With 2020 now in full swing, Clarke Nicklin’s Financial Planning Partner, Scott Herbert, takes stock of his 30 year career, of which he celebrates 25 years as a Financial Planner and shares some words of wisdom…
“How different things were in 1995 when I was first appointed as a Representative of Refuge Assurance, now The Royal London. My first Financial Advisory role involved not only providing financial advice, but also the collection of the monthly contributions from clients houses in inner city Manchester.
Although the advice and the products at this point were basic, this gave me the insight and drive to forge a career path as an Adviser.
It was the financial planning side that I took to heart and I enjoyed both meeting and helping people achieve financial security.
Back in the 90’s things were very different to the 2020’s, with most financial institutions relying on commission from product sales which was later to be abolished in favour of transparent agreed fees. Advisors were also able to provide advice without formal qualifications. This led me on a path to study in my spare time and pass eleven separate professional qualifications from three separate bodies; The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Pension Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
I have enjoyed several advisory roles over the last 30 years working for household names including NatWest Bank and LV. However the proudest role of my career is with Clarke Nicklin Financial Planning starting 14 years ago.
Clarke Nicklin Financial Planning was established with the aim of providing fee based Independent Financial advice, well before this was made mandatory by the financial regulator. I was very fortunate to have met Andrew Baggott, my business Partner then, and still today. He had the same vision of building a first class advisory business and together with a loyal team of financial professionals this has been achieved.
I do get asked why I started as a Financial Planner and there are many reasons . The main reason being I enjoy meeting and helping people and I am proud to count many clients as both clients and friends. I have met so many wonderful people and travelled all corners of the UK to advise and guide clients in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and even as far as Cambodia!
I can honestly say that I would not change my role as a Financial Planner for any other role, I am so grateful and blessed for the last 25 years. I look back with pride how I have made a difference to people’s lives and hopefully can continue to do so for the next 25 years health permitting!
My wife may not forgive me If I forgot to mention another landmark anniversary next year, our 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary. I have been so fortunate to have such a supportive wife throughout my career and three amazing teenage children. PS; not forgetting four dogs!! All the best for the next decade”
