Client Services Executive Luke Beale tells us more about himself:

Q: What has been the journey that led you to becoming a Client Services Executive?

I joined Citywide Financial Partners in 2010 and spent a number of years working as the Client Services Administrator supporting Michelle, the Client Services Manager, and Clinton, the Director. These early years were invaluable for me as I not only gained experience in the industry, but I also grew to know and understand our clients. I was then given the opportunity to step up and cover Michelle during her maternity leave. Michelle’s return to work, in turn with Ian joining the team, led to me being offered the role of Client Services Executive and I now take great pride in looking after Ian’s clients and working with him to deliver the outstanding Citywide client experience.

Q: What attracted you about working for Citywide Financial Partners?

I’ve always been interested in financial services, helped by the fact that my father also works in the industry. When the opportunity came to not only work for a unique, innovative company, but to also build a career with one, for me it couldn’t get any more attractive.

Q: We know you are a Client Services Executive but what will that mean day to day?

My day to day role is to ensure our clients are receiving a service that is exceptional, not just acceptable. I am the primary contact for Ian’s clients and help them with any queries or requests they have. I work closely with Ian to ensure we are delivering good holistic financial planning and by assisting Ian, we can ensure he is spending as much time as possible in front of our clients which is ultimately the most important thing.

Q: What do you find interesting about the work that you do?

Asides from learning all about the equity markets and how they work, I find helping clients through different stages of their financial lives very interesting. No two clients are the same and there are so many different factors, such as attitudes to risk, emotions, relationships with family members etc. that all need to be considered when helping and advising clients.

Q: What are you saving for?

It’s a boring answer, but in truth – retirement. However, at my age and in the world as we know it, there’s quite a lot that I have to navigate first. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have purchased my first property this year with my partner and whilst I’m sure she would love for me to say I was saving for an engagement ring, I think in truth the real challenge is for people, particularly at my age, to manage their finances so that they continue to save for retirement from the start of their working lives through to the end, all whilst planning for life’s financial milestones such as property purchases, holidays, weddings, children etc.

Q: When you are not at Citywide, what keeps you busy?

Football. I’ve played senior football since I was 15 and still enjoy every minute of it. I now play for locally based Guildford City who are a step 5 football club. This keeps me busy for 2 evenings a week as well as Saturdays. The rest of my time is spent socialising and studying for my next exams!

Q: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Read more! I’ve never been a particularly good reader, but I wish I was. Knowledge is key and I would have loved to have read more in the past.

Q: What is your proudest achievement in life so far?

In my work life – each exam I pass feels like a great achievement. Achieving my certificates in Financial Planning and Life & Pensions was fantastic and I hope to be celebrating my Diploma in the near future.

Outside of work – purchasing and decorating my first home. It was a big achievement and one that required a lot of hard work and effort, but it was worth it in the end!

Q: And what goals are you working towards now?

As mentioned, I hope to complete my Diploma in Financial Planning in the near future. At that point I will aim to continue gaining experience until I am ready to start giving advice and taking on the servicing of both existing and new clients.