Paraplanner
What is your role and area of expertise?
As a paraplanner, it’s my responsibility to work closely alongside the firms’ advisers to understand a client’s financial needs. I research and analyse investment products, funds, and market opportunities. I will seek to identify the best investment and tax planning solutions, prepare recommendation reports and model future strategies.
How do you approach working with clients?
In the financial services team, it’s a fundamental element of our job to understand the personal circumstances, concerns and goals of every client across all stages of life. I genuinely believe this process is a privilege - every client is unique, deserves respect and attention to detail. Providing reassurance, finding solutions and helping to simplify financial planning has real meaning, especially when you see the effect it can have on clients achieving their dreams in retirement or providing security for their family.
What’s a standout achievement in your career?
I would say having the bravery to switch careers to financial planning. It was a step into out of a comfort zone; it’s involved a long commitment to professional exams and having the humility to accept there was a lot to learn from colleagues with greater experience. It’s taken discipline to study and consistently pass exams over several years whilst working full time. This has been born of a motivation to do justice to a role that tangibly impacts the lives of the clients we support. Working in a collaborative environment where colleagues are generous with their knowledge, and initiative is fostered has certainly validated my decision to switch!
How do you incorporate Cullimore Dutton’s values?
At heart I am a people person and relish the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. Sitting in client meetings you quickly realise that whilst every individual is unique, there is something universally human when people talk of their passions, their aspirations and the motivation to provide for family. This empathy informs the integrity with which I do my job, the research stage of my work becomes meaningful when I know its impact on real lives, and I derive deep satisfaction in helping to provide what I know is a high-quality team service.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Friends and family will tell you if you can’t find me on a tennis court, I’ll be up a mountain! I captain a team at my local tennis club – I really enjoy taking part in league competition, the social nature of the sport and the challenge of improving at something I only took up during covid. Outside of this I appreciate living within close proximity to Snowdonia and the Lakes, which offers many opportunities for hiking and paddle boarding at the weekends. I’ve run competitively in the past and have completed several marathons including London, Berlin and Paris. I’ve also helped run an international film society and enjoy reading in my down time.