What inspired you to work in the world of investments? 

I have worked in three areas of the financial sector. Firstly Hedge funds where I dealt with institutional clients. I then went on to work in Private Banking, where I looked after the banking and investment needs of a range of successful people. In doing this, I realised that my interest lay in the investment part of that role, and that is where I decided to focus. That moment resulted in me joining Church House six years ago. The idea of helping people make the most out of their savings to enhance their life is really appealing to me.  

What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning?

The wonder of what today will bring, and currently the sunshine! On weekdays my work is varied. We look after clients from all walks of life who all have very individual ambitions, worries and predicaments. You never know what you will be asked next, and we (and the portfolios) have to be flexible to make sure that we can support varying advice needs.

What would you tell your 21-year old self?  

Be brave; if you can see it, you can be it!

What is the most common question you get asked? 

There are 2 – is now a good time to invest, and what will happen in the markets. As we like to remind people, we invest in companies, not countries or currencies etc. A fundamentally well-run company with a healthy balance sheet, good management, strong ESG principles and a desirable product or service should stand the test of time. There is something to be said for time in the market, not just market timing, so for long term investors, there is no time like the present.

What is your favourite source of entertainment?

I have some very entertaining friends….

What qualities do you think make a good adviser? 

Being trustworthy, honesty and a focus on your client’s best interests. It goes without saying really.

What are you most looking forward to doing when all Covid restrictions are lifted?

Not talking about Covid so much and these “unprecedented times”…….! Fortunately, at the time of writing, restrictions have been eased, and I have caught up with friends and family, so the next thing on the list is to go on holiday somewhere new and exciting.

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to those contemplating investing? 

Make sure you understand what is being proposed to you and that you trust the person from whom you are taking advice. Your relationship with your adviser will be one of the most important in your life and could make the difference between a comfortable future and one of financial worry and stress.

Who is your hero, and why?

I think there are many unsung heroes in this world. Empathy and compassion for others are key variables that contribute to heroic behaviour, in my opinion. This allows people to care for those around them and understand what others are going through. The single mum working two jobs and bringing up her children, our front line doctors and nurses, our amazing military, those with mental health struggles who get out of bed every day. These are all heroes in my book.

If you were a car, what would you be? 

I am not sure – can I be a horse instead?! If so, I would probably be a jumper like Red Rum. He was versatile, resilient and had dogged determination winning the National 3 times and never once fell in 100 races. He was also a fearless horse – have a look at the size of those fences in the 70s! However, for speed, I would be none other than Secretariat, Triple Crown winner and widely considered one of the fastest horses of all time.

Finally, what do you think sets Church House apart from the competition? 

Church House really cares. We have a diverse team of relationship managers, so hopefully, there is someone for everyone here. I think this is evidenced in the enduring relationships we have with our clients. We look after many family groups, and in most cases, we look after several generations of the same family. We also have an incredible investment team with a brilliant track record, and they are completely unflappable when faced with market unknowns, as happened last year. I have learnt from them to stick to your investment principles and block out market noise and distractions.