As one of the Principals of Templetons Financial, Eric has been involved in the general management of all facets of the business eg. mergers and acquisition. project management, human resource, strategic planning, management of business plans as well as system developments. In addition Eric works with a diverse range of blue chip multinational and Australian corporate / SME clients to help reduce financial stress at workplaces through Corporate Financial Wellness Programs, which includes a diverse range of Financial Literacy Programs as well as complimentary services employers and employees can access. As market research suggests, there is a strong connection between how financially stressed or well employees feel and their engagement and productivity in the workplace. So Templetons Financial helps employers develop and deliver innovative employee benefits through Financial Wellness Programs as a point of differentiation. The programs help employees gain clarity and confidence in their finances, which in turn improve their work performances, retention and mental health – helping businesses’ improve their long term profitability.Eric passionately believes financial advice can be done differently using innovation and technology. His goal is to help as many people gain knowledge, then be empowered to live the life they want through a combination of financial literacy with life coaching - giving them the wisdom to achieve financial wellness and the goals they have always aspired to. For more information on financial stress in Australian workplace, please download the AMP Financial Wellness Report.

The Advisory Board Centre supports Entrepreneurs through effective, commercially focused board structures and works with businesses to provide Advisory Board solutions that not only help to create healthy revenue streams, but peace of mind for evolving organisations that are ready to achieve their strategic vision.As a Recognised Expert / Advisor, we at Templetons Financial are specialists in the Financial Advisory sector working with Corporates / SMEs developing and implementing Corporate Financial Wellness Programs:Corporates / SMEs - from a financial perspective, we can advice on the following: - Interaction of business structures- Debt / cashflow management- Finance arrangements- Financial successions planning - Key person protection- Employer staff super arrangement- Ownership structuresEmployees - to promote financial wellness, we can provide the following services:- Financial literacy programs- Employee engagement sessions- Webinars and online learning modules - Goals based advice- Home loan and mortgage advice- Administration of staff super plan - Outplacement sessionsWe work with an exclusive, carefully selected team of Entrepreneurs, Advisors and Experts in building tailored Advisory Boards for growing businesses. Our core capabilities stretch from commercially focused advisory board structures, expert advice and enablement of considered goal realisation. For more information, please download the Advisory Board Centre White Paper.

Facilitated the successful mergers / acquisitions of financial advisory businesses under one dealer group, forming Camelot Group within 18 months in 2008 and drove the growth of the dealer group by being in 'partnership' with the adviser businesses. Change Management• Provided clear direction, leadership and development of Camelot Group to adviser businesses.• Drove business solutions with identification of process and efficiency improvements of front and back office systems and processes.• Ensured adviser businesses’ requirements and processes are aligned with Camelot Group.Operations• Reviewed administration processes and systems to increase efficiency in day to day operation• Provided human resource advice in recruitment, training and performance management.• Liaised with product and service providers to secure the best terms on behalf of Camelot Group.• Set-up a new division called Service Centre with 15 staff making appointments to drive adviser activities and servicing existing clients.Compliance• Identification of existing and new legislative compliance requirements.• Overseeing and updating compliance processes/strategies.• Liaised with adviser businesses, and relevant regulatory authorities regarding compliance and related issues.• Proactive management of all compliance requirements as mandated by advisory boardSales & Marketing• Designed and implemented marketing activities and servicing programs for Camelot Group’s existing clients.• Successfully initiated and launched KiwiSaver Adviser Model, a new concept focussing on selling and promoting Grosvenor KiwiSaver.• Created sales campaigns to increase adviser sales activities.• Reviewed sales processes and systems to increase efficiency.• Organised and conducted sales training for advisers.

Eric James & Associates had over 40 Risk and Medical Insurance Advisers from Auckland to Invercargill and over 80 telemarketers with 2 Call Centre Managers and 6 administration staff. It was one of the largest financial advisory business in NZ at the time. - Grew 100% organically without M&A - had approx 5,000 clients after 3 years - Turned over just under $2 million of new business every year after the first 12 months - Qualified for ING Life’s Overseas Business Convention in 2005 and 2006- Qualified for Tower Health & Life’s Overseas Business Convention in 2005 and 2006- Qualified for Fidelity Life’s Overseas Business Convention in 2005 and 2006- Developed proven sales systems and procedures for Risk and Medical Insurance Advisers to ensure company standards and compliance are adhered.