Ann-Marie Atkins

How do you describe what you do?

I focus on the tax strategy and how investment views and timelines link into the plan giving client’s ideas of which doors to open and why they fit their circumstances and views.

What's next for you professionally?

How we adapt in the space of HNW/UHNW is hugely important and I have experience in this space. I care about our profession and I would love to see where we can go /grow to as a business in this space and feel part of that movement.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Courage is not freedom from fear for it is being afraid and moving forward. Apply this to your life, be brave and be bold.

What's an experience with a client that's stuck with you?

A client of mine started a business for £10,000 out of a terraced house in 1984; he sold for £90m in 2018. He called me and was crying and scared about what it would do to the family - he trusted me to take charge and lead; that trust is meaningful!

How did you start off in your career?

I started in admin and quickly did my exams whilst working, moving to paraplanning then a consultant for Scottish Widows. I saw how poor the advice was in the industry and it forced me to want to be involved and do better and become a financial planner.

What's your area of expertise?

Working with complex families/entrepreneurs and their trusted professionals, ensuring the tax and strategy piece is then aligned with investment views and risks appropriately, taking advantage of the tax status of the wrappers and legislation.

Where do you get your inspiration to embrace what's next?

We have work to do in the industry. I believe financial planning has evolved hugely and is still evolving which excites me. More of doing it better for clients and working closely with other professionals for truly excellent outcomes.

What's your favourite thing about your role?

Seeing plans evolve and benefit clients - life changing events and helping them navigate all options with confidence in us. I love coaching my team and seeing them grow and develop - taking planning to the next level - progress basically!

What's next for you personally?

I am hiking Everest base camp in 2026 for charity, I want to challenge myself and my body more as I am not getting any younger!

Do you have a significant experience that your clients would want to hear about?

I kayaked around Antarctica and slept on the continent in 2020 just as Covid hit; to be so remote and experience true nature in extreme conditions - truly magical!

Where's your favourite place to meet with your clients?

Their homes or businesses - where you see who they are and what they do.

When you're not at work, what's your favourite thing to do?

Hiking with my two labradors and husband on the west coast of Scotland followed closely by house music festivals with my girlfriends.

Why does my role as a wealth manager matter?

Helping generations and families make informed decisions that account for all aspects of their wants /needs/tax position and views matters - the world is changing and we need clients to understand how this impacts them and how we can help.

What qualifications and memberships do you have?

• CFP
• Chartered MCSI 
• FPFS
• STEP Advanced Certificate – Advising Family Business