As part of a our new interview series, Emma Peterson, Director of Recruit121 and Finance Awards Wales, talks to a whole host of professionals in and around Wales’ thriving Finance Sector. This week Emma caught up Rob Ingram, Principal of Ingram Wealth Management.

Tell me about your business?

As a financial adviser I cover all aspects of personal and corporate financial planning including Investment, Retirement Planning, Inheritance Tax Planning and Corporate strategy. However, I feel it is more important to explain why I chose a path in financial services.

My passion for financial services comes from my father, a financial adviser his whole career I always looked up to how he was trusted and respected by his clients and fellow professionals. I was adamant that one day I would build a wealth management practice based upon these core values. However while I respect my father and the successful business he has built it was never an ambition of mine to join his business, I always felt that I would be given the tag as “Andy’s son” I wanted to ensure that I earned my family, clients and peers respect as an individual and that I could bring a young and dynamic energy to the financial services marketplace, doing things my way but with a business always being based around those same principles of trust and respect that I have learnt from my father.

Our mission statement is, “Financial Planning isn’t about hoarding money it’s about using what you have in a better way to help you get what you want for your future”.

Why did you choose to sponsor the Finance Awards Wales 2019?

While there are various award dinners across South Wales, having attended the Finance Wales Awards in 2018 I was hugely impressed at both the professionalism, organisation of the event as well as the calibre of the sponsors, nominees and most importantly we all had a great night. I felt that aligning myself with the awards this year would assist in providing my business the right profile and exposure as I look to expand my marketing reach in 2019.

What impact do you feel the Awards have made in the Finance sector in Wales?

The awards provide an opportunity to bring likeminded businesses together, gives an opportunity for discussions and collaborations across business sectors and of course to promote the great achievements and success of individuals and companies who are leading the way in driving the Welsh Economy forward.

How do you feel the Welsh economy will fare over the next 12 months?

The word at the top of everyone’s lips at the moment is uncertainty! While we cannot control the current uncertainty that exists in financial markets and the wider economy particularly when it comes to Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. I strongly believe that we must take a far longer-term perspective when looking to the future. Let’s continue every day to provide outstanding service to our clients, lets ensure that we are doing everything we can to support our clients through these uncertain times and remember our long-term goals both as business people and in how we represent our clients. This consistence over the course of the year I believe will push us all forward not just for a successful 2019 but for 2020 and beyond.

What plans do you have for your business in 2019?

In 2019 we are looking to further expand our client base targeting both individuals and corporate clients. With all that is going on in the economy at present there has never been a more important time to sit down and have a bit of a financial MOT. We all need to ensure that we have a long-term plan in place for our finances so through whatever changes in the market or in our personal lives we are not only ready to face them but to thrive and achieve more from our futures.

I highly value the existing relationships we hold we other professionals and will be looking to continue to strengthen those ties to improve the holistic services my firm is able to provide. By working together, I believe we make a real difference in improving the services that we all offer to our clients.

My ultimate goal for the future is to grow Rob Ingram Wealth Management so that it is recognised by my clients and fellow professionals as being a market leader in terms of knowledge, ongoing client service as well as that core principle of trust, respect and personally as an individual that is helping to move the financial services industry in Wales forward.