What’s it really like to go through an acquisition and come out the other side stronger?

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, we sit down with David Hulland, Partner and former adviser at Brian Mole, who shares his honest experience of being acquired by Foster Denovo.

Rather than a job move or a fresh start, this was a full-scale transition, professionally and emotionally. David opens up about what it was like to go from smaller advice firm to integrating into a larger advisory business through an acquisition.

We explore the real life challenges that come with an acquisition, the uncertainty, the questions, and the shift in culture but also the surprising upsides; the support, the structure, and the renewed energy that came with being part of something bigger.

Now firmly embedded within Foster Denovo, David reflects on the impact it’s had on him, his clients, and his outlook.

🎧 In this episode:

• What it’s really like to be part of an acquisition
• Why Foster Denovo stood out with their support
• How the transition affected clients, team and culture
• What life looks like now as an adviser at Foster Denovo
• Advice for advisers facing change and uncertainty

How do you build a culture where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to do their best work?

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Louise Blair, Director of People and Culture, shares how the firm approaches culture, wellbeing, and talent in a fast-evolving financial services environment.

Louise speaks openly about the challenges and opportunities of driving cultural change, from improving internal communication to redefining what employee wellbeing really looks like.

She also unpacks the firm’s journey with belonging and inclusion, and why creating a sense of safety is essential for innovation and high performance.

🎧 In this episode:

• How Foster Denovo has redefined its approach to wellbeing
• What “belonging” means in a modern financial firm
• The evolving role of HR in post-pandemic workplace culture
• Why wellbeing is the foundation for performance
• Leadership lessons from inside a values-led business

Whether you're leading a team, or looking to evolve your firm’s internal culture, this episode offers real insight into the people-first principles behind Foster Denovo’s success.

Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions an adviser can make and Ian Little has done just that.

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, Ian shares the journey behind selling his financial advisory business and why Foster Denovo was the right partner for the next chapter.

From the emotional side of letting go to the strategic benefits of joining a larger firm, Ian reflects on what really matters in a successful sale and how Foster Denovo supported his team, preserved his brand, and delivered on what was promised.

He talks about:

• The key considerations when selling an advice firm
• Why cultural alignment more important than commercial terms
• How Foster Denovo helped him retain his identity while gaining national-level support
• The future he sees for the business, his clients, and his career

If you're an adviser thinking about your next move, whether you're planning ahead or actively exploring your options then this episode is essential listening.

🎧 In this episode:

• Selling a financial advice business and what to expect
• Making the right decision for your clients and team
• How Foster Denovo integrates firms while maintaining culture
• Advice for others approaching a sale or transition

In this episode of Foster Denovo Talks, COO Helen Lovett sits down with host’s Helena and Nikos to reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and innovation.

Helen shares:

• Insights into Foster Denovo’s seven recent acquisitions and how the firm integrates new Partners (advisers) while maintaining cultural alignment.
• The emergence of new roles and career opportunities for people across the business.
• The firm’s pragmatic approach to technology and AI, focusing on how automation helps teams focus on high-value human work.
• A forward-looking discussion about the future of financial advice and what’s next for the Foster Denovo group.

If you’re an adviser, or curious about how progressive organisations evolve, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to gain insight into:

• Strategic firm integration and cultural fit
• AI's role in financial services
• Career progression within a growing firm
• The vision for the future of Foster Denovo