Here is the third instalment of our staff spotlight series, offering you the chance to get to know our wonderful team. This time, we spoke to Steve Binns, Financial Planner, about life at Ridgeways.

Where it all started

Steve began his career as an administrator at a national financial services company in 2022.

The benefits of the role

Steve enjoys meeting and supporting clients by turning complex financial jargon into clear, easy-to-understand concepts they can confidently navigate.

The career highlight so far…

He is most proud of achieving his financial services diploma before even stepping foot in a financial services company. Steve studied in the evenings after finishing work as a builder which was no mean feat but his perseverance paid off.

His proudest client moment

Steve had some clients who were struggling financially and were unable to afford even the most basic services like getting a haircut or dental treatment. They were selling their furniture just to pay off their credit card debt. Steve was able to help them to access Tax-Free Childcare. Once they were eligible for this benefit, they were able to clear their debts and have a better standard of living.

Key challenges

He admits that IT has not always been his strongest area, although this has become far less of an issue as his skills have improved over time, even if he is still not the fastest typist.

He would recommend Ridgeways as…

A small, friendly approachable firm that is always willing to help its clients. Having previously worked for a large national advice firm, formed through the consolidation of many smaller businesses, Steve experienced first-hand how impersonal and disorganised things could become. Clients would often call in and struggle to find someone who knew their circumstances or even who their adviser was – a stark contrast to the personal and client-focused approach at Ridgeways.

Interesting fact about Steve

He is officially a giant… it comes in handy when it comes to reaching items off the top shelf in a supermarket but can result in cold feet at bedtime!

A good advisor is…

A good listener and a good communicator who is able to talk through tricky situations and look for answers beyond those provided by numbers.

His superpower would consist of

A mini-me button to help when he plays hide and seek with the kids!