Money Marketing Personality of the Year 2000

Keith Popplewell runs his own training and consultancy practice. In addition to a wealth of experience designing and delivering training courses for corporate clients, Keith is a widely published author of articles and study manuals on financial planning advice and insurance

You don't simply attend a Keith Popplewell seminar. You experience it. He's a rare commodity in financial services: a whirlwind personality blended with razor sharp northern wit, delivered with a wide-eyed schoolboy charm almost daring you to take offence. He takes to the stage like a seasoned pro, all smiles and anecdotes, darting between three flip charts to illustrate his nuggets of wisdom.

Keith's presentations are punctuated by charismatic delivery. The truth is any man who can talk pensions for a day and still hold an audience's rapt attention deserves respect. Keith says "I wouldn't do a topic if I wasn't convinced I could add something to an IFA's business.

Humour plays a big part in his style. "I don't deliberately use humour, it's just the way I am. Over the years, the responses I've enjoyed most are 'he kept me awake'. On the face of it, that's not a compliment at all," he laughs. "But it's a reality."

Keith loves imparting his knowledge of financial services. He's known for his devotion to research and tirelessly networking with industry prime movers. His insider gems of knowledge keep IFAs coming back for more. "IFAs appreciate getting different angles on their business," he says.

"I try to give tips you can't find anywhere. Having this knowledge isn't a question of me being technically better than IFAs. It's just they haven't got the time to network themselves. "The reason I see familiar faces is because people know that, behind the technical detail, I'll give them a practical message. It's nice when people tell me they've used a tactic and it worked."