Talking with… Laura Evans

Laura Evans, Financial Planning Consultant at Prosser Knowles Associates Limited, met with Kay Crooke to chat about her time working at Prosser Knowles so far…

You started working with Prosser Knowles Back in February 2011, what led you to work in the Financial Services Industry and for Prosser Knowles in particular?

Honestly, it was more luck than judgement. I joined the apprenticeship scheme aged 16, looking for a placement in business administration and Prosser Knowles found me! I had done quite well in school but was eager to get into work and start forging a career for myself. Sometimes these things are meant to be.

You must have seen numerous changes over the years, could you tell us a bit about them?

There have been a lot of significant changes in the industry since I started at PK and I feel that most of these have been positive for clients. The pensions flexibilities introduced in 2015 were a game-changer for those approaching retirement, who now have a vast array of options open to them. However, navigating these changes highlights the need for good quality advice and unfortunately, with fewer advisers in the industry than ever, more and more people are slipping through the advice gap.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I feel like my greatest achievement has been my determination to climb the ladder in the industry from a young age. I started at PK as an administration apprentice at 16, proceeded to become a qualified mortgage adviser at 17 and a fully qualified independent financial adviser at 19 – one of the youngest in the country at the time. I feel that being a young female adviser in the industry comes with its own struggles, but it is also very rewarding to know that we are the future of this ever-changing industry. 

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Helping people, without a doubt. It’s always a wonderful feeling when you can help people achieve their goals and find solutions that they didn’t know were possible otherwise! It’s also a lovely experience being able to follow clients as they progress through their changing financial needs, from helping them to buy their first home, to beginning their retirement savings and helping them to benefit from those retirement savings. You are trusting your adviser with some of the most private aspects of your life and this means that over time, a good adviser will become a friend.

Who has inspired you?

My parents, seeing people who have worked hard all of their lives and never complained meant they were the perfect role models for me. They taught me that life will not be handed to you and that happiness is achieved through hard work and determination. This is also an attribute I see reflected in my clients on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in financial services?

It takes hard work but it’s definitely worth it. Every day is different, you get to meet some wonderful people and you are in control of your own future.

You recently returned to work following the birth of your daughter, how do you feel parenthood has helped or hindered you in your role?

I think becoming a mother has made me more conscientious. I am better able to relate to my clients on a personal level. Don’t get me wrong, balancing my time and prioritising between work and home life is a challenge but it does make you more organised! My daughter is also my little motivator, I come home from a busy day at work to her smiling face and know that its all worth it.

How do you choose to relax?

Walking my two dogs in the countryside with my little one in her baby carrier, oh and a nice hot bubble bath!

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