I initially developed my knowledge of the banking systems and structure of financial services within the banking industry, working for Abbey National (as it was then) and then The Woolwich
My skills and knowledge of the investment and pension market places were honed with a move to a city-based firm of Consulting Actuaries. My time here was spent working with the boards of large firms going through management buy-outs or closing Final Salary pensions
The complexities of helping clients understand the changing financial landscape helped me build a wide-ranging knowledge of the technicalities of investing and creating portfolios, managing tax issues and creating a consolidated strategy across products and policies.
During this time, I worked with the Houses of Parliament pension scheme, major companies, such as Ford UK and EMI, together with smaller businesses and single owner company directors. My role here was dedicated to Pensions and Investments, which included hedge funds, stock broking and portfolio wealth management.
I decided that I wanted to provide advice on a more holistic tenure and moved to a more localised firm of advisers. Once settled in the role, I realised that I had the skill set and inclination to advise my clients on my own terms.
I believe that the role of the adviser needs to be more holistic and clients require a robust approach to the wider needs of investing and borrowing alike. To this end I incorporated Aspen Financial Services in 2006 and opened our doors during August 2007.