What is your role and what do you do day to day?

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Being both a Director and Financial Planner here at HCFP, it is fair to say that no two days are the same! They can vary significantly depending upon what is happening in the business at the time.

 

However, I do tend to have a number of client meetings each week, whether that be to review existing financial plans or to meet with individuals who are seeking advice and assistance from us for the first time. In the main, these are carried out in-person (my preferred choice!), but some may be via other means, such as by phone or virtual meetings. There are also ad-hoc client discussions whenever anything important may be happening in their lives or indeed with legislation by the present Government!

 

Being an independent firm, ongoing whole of market research has to be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that any recommended solutions remain appropriate and competitive with the wider market, so ongoing research is also part of a regular week.​

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How did you get into the profession? 

 

As is the case for many people in financial services, I hadn’t planned on joining the profession. After leaving University (foolishly thinking that I had taken my last exam!) I sought out an initial job, expecting that it may only be temporary whilst I look for my ‘forever role.’ One such opening was titled ‘IFA Administrator.’ Despite not knowing what an IFA was, the role looked appealing! After being fortunate enough to be given an opportunity in this role, I quickly saw the impact that the advisers were making in the lives of their clients. I was fortunate enough to work with some fantastic advisers, who were very progressive in their thinking, but also very kind with their time in terms of helping me along the way. Shortly after joining, I decided that being an adviser was to be my ‘forever’ role and started to take the necessary exams to assist with this goal.

 

Progressing from administrator to Paraplanner then on to an adviser role helped me to earn the real-life experience, whilst the exams enhanced my technical knowledge.

 

Many exams later, I had achieved Chartered Financial Planner status.​

 

What do you enjoy most about working at HCFP?

 

The most enjoyable aspect is working closely and collaboratively with our clients, building long-lasting relationships to help them to use their assets in ways that really matter to them.

 

Along with our friends in Harris + Co Accountants, there is a great culture in the office, too. Assistance is never far away if required.

 

What are your main specialisms?

 

Having worked alongside tax advisers and accountants for many years, I have advised many a business owner, during their working life, but also when looking to exit the business and of course assisting with the challenge of transitioning to the post-work stage of their life.

 

I have also had the pleasure in assisting many individuals and couples with their financial planning needs, including pensions, investments and protection plans.

 

In both cases, putting in place a financial plan has been key. I have seen how these plans have empowered decision-making at critical life stages. The enjoyment of advising in this fashion is seeing people really living their lives, using their assets to meet their primary life goals, and hearing about their lives during our regular catchups.