Meet the team: A Q&A with our director Steph
In this new series of Q&As, we hope you’ll enjoy learning more about the team here at HarperLees and how they help our clients with their financial planning.
First up, director Steph shares more about the different roles she’s held at the company since starting with us in 2008, as well as her love of rugby.
1. What is your role at HarperLees and how do you help your clients?
I am a director at HarperLees with overall responsibility of compliance and regulatory requirements (someone had to do it!). I am also a financial planner helping clients through their financial planning journey.
2. What did you do before working at HarperLees?
I have worked here a very long time, becoming a full-time employee in 2008. Since then, I’ve worked my way through the office administrator and paraplanner roles before becoming a planner and, ultimately, director. However, I was the office scanner while I was at university, so I have actually worked here 18 years in total now. Before that, I worked evenings and weekends on the deli counters at Tesco, so if you need help filleting a fish, do let me know!
3. What is your favourite part of your role at HarperLees?
The role is so varied it is hard to pick one point out. However, I never get tired of being able to tell a client they can retire early, or that they can afford to spend more money. I actually really enjoy my compliance role as well; I am a bit nerdy when it comes to processes and procedures so it definitely ticks my boxes.
4. What do you believe sets HarperLees apart from other financial planning firms?
It’s not all about the money with HarperLees. Yes, we deal with a client’s finances, but they are the means to an end. For us it is really all about the client being able to enjoy the lifestyle they want and make their own dreams a reality where possible.
5. What is a common misconception you hear from clients about financial planning?
That it is “all about getting the best investment return” – no, it isn’t. Though investment returns are important, really it’s about making enough to turn your plan into a reality and focusing on what you want the money to achieve rather than how big the number is.
6. What are your favourite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not at work?
It’s all about rugby in our house. Myself and both my boys (Archie and Charlie) play. Charlie has the added benefit (he might see it differently) of having Mum as his coach too, supporting the Under-9s as they make their break into contact rugby for the first time this season.
I joined the Witham ladies team a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back since. My standard position is second row, working hard to keep the scrum locked in. I thought it might have been an early mid-life crisis, but I absolutely love it! Although not so much on a Monday morning after playing on a Sunday when I am still counting up my bruises and working out how to move my neck again.
7. What would your dream meal be?
Fajitas, but I refuse to make them myself and rarely order them when I am out as they’re never as good as the ones my dad makes. Whenever he makes them, I find a reason to invite myself over.
8. What’s a goal that you’re working towards at the moment, personally or professionally?
My goal is a personal one at the moment, centred around improving my rugby. I have been working with a personal trainer on strength and conditioning. It hurts, but the improvement in my recovery time from a game has been noticeable.
Get in touch
To discover how Steph and the HarperLees team can support you in building a financial plan that helps you to achieve your long-term goals, please get in touch. Email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560 to find out more and we’ll be very happy to help.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
