My long working partnership with Martin ended with his retirement and the Board inviting me to take on the senior management position, while still undertaking client work which is the most enjoyable aspect of this profession. To be embedded in a successful family business of 50 years’ standing is a great privilege, and if we remain genuinely interested in our clients’ lives and outcomes then the future is bright.
I was in the first group of IFAs to be awarded Chartered status on its introduction by the CII in 2005, and am one of relatively few accredited members of The Society of Later Life Advisers in the North West.
An outdoors fanatic, I still enjoy long-distance running as well as camping with my son, and am a long-term vegetarian and Leicester City fan. Our league title in 2016 (and latterly first FA Cup triumph), and being invited onto BBC Breakfast to talk about it, genuinely altered my perceptions of what is possible in life! One day, I hope this will include a caravan and a dog.
As a Chartered Financial Planner, I enjoy providing clients with comfort and clarity of their financial position, and working together to help them achieve their dreams.
My motivation to join the profession and achieve the highest level of qualification originated from witnessing those close to me make ill-informed financial decisions. Having spent many years away from Lancashire, I have returned to my roots and now live in Cleveleys, by the beach, with my girlfriend Jenna, and dog Rundle and house rabbit Philippe.
I discovered a passion for the outdoors when living in the Canadian Rockies, so outside of work you’ll find me either ticking off the Wainwrights in the Lake District or taking it easy on the golf course.
With previous management experience in the NHS, Sumi was the natural choice when our firm grew to the point where we required a Practice Manager. She has worked on both the private client and employee benefits side of our business, enabling her to co-ordinate the overall workflow and servicing standards.
As well often treating the team to the fruits of her superb cooking skills, Sumi can also entertain by switching back to a southern accent from her earlier life.
I have worked in the financial services profession since 2021 in the role of paraplanner, having previously worked in compliance, accounting and virtual PA fields. I enjoy the variety of work that paraplanning provides and the opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills. I am currently working towards my Diploma and have passed R01 – Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics and R05 – Financial Protection.
In my spare time I help coach the local girls’ rugby team, and when you don’t see me at the side of the pitch you will see me out walking my sausage dogs.
Vanessa will be known to many of our clients as a friendly voice on the phone through arranging meetings and helping with wider servicing matters. She has been with Backhouse since 2017, having worked in a variety of roles in her career, including presenting to education conferences in London.
Had Simon Cowell ever visited the clubs of Lancashire, Vanessa could have found fame and fortune as a singer. She had a recording contract as Vanessa V, and has wowed us with her voice which has remains as good as it has ever been!
I am a highly experienced business professional, choosing a career move into financial services in 2020. My previous background was largely in manufacturing operations: purchasing, planning, project management/change management, North America account manager - I love progress and rising to a new challenge and meeting and working with new people/teams.
Naturally I was able to travel the States extensively, and have also been lucky enough to travel around much of Europe. Since becoming a mum though, I have become much more of a home bird in recent years. In my younger years I enjoyed team, competitive and high energy sports: hockey, netball, rounders, football, squash and skiing. I also have a baby grand piano at home; have played classical piano since the age of 5.