Somewhere between London, Norfolk and Leeds I squeezed in a panicked client, a PFS networking session, took advice from a hostage negotiator and deeply regretted not blow-drying my hair - what a week!
Monday
It's an unusual start to the working week for me. I have just moved from living in London to Norfolk, so I start the day with a long commute.
I hit the ground running with a call from a new client looking to assess his former work pensions now that he has gone freelance, then, after a quick review of the file, straight into a meeting with some new clients in the office for a full retirement review. Barely time for a quick sandwich at my desk before a more difficult meeting with an existing client who is trying to assess how to raise funds to set up her business without ruining her retirement plans. Client reassured, a well-earned evening in the pool and steam room awaits.
Tuesday
My first call with a new enquiry is at 9am. It initially sounds like something we can help with but as we talk more it seems my services don't match his needs. I'm then off in the car to Leeds where I'm taking the opportunity to spend the evening with my sister and niece on my way to a conference. As I arrive, I get a panicked call from a client, completing her tax return at the last minute and in urgent need of help. Laptop at hand, the crisis is averted and my client advised to perhaps start this earlier next year. Before I close the laptop, I notice an email from the FCA, a fee invoice; with trepidation I open it ... it's a FSCS levy credit. Hurrah! I close the laptop in a hurry and relax with family and homemade Yorkshire pudding.
Wednesday
I'm at the Personal Finance Society's officer's national conference today, also in Leeds. I am a 'chartered champion' for the London region and am responsible for helping to promote the chartered brand. The day is filled with presentations, networking, breakout sessions, advice from Richard Mullender, a former hostage negotiator (check him out on www.mullenders.org; he was great), and news of a mega-conference that the PFS is planning for November. It's a productive day, meeting lots of new people and committing to a little more work than I bargained for. I'm grateful when pre-dinner drinks arrive and relax happily with friends old and new into the (very) late evening.
Thursday
It's a slow start to the day after a late night but my spirits are high. I drive back to London, in time to catch up with the team in the office and prepare a new client pack for the client I spoke to on Monday who now wants to go ahead and work with us. I'm delighted to be contacted by a client who wanted to work with us last year but then life got too busy; now she is keen to go ahead having just received an inheritance. I gather up paperwork I will need for next week, discuss a few ongoing cases with my colleague and run through lots of emails before heading out to join the annual client party of our business neighbour – a local hairdresser – at the pub down the road. There is a real community spirit in Primrose Hill and the evening is fun, although I did regret not blow-drying my hair beforehand.
Friday
More driving is in store, and this time I am heading home. I chase up a client invoice and make a note to circulate tomorrow's 'Portfolio Therapy' in The Times. It's my first case study for them and I am excited to see it on Saturday morning and share it with clients via Facebook and LinkedIn. I start drafting the two articles I have to write next week and planning my outfit for the Unbiased Media Awards the following week in London, for which I am nominated for an award for the first time. Then it's an early night, with a Peter Sellers' classic film before bed.
Hayley North is a chartered financial planner at Rose & North based in London
