Women in Investment Awards recognition for Charlotte

A caring manager at Francis Clark Financial Planning (FCFP) has been shortlisted at the Women in Investment Awards after going the extra mile to support colleagues during the pandemic.

Charlotte Taylor-St Ruth is a finalist in the Team Leader of the Year category for small to medium firms at the prestigious event, organised by Investment Week in association with HSBC Asset Management.

Exeter-based Charlotte joined FCFP as head of client care in 2019 and is responsible for leading a team of 15 people based across seven offices, from Poole to Truro. Judges were impressed by her attentive and flexible approach to enabling team members to balance work and personal responsibilities, including caring and home schooling, during the pandemic.

“Most of the team had never worked from home before the first lockdown, so it was a big change for everyone,” said Charlotte. “I believe it’s really important to listen, care and understand the external anxieties, stresses and commitments everyone is dealing with.

“Commitment to the future of the team is also essential to colleagues’ sense of wellbeing and empowerment, and I’m especially pleased to have helped three members of my team to progress to more senior roles during the pandemic.”

Now in their fifth year, the Women in Investment Awards aim to help accelerate the pace of change towards a more diverse and inclusive investment industry. This year there were nearly 1,400 nominations across 24 categories.

Charlotte added: “It’s a privilege to be acknowledged and be part of an awards event which is raising the profile of women in investment, and it’s great that the firm’s commitment to diversity has been recognised too.”

Charlotte started her career in financial services as an administrator before studying to become a chartered financial planner and fellow of the Personal Finance Society. After 17 years working in London in a variety of roles, she relocated to Devon, joining FCFP in 2019.

Andy Hammond, managing director of FCFP, said: “As a firm we take mental health and wellbeing very seriously and Charlotte is a shining example of this in the way she leads her team in such a caring and supportive way. I’m delighted that she has been recognised by the Women in Investment Awards and I hope the event will inspire more women to explore the variety of career opportunities available in financial planning.”

Winners of the Women in Investment Awards 2021 will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 25.

FCFP is the financial planning arm of PKF Francis Clark chartered accountants and business advisers. More information can be found at fcfp.co.uk.