Becoming a Practice Principal is one of the biggest career transitions an adviser can make. It’s a move that goes far beyond technical advice skills, requiring commercial confidence, leadership capability, strategic thinking and a clear vision for growth.
The Route to Principal (R2P) – Hybrid Connect programme has been designed to support exactly that transition, equipping advisers with the knowledge, mindset and practical tools needed to successfully launch, acquire or lead an advice business within The Openwork Partnership.
What is Route to Principal (R2P)?
Route to Principal (R2P) is a 10‑month, CPD‑accredited development programme that combines face‑to‑face learning, virtual sessions, eLearning and mentoring. It provides a structured, end‑to‑end learning journey that takes advisers from aspiration to confidence as a business owner and leader.
Delivered by expert trainers from the Openwork Business School, alongside experienced Practice Principals and internal/external subject‑matter experts, R2P focuses on the real‑world challenges of building and running a successful advice firm, not just the theory.
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and allows delegates to claim up to 60 CPD hours, reflecting the depth, quality and professional value of the learning experience.
Firm Development Manager, Douglas Barrow says: “We have evolved the programme over the last two years to allow it to be as accessible as possible to all future principals. We are hugely grateful to the experienced principals that give up their time to support the next generation.
We have a diverse mix of recently graduated principals to those with 30-plus years' experience in the business to give a rounded account of lessons learnt, dos and don'ts and ideas on how to run all types of successful financial businesses.”
“The biggest impact the programme has had on me is the real-life experience it provided as I learned a lot from others in the group. It gave me deeper insight into the realities of running a business, particularly what it truly means to be a Practice Principal of a financial firm.”
A practical, business‑focused learning journey
R2P is built around seven core modules, each designed to reflect the key stages of building a sustainable advice business:
- The Vision of Success – defining your ‘why’, leadership style and long‑term vision
- It Starts With You – understanding personal brand, the different aspects of being a business owner and business structure
- Think Client – developing a practical, compliant marketing strategy that drives engagement and growth
- Know Your Numbers – gaining confidence in financial management, cash flow, profitability and decision‑making
- Working On Your Business – building efficient processes, culture and sustainable growth plans
- The Team – recruiting, developing and retaining high‑performing teams
- Ready to Confidently Go! – pulling everything together into a robust, real‑world business overview
Learning is delivered through a blended format, including face‑to‑face sessions, virtual workshops, post‑session eLearning, support and challenge sessions, and optional one‑to‑one mentoring. This structure allows advisers to apply what they’re learning directly to their own business plans as the programme progresses.
"Giving the space and time for Principals to work “on” not just “in” their businesses is crucial for long term success. Bringing together like-minded people (even if their businesses are completely different), so support each other, help them through the hard times and celebrate success is the backbone of our programme.” - Douglas Barrow
Who is the Route to Principal programme for?
R2P has been specifically designed for Openwork advisers who are either:
- Planning to transition from Adviser to Principal within the next 18 months, or
- Have become an Openwork Principal within the last 18 months
If you’re an adviser who is technically strong but wants greater confidence in areas such as leadership, marketing, financial management, recruitment or strategic planning, R2P provides the missing link between being a great adviser and becoming a successful business owner.
More than a course - a network for the future
One of the most powerful aspects of R2P is the peer network it creates. Delegates consistently highlight the value of learning alongside like‑minded advisers who are on the same journey, sharing challenges, ideas and support.
Participants also gain access to experienced Practice Principals and Openwork experts who bring practical insight, real examples and honest perspectives, helping delegates avoid common pitfalls and accelerate progress.
“Because of the relationships that have been made and the ongoing support that the delegates and experts give to each other; the programme doesn’t finish on the last day. We are dedicated not just to creating graduates but principals that can build, grow and lead their firms into the future. This means their clients have a safe and trusted home for their financial needs. We have also created an Alumni, where we facilitate events and ongoing training to allow graduates to meet across cohorts.” - Douglas Barrow
“Through the programme, I learned that being a business owner is not just about technical knowledge, but about leadership, responsibility, decision-making, and managing risk. It exposed me to the practical challenges and day-to-day realities that you don’t always see from the outside.”
Why Route to Principal matters
Launching or taking over a practice without the right preparation can be overwhelming. R2P helps advisers step into the Principal role with clarity, confidence and capability, ensuring they’re equipped not just to start a business, but to lead one successfully for the long term.
By the end of the programme, delegates leave with:
- A clear leadership identity and business vision
- A robust, practical business plan
- Greater commercial and financial confidence
- A strong peer and professional support network
“The programme has had a significant impact on both my professional development and business aspirations. It provided insight into the realities of running a business and highlighted the practical responsibilities, challenges, and leadership expectations involved in becoming a Practice Principal.”
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re thinking about becoming a Practice Principal, or have recently taken that step, Route to Principal offers a proven, supportive pathway to help you succeed.
Advisers can join the programme by speaking to their Partnership Development Manager or by contacting the Openwork Business School for more information.