Sarah Robinson

“Just ask Robbo, she’ll know who to use – that’s become my job.”

When a client or colleague needs someone, whether it’s a solicitor for a will, an accountant who really understands their business, or a corporate financier for a sale, the usual response is, “Ask Robbo, she’ll know someone”. And to be fair, I normally do.

My job is a bit different to most consultants’. I’ve spent years building relationships with accountants, solicitors, corporate finance specialists and all sorts of other professionals across the North West. When a client needs help, I connect them with the right person. Not just someone who can do the job, but someone who’s the right fit, in the right place and at the right price point.

The reason I enjoy it so much is because it’s all about people. I know a lot of these professionals personally, so when I make an introduction, I’m putting my own reputation behind it. Clients trust me to make those connections, and consultants know they can pick up the phone and I’ll usually know exactly who can help.

The part of my role I love most is working with business owners, especially around exit planning. It’s amazing how many people have spent years building successful businesses but have never really stopped to think about what happens next. Those conversations are some of my favourites. I love helping people work out what they want life to look like after a sale, and then bringing together the right people around them to make it happen.

For me, there’s nothing better than seeing someone reach the point where work becomes a choice rather than a necessity. Whether that’s spending more time with family, travelling the world or starting something completely different, helping them get there is incredibly rewarding.

At the heart of everything I do, I’m just a people person. I genuinely love getting to know people and hearing their stories. I’m naturally curious and I’ve always been a good listener. Most of the time, people will tell you exactly what’s important to them if you give them the time and space to talk. Once I understand what’s driving them, I can usually help point them in the right direction.

Outside of work, I’m a trustee of Alder Hey Children’s Charity, a role I’ve been incredibly proud to hold for the last seven years. It’s very personal to me because my own son received care there. Being a trustee comes with a huge responsibility and requires complete honesty, integrity and transparency. If someone wanted to know what I’m really like as a person, I’d probably tell them to look at the work I do with Alder Hey.

I’m also one of the founders of a fundraising event that brought nearly 200 people together this year and raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity. I love bringing people together for a good cause and seeing the difference it makes.

Going through our own family’s experience has given me a lot of perspective and empathy. Over the years, I’ve become someone other parents often turn to when they’re going through difficult times themselves. At the same time, I’ve been lucky enough to have incredible support from colleagues and friends when I’ve needed it most.

At the end of the day, though, everything comes back to my family. My husband and our two children are my biggest motivation. They’re the reason I work hard, the reason I care so much about helping people, and the reason I try to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.