| JD: How did you start in the Financial Services industry?
BH: I was working as an accounts assistant and was made redundant, so I thought it would be a good time to make a career move. I was told that the best training for financial services was Hambro Life, so I joined them for a year.
JD: Then what happened?
BH: I left and joined an Independent Financial Adviser for six months, and was then offered the chance of starting a Financial Services department for Brunsdon & Co Bristol Ltd in 1984.
JD: How did that work out?
BH: Fine, I started with 13 clients and built it up over 20 years to 2000+ clients, with three IFAs and four administration staff.
JD: So why did you leave?
BH: Brunsdon Group decided to merge the two offices, and move all the clients to Gloucester. For me, to work from Gloucester as an IFA was not an option as I like to have a close working relationship with my clients, and like to be near them if they need help or advice.
JD: What type of person is your average client?
BH: I think the majority of my clients are 40 – 80. I like retirement planning, investing for income in retirement and, generally, sorting out all aspects of their life cover, investments and inheritance tax planning.
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A lot of my clients are referred to me when, for instance, a husband or wife dies, or becomes seriously ill and they need their hand holding, sorting out Wills, probate, and even enduring powers of attorney.
JD:
Isn’t that something that solicitors do?
BH: Yes, I frequently work with clients' solicitors and accountants to provide a holistic service, if that is what they want.
JD: How do they
pay you?
BH: I am happy to work for fees or commission but the first meeting is always free.
JD: Have you any
extra qualifications?
BH: Yes, I have taken and passed four advanced exams, including personal financial planning and taxation and trusts.
Next year I hope to take another exam on fund management. I also belong to MDRT, a worldwide organisation for the top financial advisers from 70 countries. I visited Hong Kong for the first time in 2003 and attended a meeting there. I have also attended the MDRT meetings in the USA many times. I find it really interesting to meet people doing the same job as me, from other countries.
JD: Can you tell us a little bit about your hobbies and family?
BH: I love travelling and gardening, but my new love is my four grandchildren, all girls, Maisie the eldest is 5 this year. I also have two Springer Spaniels; both rescue dogs that my husband David and I are taking to France on holiday with us this year for the first time.
JD: Thank you for
your time.
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