James Pook

What attracted you to a career in wealth management?

I’d say my path into wealth management is reasonably conventional. One enthusiastic sixth form teacher developed my initial passion for economics, finance and markets (if only I’d listened to his rants about Bitcoin at ~$50 a coin!) which then led to me studying an Economics degree at Bournemouth University. One First Class degree later, and the world of finance was my oyster, but with no real idea of where to go next! Not wanting to stray too far from the sunny South coast, I took a back office position with Old Mutual Wealth (part of the Quilter Group) in Southampton, where I helped to reassure and reconcile dissatisfied clients. However, heavily influenced by my mother and a growing desire to work in London, I moved back to my hometown in Essex and was given an opportunity to join Quilter Cheviot as an intern. I knew immediately that being part of a Front Office team, helping people to meet their investment objectives, was how I wanted to spend my career. Pleasingly QC saw potential in me and now attempting to pass my final Chartered Wealth Manager exam. Hopefully I can complete this by the end of 2023 start helping clients to make a positive change in their lives as their Investment Manager.

What would you like to achieve for clients?

While I am studying for my Chartered Wealth Manager qualification, I provide administrative support to Henry Flather and Team Healy, which I have been part of since September 2019 when I joined as an Intern. While the Investment Manager is responsible for portfolio management, my day to day role is to ensure both clients and professional advisers receive a reliable and consistently high level of service when they are opening, or making changes to, an account. I pride myself on providing a helpful and accessible service that clients can use for any questions they may have – however great or insignificant. I pride myself on communicating in a clear and concise manner, as I believe this better helps to establish an understanding so that clients can reach the answers they are seeking. I also believe this plays a fundamental role in developing the trust and confidence between clients and Quilter Cheviot.

What are your interests outside of work?

While I am thoroughly looking forward to my next 30+ years in wealth management, it would be a pretty dull career (& life) if all I did was work…outside of the office I am a keen amateur sportsman. In the summer months you’ll find me playing cricket for Great Totham Cricket Club, a small local village club where I have been playing since I was 8 years old. While during the winter, I’ll be inside on a handball court. Away from sport, my partner (Thorey) and I have recently bought our first property - moving out from our rented flat to a three bed semi-detached including garden, much to our border collies delight! Built in 1901, it is very much a fixer upper, but we are enjoying the challenge & I expect to doing lots of DIY projects for some time yet. You may be able to tell from the name, Thorey hails from Iceland, so I currently doing my best to learn her language. We visit often, it is without a doubt my favourite holiday destination. The natural beauty is second to no country that I have visited yet. If you would like any recommendations for a trip, do let me know!