Here is the second instalment of our staff spotlight series, offering you the chance to get to know our wonderful team. This time, we spoke to Kevin Blake, Director and Financial Planner, about the ups and downs of working as a financial adviser.

Back to the beginning

Kevin started off as a ‘man from the Pru’, for those old enough to remember! He was involved in the insurance business initially but broadened out into financial services.

The highlights of the job are..

Meeting clients, both old and new, and helping people realise their goals are the bits of the job that he enjoys the most.

Proudest professional moment so far

For Kevin, becoming a Chartered Fellow of the CISI, has been his career highlight.

Favourite client success story

He helped a close friend’s parents save a significant sum of money by persuading them to get married. The savings were a result of inheritance tax. All perks of tie-ing the knot!

And the downsides?

Losing clients through bereavement, many of whom he has known for a long time and shared many conversations, experiences, and professional interactions with over the years.

What makes Ridgeways unique?

Kevin explains that Ridgeways put integrity and ethics front and foremost in their dealings with clients which makes Ridgeways stand out. Clients can rest assured that the advice given is impartial and has their interests at heart.

Key skills for the job

In his view, the key skills for a financial adviser are empathy, a willingness to play devil’s advocate and to challenge assumptions so that the client gets the best end result.

Interesting fact

Kevin is a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan (American Football) and follows their ups and downs very closely.

His dream superpower would be..

Flying – so he could avoid getting stuck on the M25 and spend that time in a more productive and rewarding way!