What inspired you to work in the world of investments? My dear Aunt gifted me some British Gas shares from the 1986 privatisation which started my initial interest, thank you, Auntie Gladys. Thereafter I had a work experience project in 1992 at a friend's father's IFA. They had some very high profile clients and also ran their own funds. I was there when the UK left the ERM, and amongst the pandemonium, I realised I wanted to be part of the financial world with the ability to influence people's decision making in sales roles.

What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning? The ability to alter outcomes, hopefully mostly for the better.

What was your favourite holiday?  Staying with friends in Monaco, watching the Grand Prix from the Rascasse restaurant and the pits, meeting 3 of the drivers, having dinner in the Monaco Automobile Club, then getting delayed from flying home due to an Icelandic Volcano and spending an extra day on the beach.

What is the most common question you get asked? How do I spell your surname? !!!

What is your favourite source of entertainment? Playing tennis matches and winning.

What qualities do you think make a good adviser? Empathy, the ability to listen and recount, a can-do attitude, tenacity, patience.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? A large reduction in red tape and resulting delays in medical advances being made available to the general population.

What is the most important piece of advice you can give to those contemplating investing? Ask all the questions you need to before deciding to invest – there are no stupid ones.

Who is your hero and why? Steve Redgrave – as a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic he somehow got himself back into Olympic athletic shape and won another Olympic rowing gold – as a type 1 diabetic, I know how difficult it is to stay healthy and play competitive sport consistently although not quite at his level!  Inspirational.

If you were a car what would you be? Frustrated. A 1967 Ford GT40.

Finally, what do you think sets Church House apart from the competition? It’s employees.