From an admin assistant to a business owner, Matthew’s journey in the financial advice sector is nothing short of inspiring. His story, nurtured by a strong academic foundation and invaluable training and hands-on experience as a delegate of the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, showcases the transformative power of dedication and continuous learning. Join us as we delve into the remarkable career progression of Matthew, a testament to the opportunities within the financial advice profession.
A valuable admin year spent at a SJP advice firm confirmed to Matthew – what a great career financial advice was.
From his early days at Coventry University, Matthew’s career trajectory was clearly inclined towards finance, a path nurtured by familial influences and a strong academic foundation. His pursuit of a finance degree which he completed in 2019 was encompassed critical disciplines such as accountancy, economics, and notably, financial planning. It was the latter, with its focus on wealth management and crafting bespoke client solutions, that particularly piqued Matthew’s interest.
The opportunity to integrate academic learning with practical experience came in the form of a sandwich year at a St. James’s Place advice firm in Lingfield. This placement was instrumental, providing Matthew with invaluable insights and hands-on experience in a business administrative role, which he later elevated to a technical support and paraplanning capacity upon his return to the practice post-graduation.
Post-university, Matthew’s transition was seamless yet impactful. Returning to the practice as a full-time paraplanner, he pursued and achieved his Level 4 Financial Advice qualification with the Chartered Insurance Institute, setting the stage for his advancement to a qualified adviser. He progressed through the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy where he benefited from being within a cohort of other trainee advisers and access to a development manager.
By 2023, the natural progression of his career saw him establishing Davis-Skeggs Wealth Management, becoming a business owner of his own financial advice firm, aged 25, a testament to his dedication and foundation laid during his initial years in the profession.
Matthew credits his ascent to a dedication to networking, which has proved to be the most effective strategy for business development and client acquisition. His approach to continuous learning, focusing on the rationale behind financial strategies and their intended outcomes, has further cemented his reputation as a trusted adviser.
The path was not without its hurdles; Matthew faced the daunting challenge of managing a growing client base alongside the administrative demands that such growth entails. The strategic decision to onboard administrative support early on was crucial, enabling him to concentrate on client interactions and strategic advice, which are the cornerstones of his business ethos.
The tangible impact of financial advice on clients’ lives remains the most gratifying aspect of Matthew’s role. A particularly memorable instance was advising a couple who believed retirement was beyond their reach, only to discover through his planning that they could comfortably retire within two years. This profound impact was highlighted when he saw the
couple embrace in delight outside of his office before leaving.
Matthew advocates for a robust work ethic and proactive engagement in continuous professional development for those new to the sector. He challenges the misconception that financial planning is reserved for the affluent, promoting the profession’s relevance across various economic demographics.
In the next five years, Matthew envisions significant growth for his practice, with ambitions to expand his team and enhance his service offerings to meet the diverse needs of a broader client base.
Reflecting on his journey, Matthew remains proud of his achievements and the path he has charted. His advice to new financial planners is to embrace hard work, leverage support from those around you, and actively participate in the community to build a successful career in this dynamic industry.
If Matthew’s journey has sparked your interest in a career in financial advice, or if you want to learn more about how you can achieve similar success, Bespoke Training Solutions is here to help. Get in touch with us today to discover how we can support your professional growth in the dynamic world of financial advice. Contact BTS now to start your journey!
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Read another helpful article from SJP on how to manage a career change in the article “How to Manage a Career Change in 8 Steps” below.
Check out the article below “Does age really matter when making a career change” by SJP for inspiration on changing careers no matter what phase in life you are in.
