Looking forward, the biggest changes to our organisation
in the post Covid era will be ... adapting to flexible
hybrid working. The key to this is effective communication and
support within your teams. For our trainees it has been difficult
in terms of lack of face-to-face interaction; however, with the
easing of restrictions, they have been able to meet up and learn
with their colleagues. The pandemic has accelerated the move to
digital accounting in the cloud, by as much as five to ten years.
Over the next year or so, clients will complete their move on to
digital accounting platforms, automating many of the routine tasks.
This will allow us to focus more on adding value to our client's
business, advising them on how they can use their business data,
both internal and external, to operate their business more
effectively and increase both cash flow and profits.
The future vision for our organisation in Glasgow is
... to be the market leader in our field, providing
timely, trusted business advice and support to our clients, both
current and future. We want to be at the leading edge of
developments in our field, setting trends and not following them.
We recognise our staff are critical to our business, and recently
developed a path to partnership programme, reaching out to our
staff, allowing them to nominate themselves for consideration.
Training and support are vital to staff and working closely with
professional bodies, we are looking at adapting our training,
processes, and procedures to align them with the highest possible
standards.
The three best things about working in Glasgow are
... firstly the people; after all, they make Glasgow. Next
would be the choice of entertainment; the Hydro draws in the
world's best performers. I also love the Barrowland and even the
Pavilion, Glasgow's own theatre. I once saw somebody get up
mid-performance and come back with a fish supper! It's that kind of
place. Finally, there is the City of Glasgow itself, it continues
to reinvent itself, from the decline of heavy industry in the 1960s
and 70s, to a world leading destination for events and one of the
top financial centres in Europe.
My favourite part of Glasgow is ... firstly,
the Western Baths, a place of relaxation and serenity where you can
go, unwind and have a bit of banter with strangers who become
friends. Secondly, it's the Waverley. I make a point of going
on the steamer a few times per year, leaving the city and ending up
with the best views on the planet.
The most satisfying thing about my job is ...
spending most of my time in client meetings, speaking about their
plans and dreams for the future. The best bit about my job is
helping them achieve them. I recently helped a client sell his
business for several million pounds, allowing him to retire and
spend a lot more time with his grandchildren.
Financial services is a great career choice because
.... it can open the door to just about anything. I know
of so many people who have trained in financial services who have
moved on to food and drink, leisure and travel, manufacturing and
even one who ended up as chief executive of a large publishing
empire. It's a great career choice.
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career to date
was ... a few months ago, when I moved to Wylie and
Bisset, having been at another firm for over 25 years. I was not
too nervous about the move but was keen to get on with helping
staff and clients. The support offered was second to none,
both before and after the move. I have been able to use my
experience to work with a new range of clients, offering support
and help. I have also looked at internal procedures, augmenting and
tweaking them. We are lucky to have an in-house IT and HR team, so
there is lots of help. So far, so good...
The businessperson I most admire ... has
to be Willie Haughey, and I am not even a Celtic fan. He is a
local who has not forgotten his roots and has done so much for the
people of Glasgow through his charity work. A lot of it just
happens without much publicity, but he is a remarkably successful
businessperson who likes to give back to those less fortunate in
his home city.
Outside of work, I am passionate about ...
collecting Lego, as an investment, I see this as a kind of pension
(I also have a standard pension) and a bit of a hobby. I am
treasurer of a charity in the east end of Glasgow helping provide
support to struggling families. I like to give something back.
Finally, I really enjoy spending time with my 18-month-old
granddaughter; simple things like going to the park, soft play or
even just the shops.
My approach to achieving work life balance is
... have a quiet place that you can sneak off to and get
some relaxation time... my place is the Western Baths.
First ever job? Working as a fish fryer
Favourite boxset? Don't really have one
Favourite band? Runrig, Scotland's house
band
Sunshine or snow? Snow
And, finally, what three words best sum you up?
Trusted, Supportive, Family