Tom Shorland APFS

What attracted you to a career in wealth management?

I’ve always had an intrinsic interest in money, both in terms of how markets and economies work, as well as the huge impact it has on the people’s lives. After studying at Exeter University, I moved back to Bristol, looking for work amidst the Global Financial Crisis in 2009. I joined the UKs largest investment platform and saw first-hand just how difficult it can be for individuals to build a financial plan without advice.

At this stage I began studying for my exams in my own time, kicking off a journey of 17 exams over many years on my way to becoming a Chartered Financial Planner. I moved on to a bespoke pension’s provider offering Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSASs) – pensions designed for business owners, many of which contained complex investments as well as owning the property the linked business operated from. Because many of these SSASs were linked to family businesses, which gave me experience in helping multiple generations of the same family, who could have different timelines, objectives and risk appetites.

After 2 years I joined an independent financial planning practice in central Bristol. The 10 years in the firm saw me move from a support role to an Associate Partner advising my own clients. I joined Quilter in November 2022, and really enjoy spending time with my clients across the Southwest and helping them build a plan for the future.

How do you work with / look after clients?

I have a breadth of experience across many aspects of financial planning, particularly in lifetime cashflow planning and complex investment and pensions work. This includes advising clients on purchasing, holding, and disposing of commercial property in their pensions (SIPPs and SSASs).
 
I predominantly advise business owners & equity partners in Law and Accountancy firms. For business owners I help them create financial plans that work in tandem with the business plan. Equity partners in law and accountancy don’t tend a huge range of financial support from their firms beyond the profit share, so the responsibility for financial planning rests squarely upon their shoulders. As busy professional and experts in their field, I can step in and help them plan effectively, giving them a sense of clarity and a sense that there is a thought out and robust plan in place for them and their family.

Ultimately I understand that all my clients are individuals with different circumstances and objectives, and therefore the plan we craft together is unique, focussing on what they actually want to achieve with their wealth.

What are your interests outside of work?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outside, keeping fit, travel & reading. I recently joined a book club to try and broaden the genres I read, and I’m an avid listener of history podcasts!

I am actively involved in my community – and for 2023/24 I was elected as the Chair of Heritage and Culture for the Bristol Junior Chamber.

Coming from a large family, I am blessed with many nieces and nephews, and I spent 18 months of weekends building a stone folly with my father for them to enjoy.