? Reduce the length of the working week. Name two people you would like to have dinner with? Agatha Christie and Stella Rimington. If you could have invented something what would it have been? Alcohol. If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring with you? Sun Tan Lotion.

  
  Back to the top
  
  
• Send this to a colleague
  This service is supplied exclusively to product providers. If you would like us to add any colleagues to this distribution list, please click here and complete the form provided.
  
  Back to the top
  
  

Capita Financial Software
Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road
Coventry CV1 2FJ

Tel: +44 (0) 2476 632884
Fax: +44 (0) 2476 839701

Email: research@synaptic.co.uk
Web: www.synaptic.co.uk

© 2008 Capita Financial Software. All rights reserved.
Capita Financial Software, Eaton House, 1 Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2FJ.
Registered in England number 3136234.
Registered office: The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4TU. Part of the Capita Group Plc.