James Pook

What attracted you to a career in wealth management?

I joined Quilter Cheviot in 2019, and the firm supported my progression through the Chartered Wealth Manager qualification, which I completed in 2023. This provided me with a strong professional foundation and a clear long‑term path in investment management, something I have been keen to pursue since my first introduction to economics by an enthusiastic schoolteacher.

What I enjoy most about wealth management is the balance between analysis, judgement and long‑term perspective. For me, successful investing is rarely about short‑term predictions, but about identifying quality businesses and allowing time and discipline to work in the investors' favour. I believe active bespoke portfolio management, grounded in discipline and long‑term thinking, is the most effective way to deliver meaningful outcomes and gives individuals confidence that their investments are working in support of their wider goals.

What would you like to achieve for clients?

I work alongside Henry Flather within a team led by Peter Haines, supporting client relationships and assisting in the ongoing management of portfolios. My focus is on delivering consistently high standards of service and helping ensure portfolios remain aligned with individuals' long term investment goals, recommending adjustments as their circumstances evolve.

A key part of what I aim to provide to investors is clarity and structure, particularly as financial decisions become more complex over time. People come to us at different stages of their life, whether they are drawing income in retirement or continuing to build and manage wealth alongside busy professional lives. I try to offer thoughtful guidance to help individuals make informed decisions today while keeping their longer‑term objectives firmly in view. No question is too simple, and my aim is to help inform and support individuals so they feel confident about the decisions they make on their investment journey.

What are your interests outside of work?

Staying active allows me to switch off outside of work and reenergise for the fresh challenges that markets inevitably bring. During the summer months you will find me on a cricket pitch, and in the winter on a handball court. My partner and I also enjoy travelling regularly, with Iceland our most frequent destination, where she is from. Unsurprisingly, the country is a firm favourite of mine, and I am always happy to share recommendations with anyone considering a trip, the landscapes and experiences are truly unique.