My alarm goes off at…
5:40am and I start the day with a 20km ride on my exercise bike, usually whilst watching catchup TV or a replay of a Sheffield Wednesday game.
I cannot leave the house without…
Having a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea, with my diary a good breakfast is essential as it could be the last time I get to eat before I get back later in the day.
I travel to work…
For the first 20 minutes listening to Chris Evans on Virgin before making my phone calls. The first are usually to the three HL Partnership recruitment managers and then onto checking how our members are getting on.
The main purpose of my job…
Is divided into growing network numbers, attracting new firms, managing and developing our technology solution, business development, heading up later life lending, and lastly and most importantly (for me): ensuring that everything is running as smoothly as possible in all areas of the network.
I joined…
Not by design, but by being in the right place at the right time. I’d been at L&G for 31 loyal years, and their decision to close their network and join MSN resulted in me finding myself in a mortgage and protection network I never applied to join, employed in a great role with incredible people who both work for the business and with the business. I’ve been very lucky!
My typical day…
Is actually two typical days. The first is in the office (either work or home) planning, dealing with the day-to-day tasks, phone calls and emails. The functional elements of the job. The second is out and about visiting existing our members or potential new ARs.
People may not know that I’m responsible for…
Everything! Okay, not really, but now and again it feels like that. In a growing network, and with a board that has a hands-on approach, we have to understand our business and continually look for improvement.
A common misconception about my job is…
That I haven’t got time for people as there is too much to do. This is a relationship business and too many in our industry forget that. I happily give out my contact details to all our members and always make a point of returning all calls and emails. I believe this goes down well with members and shows that we do care and understand the challenges they face on a daily basis.
My favourite work memory is…
Difficult to say… over the 30 years in the industry my career has been helped and guided by some remarkable people and as a result I have made some terrific friends. Indeed, when I started in financial services, I met my best friend with whom I am still close today, even if he now works for a rival network.
A perk of the job is…
Being able to make decisions and be involved in a growing business that is both exciting and challenging at the same time.
To unwind after work I like to…
Turn off my laptop and try and forget about things. I like to watch sport on TV – specially Sheffield Wednesday, and I enjoy a good mini-series. If you haven’t already seen it, I’d recommend Chernobyl, a riveting watch from start to finish.
My role in five words is…
Make sure everyone is happy
