Training, coaching
The Investment Association (IA) is the leading trade body for the UK investment management industry, providing a collective voice for investors and businesses and boasting a 250-strong membership base managing £10 trillion AUM.
In the summer of 2025, the IA announced a strategic partnership with Streets Consulting to deliver its professional skills training programme. These new courses are designed to provide the essential soft skills that professionals in membership firms increasingly need, for personal development and professional growth, whatever their career stage.
In an era defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the demand for uniquely human attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and collaboration has surged. The latest World Economic Forum “Future of Jobs Report 2025“ highlights a significant skills gap, with 63% of employers identifying it as a major barrier to business transformation. 2024 data from LinkedIn showed that 9 out of 10 global executives agree that soft skills are more important than ever, listing communication as the most ‘in-demand’ skill, with leadership, management, teamwork and problem solving all listed in the top ten.
This partnership directly addresses these needs, providing up-to-date, accessible and effective training, tailored specifically for the IA’s membership.
Gillian Painter, Director of Membership, Enterprises, Marketing & Engine at the Investment Association, said: “As the investment management industry continues to evolve rapidly, particularly with advancements in AI and technology, the demand for human capability and professional skills has never been greater.
We are committed to fostering a resilient and adaptable workforce across the sector, and this partnership with Streets Consulting responds to a strong demand from our members. Members have called on us to help them invest in their talent, just one key reason why we see so much demand for our courses. Specifically, right now there is a clear call for training in critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills, yet taking days out for residential leadership programmes is a real challenge.
We are delighted to offer these training courses, shaped by Streets Consulting specifically with our members’ needs in mind.”
Streets Consulting worked with the IA to design a professional skills training programme focused on adding value at different career stages, offering targeted courses for three professional tiers starting in September 2025.
The training builds on the previous coaching and mentoring that Streets Consulting delivered for the IA’s Engine accelerator programme over the last 5 years and the recent launch of SoftSkillingIt, an online course created by Julia Streets, MBE, Founder and CEO of Streets Consulting to help individuals master the soft skills essential for career success, whether they are just starting, growing as a rising professional or leading with experience.
The programme streams include:
1 ) A one-day workshop on Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence and Communications Skills, targeted at emerging professionals
The course covers: defining critical thinking; learning practical problem-solving skills; breaking down complex problems; dealing with high-pressure situations; exploring frameworks to identify issues beyond the symptoms; understanding and managing emotional intelligence; learning the foundations of effective communication and more. The content was structured to be focused, impactful, enjoyable, and memorable, incorporating bonus materials to extend learning beyond the training day.
2 ) A three-part Leadership Bootcamp, targeted at expert practitioners
The bootcamp series is designed to help participants gain vital skills and insights to excel in leadership, with threads running throughout the sessions focused on understanding oneself as a leader, drawing from multiple frameworks/models, and dedicated reflection.
3 ) A workshop on How to be Great on Stage, targeted at expert practitioners
This is a professional skills training session focused on public speaking, panel participation, hosting, and moderating. Organised into three parts, the session covers the key qualities of great panellists and moderators; specifics like body language and delivery ‘dos and don’ts’; tips and techniques on how to use a microphone well; and incorporates practical exercises and Q&A segments.
