Monday
I have thrown myself into the eco-friendly mindset, riding my bike the six miles to work. The UEA Sportspark is directly opposite us so my morning routine includes a quick workout, which means I start the day feeling just a little smug.
This morning, however, it is grey and drizzling – more October than July. I have no enthusiasm for mounting my two-wheeled steed. I drive to work.
Our graduate trainee Daniel is working on a project around auto-enrolment. I discuss his proposal with some accountancy contacts. The general feedback is positive. I think young Dan may have this right – I will not tell him, as he will only feel he can relax.
Tuesday
I have a good meeting with an email marketing company – I am interested in using it for client communications.
Then it is off to Diss for a CPD session for a dozen solicitors. I have an MBA and much of my work is business consultancy. I discuss behavioural economics and extending their value proposition by more collaborative working. They seemed to like it and, with business as it is, a free lunch is always welcome.
It is back for a review with Emma, who is reponsible for business development. Her CIM Diploma coursework is based on our firm. She is putting together some interesting and useful stuff.
Wednesday
I have a busy day ahead. I have a telephone interview about passives, then it is straight into a new client who has inherited. I spend longer looking around the building than discussing investments, but it all builds trust.
Daniel is 23 today. We sing happy birthday while he blows out candles – just four as the building is clad in thatch and it would be a shame to burn it down when they are so close to finishing the rest of it.
The afternoon concludes with clients selling one of their companies. We discuss an s.110 restructuring and longer-term plans. They will not get an offer for another month. We agree it is tempting fate to plan too specifically. I identify the issues to be addressed.
Thursday
Dan’s project business plan provokes an overlong debate on establishment costs versus marginal revenue. Having an office full of economists has its drawbacks.
I meet with a retiring UEA lecturer and spend more time with Emma looking over her coursework.
Friday
The day starts badly. I arranged to meet the plumber at home at 10.30. By 10.45 I am agitated. When he eventually pitches up at 11.00, I pointedly ask if his mobile is working. It is lost on him.
I get to the office around lunchtime, and show Dan the AE project video. I have a video call with Jim, who is building our back office system, and a Salesforce developer. The technology, tantalisingly, almost works. After 10 minutes of staccato conversation, I revert to telephone.
The rest of the day is tidying – Amy Winehouse on the speakers and we all drift gently to the weekend.
All in all it has been a good week.
Richard Ross is a chartered financial planner of Norfolk-based Chadwicks
