Financial Skills That Actually Matter

Most people think they need a finance degree to understand money. That's not true – but you do need proper guidance and realistic expectations about the learning process.

We've spent years working with individuals who want to improve their financial decision-making. Some come with spreadsheets already built. Others barely know where their money goes each month. Both groups can benefit from structured learning.

Our autumn 2025 programmes start accepting applications in March. These aren't quick fixes or weekend workshops. They're six to twelve-month commitments designed for people serious about understanding personal and business finance.

Choose Your Starting Point

Different backgrounds need different approaches. We've organized our programmes around where you are now, not where you wish you were.

Foundation Track

For those who've avoided looking at their finances too closely. We start with budgeting basics, move through debt management, and end with simple investment concepts. No judgment about past financial decisions.

8 months, starting September 2025

Business Finance Track

Designed for small business owners who handle their own books. Cash flow forecasting, tax planning, and financial reporting that actually helps you make decisions. Assumes you already understand basic accounting.

10 months, starting October 2025

Investment Principles Track

Not about hot stock tips. We cover portfolio theory, risk assessment, and long-term planning strategies. Requires solid understanding of financial basics before starting.

12 months, starting November 2025

What The Learning Process Looks Like

We're transparent about what you're signing up for. Each programme follows a similar structure, though content varies based on track.

1

Assessment Phase

First month is diagnostic. We help you identify knowledge gaps and set realistic learning goals. This includes a financial literacy assessment – not graded, just informative.

You'll also meet your cohort. Small groups work better than massive online courses where nobody knows each other.

2

Core Content Delivery

Months two through six cover fundamental concepts. Weekly sessions combine recorded content with live discussions. Expect homework – applying concepts to your own finances or business.

Some people fall behind here. That's normal. We offer catch-up sessions, but you need to put in the work.

3

Practical Application

Final months focus on implementation. You'll create financial plans, budgets, or forecasts based on real scenarios. Feedback comes from instructors with actual industry experience.

This phase separates people who want certificates from those who want skills. Both are fine – just be honest about your goals.

4

Ongoing Support

After programme completion, you get six months of alumni access. Monthly office hours, updated resources, and peer networking opportunities.

We can't guarantee specific outcomes, but we can offer continued learning support as your situation evolves.

Financial planning workspace with documents and charts

Learning Environment That Works

We've tried various formats over the years. Pure online courses have high dropout rates. Fully in-person programmes exclude people outside Bristol. Our current hybrid model seems to balance accessibility with accountability.

Sessions happen Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. You need to attend at least 70% live to get full programme benefits, though recordings are available.

  • Small cohorts of 12-15 participants for meaningful interaction
  • Mix of live workshops and self-paced material for flexibility
  • Direct instructor access during designated office hours
  • Real-world case studies from United Kingdom financial contexts

Who Leads These Programmes

Portrait of Crispin Aldworth

Crispin Aldworth

Foundation Track Lead

"I spent fifteen years as a debt advisor before teaching. People need practical tools, not lectures about financial responsibility they've already heard."

Portrait of Briony Keswick

Briony Keswick

Business Finance Track Lead

"Small business owners wear too many hats. I help them understand their numbers without needing to become accountants themselves."