MEET THE TEAM: JOANNE SMITH

For those of you who don’t know her, allow us to introduce compliance consultant, Joanne Smith.

In this latest instalment of our ‘meet the team’ blogs, the accomplished musician explains why it was a career in compliance, not classical music, that became her calling.

Adding another string to my bow

I grew up in Manchester and began playing the cello at six, so when I secured a music school place in Cardiff, I honestly thought I was living the dream. However, after three years of playing all day, every day, I began to realise I didn’t want to make a living as a musician and it was time to think again.

A friend of mine had started a job as a financial adviser and was obviously loving it, as we talked about it a lot. So much so, in fact, I eventually agreed to go and see what it was all about. I had a great day and thought it was something I could really enjoy as well.

This led me to apply for a post-graduate course in management and business and once that was complete, I too started working as an adviser. It was great for a few years, but there were a lot of late nights and I knew it wasn’t what I wanted long term.

One day, I saw an advert for a qualified, experienced adviser to offer a fee-based service to high-net-worth clients. This was how I discovered the world of professional independent advice and what ‘good’ really looked like – no commission, time costed advice, all conducted in office hours.

The business was thriving and its owners were organised and well qualified. It was great experience and made me focus on my strengths and weaknesses. It was during this period that I decided training and compliance were really what interested me most.

Dancing to my own tune

It was whilst I was working as a training and competence supervisor for a large network that I discovered I was pregnant with my first child. This was the push I needed to turn to consultancy.

I noticed the compliance services in my area were expensive and generic and no-one really seemed to offer consultancy on a bespoke basis. That just seemed wrong. So, while my baby slept, I did my research. I prepared basic documentation, planned and wrote up my processes. The flexibility and freedom kept me motivated and it wasn’t long before I was talking to IFA practices, coaching and mentoring staff and doing it their way, but the right way.

I realised early in my career that what I loved most about financial services was helping people and seeing the difference quality advice makes to a client’s life. I probably became a bit of an exam addict, but I always felt the need to stay ahead, as a female in a predominantly male profession and I eventually found the time to study for the AF3 exam, qualifying as a pension transfer specialist in 2017.

Working in harmony

A year before Covid struck, I moved to a farm that was in need of renovation and found spending lockdown at home, focusing on things other than work, was a much-needed change.

I decided the responsibilities that come with running a business were no longer for me, but I still wanted to work with likeminded people who were committed to high standards. That’s when B-Compliant came along.

I first spoke to Vicky and Jeremy late in 2020 and three and a half years later, I am still part of the team for a multitude of reasons. Despite only working on a part-time basis (and living in the middle of nowhere!) they are considerate, inclusive and respectful. We share our knowledge and listen to each other’s views. Most importantly, clients are central to the business and I can still roll up my sleeves and get stuck in.

We all have a can-do attitude. Everyone at the B-Hive really listens to what our clients want and need – and that’s what we deliver. The team has a diverse range of experience, so asking questions and receiving support is easy and immediate. We share our problems, our successes and our challenges and it brings another dimension to my life that was often very isolated. (And if I don’t respond immediately, they know I am probably gardening!)

The flexibility and trust B-Compliant has placed in me extends to our clients too. They know if we say something will be done, it will be delivered professionally and on time.

I still work to many of the principles I learned back in my IFA days, where all this started. I think the key to helping financial businesses is to provide support, without interrupting. My aim is to challenge senior management and staff in a positive, proactive way and offer compliant options to implement. Sometimes we just need to be a sanity check or second pair of reliable eyes!

If you would like to know more about B-Compliant’s wide range of services, or discuss how our support could benefit your firm, don’t hesitate to contact us on (0161) 521 8641 or email: info@b-compliant.co.uk