In The Spotlight – Alexandra Varley
Simpson Wood13th May 2024
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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