“Effective financial planning, like great music, is built on timing, listening, and knowing when to trust the person guiding you.”
Growing up during the 1970s, I was determined to become a drummer. More specifically, I wanted to be Stewart Copeland of The Police. I’d listen to “Message in a Bottle” and imagine making a career out of music.
Life, however, had different plans. My parents emigrated from India in the 1960s to work in the cotton mills of North West England, and like many families of that generation, education and professional careers were strongly encouraged. Music remained a passion, but not a profession. Today, I still enjoy playing the drums, while my career has been dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security and peace of mind.
My upbringing continues to influence the way I work. I witnessed first-hand the value of hard work, financial discipline and making the most of every opportunity. Those experiences have given me a genuine understanding of clients who have spent decades saving diligently but may find it difficult to enjoy the wealth they have created. I recognise that mindset because I have lived it. My role is to help clients use their wealth with confidence, ensuring it supports the life they want to lead while protecting the legacy they wish to leave behind.
I have worked in financial services for almost four decades and have built my career from the ground up. Beginning as an administrator before progressing through roles including personal assistant, paraplanner and corporate pensions specialist; I spent many years advising on corporate pension arrangements before moving into personal wealth management. This breadth of experience enables me to understand every stage of the financial planning process and to provide informed, practical advice tailored to each client’s circumstances.
For me, financial planning has always been about relationships rather than transactions. One client recently remarked that there are conversations we have that they would not share with even their closest friends. That level of trust is something I value enormously. It is built by taking the time to understand people properly – listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions and gaining a genuine appreciation of their aspirations, concerns and priorities. Only then can a financial plan truly reflect what matters most to them.
A particular area of focus for me is Inheritance Tax and estate planning. Recent legislative changes affecting pensions have made this an increasingly important aspect of financial planning for many families. When helping individuals who have accumulated significant wealth and navigate complex estate planning decisions, I believe clear, straightforward advice can have a lasting impact for future generations.
Outside of work, music remains an important part of my life, and I continue to play drums in a covers band. I also enjoy running, and completed the Manchester 10K in support of Mind, as well as playing badminton each week. Whether in music, sport or financial planning, the principles are remarkably similar: preparation, discipline, timing and consistency all contribute to achieving the best possible outcome.
