Welcome to our “Have you met?” series, where we catch up with members of our team through an informal Q&A.
In this edition, we spoke with Ian Robinson, from our Norwich office, about an array of topics. This included common financial planning mistakes and favourite travel spot.
Read the short Q&A session below to find out more about Ian.
About Ian
Ian is an Independent Financial Planner at Lucas Fettes Financial Planning.
He has been in the financial services industry since 1990, working his way up from administration, through paraplanning, and on to advising clients since 2006.
Ian joined Lucas Fettes as part of the acquisition of another firm, Waveney McKenna, back in 2015.
What three words would you use to describe Lucas Fettes?
“Dependable, trustworthy and sound.”
What do you like most about your role at Lucas Fettes?
“Getting out to see people. A wily old adviser once told me that review meetings should be like a cosy fireside chat and, for those long-standing clients, it often feels like this. A cup of tea and a content and reassured client makes everything seem okay.”
What drew you to Lucas Fettes originally? And how has the company changed since?
It was more by default, since Waveney McKenna were bought out by Lucas Fettes. In eight years though, we have moved away from the general insurance group with the management buy-out, which has changed some of our priorities. New technology and ever greater regulation means that the two page letter recommending something is a thing of the past. Sadly. it means that clients have to read through lengthy reports, but it is all for protection and ensuring that they have the best possible advice. The quality of advice is now far better than it ever used to be.”
What are the common financial planning mistakes you notice?
“Thinking things are simple. If everything was, we would all be millionaires. Also the assumption that there are no risk with cash or property. There are, just different types of risk that impact people in a different way. Everything carries some form of risk, it is just quantifying what it is.”
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
“A Spitfire pilot. One day, one day.”
Do you have a favourite travel spot?
“As a country, Italy. We have been to Italy on a number of occasions, all to different locations, but every one has been wonderful.“
You have been given an elephant, but you cannot give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant?
“Raffle it (not technically giving it away or selling it.)”
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
“Ever since I was young, I have had a fascination with the Titanic. I wouldn’t want to be on board though, we already know about as much as we could hope to. I would be on the bridge of a ship that was nearby. I would love to hear why they did nothing despite seeing what was going on.“
Name a person who you would like to interview?
“Tough one, there are so many. My great grandad. He died when I was 21, but I wish we had written down or recorded more of his stories and recollections.”
If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose?
“Flying.”
If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
“A duck. It sums up my cricketing career.”
