Paul Smith

As “The Man From The Pru” in the mid 80’s I was trained in the ways of delivering home service. Things have moved on considerably since the days of knocking on a client’s door every 4 weeks to collect premiums, but the importance of providing a personal service and advice tailored to individual needs has been a cornerstone of every role within Financial Services that I have had. I opened my first mortgage brokerage in 1989, and while I have also spent time as an IFA and managing a regional home and commercial general branch brokers, it has more often than not been alongside my first love, mortgage broking. I first became authorised to advise on Equity Release in the late 90s while working in the Private Clients Division of what was then Norwich Union. Now it is my main area of specialism. Advising older clients on their mortgage arrangements involves taking into account a considerable number of factors such as family circumstances, vulnerability, inheritance as well as the obvious upside of helping people achieve their aspirations of once in a lifetime holidays and helping their families. For me, it is the best job I could ever wish to do.

Personal Information: I am a coeliac that enjoys cooking and have never let the condition stop me from putting on weight.

Something not everyone knows about me: I have not owned a TV for over 15 years and tend to stay quiet in pub quizzes when it comes to the celebrity questions

If I won the Euro millions lottery I would: Not tell a living soul…

First Full time job: Assistant Manager (shop assistant really but the title was supposed to compensate for the lamentable salary at the time) at Stead & Simpson.

I love my job because: I get the opportunity to meet a huge range of people and help them achieve their goals.

Likes: Live music of all genres, theatre, museums, galleries, travel, reading, puns, history, science and chocolate milkshake.

Dislikes: Formal dinners, award ceremonies, wasps.

Favourite destination: Lake Garda.

Favourite food: Usually anything I have just tried for the first time

My ultimate 4 dinner party guests would be:

Freddie Mercury, Sharon Den Adel, Dolly Parton, Andrea Bocelli

Paul is a verified member of the Equity Release Council.

Paul Smith