From running a department, to running a business

Starting her career at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Jo went on to hold several different roles such as Associate Director of EY, Head of Compliance Operations for a UK wealth management firm and Enforcement Officer at the FCA. Her experience gave her the transferable skills and knowledge to begin her advising career. “I was frustrated with some of the common misconceptions about advisers and the lack of confidence some people had in the market – going into the advice profession allowed me to try and change this.” Jo’s passion for helping people is clear: “There is a huge advice gap in the UK, especially amongst women. Some people don’t think financial advice is for them – they just think it’s just for super wealthy people. This isn’t the case and I’m hoping I can reach some of those people and change that perception.”

So, why SJP?

With Jo’s experience and background, she was aware of the different routes into the profession. However, Jo explains that it was SJP’s business model and client-centric Investment Management approach which attracted her. “I’d seen examples of where advice was non transparent or overcomplicated, and where clients were completely disengaged - SJP has a streamlined portfolio proposition which allows us as advisers to focus on relationships and what our clients need while giving us tools to provide straightforward advice that can be adapted and flexed where circumstances require it.”

Another consideration for Jo was SJP’s approach to financial education. Over the past year, Joanne has been delivering seminars and workshops in schools and aims for 30% of her time to be spent on financial education. “It’s common for companies to encourage charity work as part of a CSR agenda, but SJP is clear about its responsibility to encourage and support the partnership to deliver financial education to children and adults in the workplace. It’s a really important part of my role and a responsibility I take very seriously. I’m thrilled with how much support I get from SJP and my practice to deliver on this.”

Furthermore, in previous roles, Jo has experienced the benefits and flexibility of working on a self-employed basis, so this was important in any future path she decided to take. As a busy mum of two young children, Jo can count on the support from her practice team which allows her to work around her family’s needs and also the needs of her clients.

Running a department, to a business

“I run my business within the practice and agree working client hours with my support staff, this allows me work flexibly and dedicate part of my time to financial education too.” The Academy offers flexibility. With its blended approach with most of the training being virtual or on-demand, people can fit the training around their busy lives. “The old-fashioned way wouldn’t work, and not having to sit at a desk 9-5 meant I could fit my studies around my other commitments”.

Jo’s open-minded approach to her career has paid off. “Just be open to everything SJP offers as there’s a huge amount of support available. Most importantly be authentic about the type of adviser you want to be. This role allows you to be yourself and do things your own way so be clear about what that is from the outset as your clients will really respond to that.”