Vanessa Townshend, a well-known Financial Advisor in Preston, is an esteemed specialist in Retirement and Later Life advice. Rising from her academic background in International Business and Japanese, Vanessa has charted an impressive journey as a financial advisor, leaving her distinct footprint on the industry.
Throughout her many years of experience and excellence, she has gained significant recognition at the prestigious Personal Finance Society Adviser Awards. Today, she shares her profound insights, invaluable experiences, and actionable advice for those aspiring to forge a successful career in finance.
Charting a Course Through the Financial Sector: Insights and Reflections from Vanessa Townshend
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the financial sector, and how did you get started?
Vanessa: "I always enjoyed working with numbers, and after completing my degree in International Business and Japanese thought I would try to find a career in international banking. However, without modern technology, I found my job search in this sector difficult and instead stumbled across Financial Services and Financial Advice. Inter-Alliance, a national IFA firm, were recruiting and outlined a pathway for graduates to study professional qualifications and become authorised as advisers. I took a role as a 'Client Account Executive' in the Guildford office and provided administrative and research support to one of the top advisers in the office whilst taking my exams. The Guildford office had 10 other graduates and 15 advisers and was a young, vibrant office, and I loved it."
Q: Over your 25-year journey, what have been some of the most significant changes you've observed in the industry?
Vanessa: "There have been so many changes within Financial Services over the past 25 years.
The qualification regime to become an adviser is almost unrecognisable. There are more exams to become authorised and significantly higher ethical and professional standards. The introduction of Chartered Financial Planner status in 2005 has created a target for many advisers, and it has helped to build a profession on par with other Chartered sectors.
The legislative changes have also affected the advice, products and services. One of the most significant legislative changes for me, as an adviser specialising in retirement and later life planning, has been the pension freedom rules, which came into force in 2015, allowing savers to flexibly access their defined contribution pensions. Current pension legislation creates so many financial planning opportunities!"
Q: If you could go back 25 years, what advice would you give your younger self at the beginning of your career?
Vanessa: "I wouldn't give myself any advice that would change my career choice or my financial planning journey. I have always tried to ensure that I am in control of my career, and I have done this by continuing to take additional exams and qualifications to broaden my knowledge and skills; this has secured my employability. I have also taken an interest in the wider financial services community and am active on the local Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society committees. If I have felt that my employer was no longer able to support me, then I have moved on. If I was to give advice to someone else at the beginning of their career, I would say, it's your life, be happy in your work and make decisions that are right for you."
Q: The financial sector is a male-dominated industry; what advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in the sector?
Vanessa: "There are many industries that are male-dominated, and I don't think it matters. Not all male-dominated environments are hostile. If there is something that you are interested in pursuing, then do it.
Q: As you reflect on your 25 years of service, what are you most proud of, and what do you hope to accomplish in the future?"
Vanessa: "I have loved my financial services journey so far and have achieved so many awards and accolades that I am proud of. But, actually, what I really enjoy is the relationship I have with my clients and advising on their financial journey. From a starting point where a client may never have invested and doesn't really understand their finances, to learning about their life and aspirations, then developing a financial plan and seeing this through to achieve their goals. It's a great feeling when you've done a good job, and you know that the clients are financially comfortable, confident, and trust our advice."
A Quarter-Century of Financial Experience – Financial Advice from Vanessa Townshend at Springfield Financial
Vanessa Townshend's journey is a testament to what dedication, hard work, and a client-centric approach can lead to. But before we bring this interview to a close, we wanted to leave you with a few words from one of Vanessa's recent clients.
"I find that the information you always give us makes the best use of our savings, so thank you for that. If it wasn't for you, we might have had our savings sat in a low-interest account in our bank. You have opened my eyes on how to make the best use of our money."
If you require financial advice, consider booking an appointment with Vanessa or any of her colleagues at Springfield Financial Services. Whether you need advice regarding retirement, tax planning, or estate services, the highly-experienced Springfield Financial team is here to help.
To book a consultation, please call 01772 729 742; our opening hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday.