Ryan Nobbs
Ryan is the Co-Owner of Evergreen Financial Planning, which is a financial advisory business providing holistic advice and support to clients of all ages and backgrounds throughout the UK.
Ryan has a wealth of experience within the industry and is determined to make the finance industry accessible to more people. Educating others and helping others to develop, whether in business, or in their personal goals, is something which Ryan is very passionate about.
Tell us a little bit about your business…
I run Evergreen Financial Planning with my business partner Nathan Waldron. The company is a partner of M&G Wealth and our expert team provide advice and support in many areas related to finance. Our approach simplifies what finance is and we help to find what options are available to best suit each individual – we do not just follow a one solution fits all process. We help with pensions, retirement planning, investments and estate planning. Educating others to understand and plan their own financial futures is also where we come in.
How did you get into the industry?
At the age of 18 I was a cashier at Halifax where I went on to work in various roles whilst completing my professional qualifications. Following experience as a banking adviser and Protection Adviser, I then moved to another large high street bank for 12 months as a mortgage adviser. Then in 2016 I moved to a National financial advice firm. I’ve always been good with numbers and people, and have always found the financial world extremely interesting – therefore I love to combine these into one at Evergreen.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
There is a huge demand for real honest financial advice in which others can understand it better and therefore plan accordingly. Therefore we are continuously looking at ways we can reach more people – hence growing the team and services we offer.
Biggest opportunities…
Providing education as well as advise so other people can understand their own decisions around finances and not be afraid to seek support. Utilising technology such as having video calls allows us to extend our reach to more people in the UK.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I have been told by pervious colleagues, and by my team now, that I have a very understanding approach to finance and business, whilst at the same time I can be firm with decision making. I also have been told that I do have an open mind and willing to learn all the time.
How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
Honesty is the best policy. Understanding your staff’s motivations and them personally really provides that family feel. If everyone is singing from the same hymn sheets then we can be very efficient in what we do. You’re only as strong as your weakest link so we need to make sure everyone is at 100%. This means taking the time out and understanding all staff.
What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Happy staff.
Efficient processes.
Ongoing communication between staff and clients.
Keeping up to date with ongoing affairs.
Ongoing training for everyone.
How has the past 12 months been for you?
It has been very exciting and busy as we have welcomed new staff members as well as expanded our clients base. We are committed to make a difference and do things differently within the industry and along with our team listening and understanding our clients is at the fore of what we do.
What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
We aim to have two more advisers fully up and running as well as welcoming more clients throughout the whole of the UK.
What are the highlights of your career so far?
Proving that age is just a number and if you’re committed and can share the experiences and knowledge you have gained in an effective, but simple way, others will listen to you.
Doing the right thing for clients and seeing their own growth.
Being in the top rated advisers via VouchedFor two years running.
What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Learning not to take things personally in business. This taught me to focus more on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t. Having this mindset allows you to invest your energy more productively, focusing on actions which drive your business forward rather than dwelling on perceived personal setbacks.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Always do the right thing and not just take the easy option on something.
If you’re going to start in this industry make sure you have a good support mechanism around you otherwise you will find it very difficult and stressful
