In The Spotlight – Alexandra Varley

    Simpson Wood
    13th May 2024
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    Our In the Spotlight series lets you get to know some of our team better. That might be their hobbies, favourite book or what they would take to a desert island with them. This time we’re talking to Alex who is one of our Paraplanners in Financial Services.

    Q: What is your role at SW and how did you get into a career in the said job role?
    A:  I am a Paraplanner within Simpson Wood Financial Services (SWFS), I have achieved this by working through my regulated financial planning exams to be qualified and gaining industry experience since 2018
    Q: If applicable what did you do before SW?
    A:  I left school at 16 and started an apprenticeship at another IFA firm where I worked as the office administrator.  I then moved to SWFS as a Trainee Paraplanner to continue my progression.
    Q: What are we likely to find you doing on a day-to-day basis?
    A:  Writing lots of reports
    Q: What kind of problem might you solve on a typical day / week?
    A:  We often deal with death claims for clients who have passed away, this can take months of work to complete but takes the pressure away from their families
    Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
    A:  Helping clients achieve their retirement goals
    Q: Tell us what makes SW different…
    A:  We have a wide range of skills and specialities both within departments and the whole company
    Q: What three words do you think (hope!) your colleagues would use to describe you?
    A:  Driven, Independent, Efficient
    Q: What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not at work? /Hobbies?
    A:  Probably at soft play with my son
    Q: What’s your favourite spot in Yorkshire and why?
    A:  I have always enjoyed spending time in Sheffield, this is where my mum grew up
    Q: What’s your party trick?
    A:  Yet to be discovered
    Q: Favourite chocolate/sweet/food etc?
    A:  Anything sweet, cakes, cookie dough, waffles or brownies
    Q: Favourite book/podcast/tv show/film?
    A:  Top Gun (Original) I have always loved Tom Cruise
    Q: Name something off your bucket list?
    A:  I would love to visit my family in New Zealand and stop in Thailand on the way there.
    Q: Favourite/dream holiday destination?
    A:  My favourite place I have been to so far would probably be Mexico
    Q: Role model/inspiration?
    A:  Dave Grohl
    Q: If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 objects would you take?
    A:  Suncream, Sunglasses, Snacks
    Q: Tell us a surprising/fun fact about yourself
    A:  It took me 8 attempts to pass my driving test!!!
    Q: If you could learn a new skill what would it be?
    A:  I’d like to learn how to sing
    Q: What is your favourite quote?
    A:  Everything happens for a reason
    Q: What was your first record/concert/cd/music download?
    A:  Guns N Roses at Manchester Arena when I was 10

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