Every month, we share some of the highlights of what’s been happening in and around the Bowmore Group. This month, we celebrate various appearances in the press, a new qualification, charity fundraising and a wedding.
In the press
The Sunday Times
It’s always gratifying when we’re asked for a comment on a major news story, and we were delighted to see Bowmore Asset Management recently featured in The Sunday Times. The story highlighted the unexpected winners leading the share price recovery in British business over the last year.
“The value of luxury watches performed remarkably well during the global financial crisis – quickly recovering from only minor dips in value. Similarly, luxury watches have continued to appreciate in value throughout the last year despite the global economic downturn.” – Charles Incledon, Client Director.
Read more: From deliveries to hospitals: the top 20 stocks that beat Covid
Luxury watch story gets business and industry news coverage
The luxury watch story was also covered by Retail Jeweller and City A.M., which ran with extended comments from CEO, Mark Incledon.
“The rise in demand for luxury watches reflect the growth in number of high net worth individuals across the globe. As more see their wealth increase, they are looking for new assets and investments.” – Mark Incledon, CEO.
Bowmore research quoted in iNews and Bloomberg
Bloomberg and iNews both ran coverage from Bowmore, publishing stories about why FTSE 100 firms should seek deals with their £183 billion cash pile.
“FTSE 100 companies have added £30 billion to their cash piles in the past year, up 17% to £183 billion compared to £153 billion the previous year, shows research from Bowmore Asset Management.”
Read more: FTSE 100 companies add £30bn to cash pile during pandemic – now totals £183bn
Rising stars
Based in our London office, financial adviser, Adam Canavan recently passed his CF8 exam, the Chartered Insurance Institute qualification that allows advisers to provide advice on care products.
We caught up with Adam to find out how it went.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Bowmore?
I am a financial adviser at Bowmore, having joined in June 2021.
My role is to understand the aspirations of our clients and then use the tools at our disposal to help them achieve their objectives. I ensure that clients are kept on the right track and that they do not miss the opportunities available to them.
How long have you been working towards this qualification, and did you have to pass other exams to reach this one?
CF8 (long-term care insurance) is my first step on the road to moving from Diploma Qualified to Chartered Financial Planner status.
I studied for the CF8 exam for about two months.
How are you at exams, generally?
I’m generally pretty good when it comes to exams and don’t mind them once I get started.
What was the hardest part of preparing for the exam?
I always feel that the hardest part of studying is making sure you get off on the right foot, with a good study plan in place.
And the easiest?
The easiest part of the preparation is completing the end of chapter tests to see how you are doing.
Can you tell me a bit about how you prepared/whether you have a revision technique or whether you’re simply a natural when learning new stuff?
I like to read the study text once, then read it again making notes. After this, I do small chapter- specific tests to check my knowledge and see how much is sinking in.
As the exam draws closer, I start to refine my notes down so that by the end they are brief highlights of what is covered in each chapter and any key calculations.
The day before the exam, I sit a mock exam under timed conditions so that I am fully ready.
How was the exam? Did you have to go somewhere to sit it or was it done online?
The exam was pretty good, as you are given plenty of time to fully read the questions and think about your answers. I went to the local testing centre in London where the exam is taken on a computer alongside the other candidates.
What will it mean for you professionally?
By working for this exam, I now have a far greater understanding of long-term care and how we can plan for it.
As the population of the UK gets older, this will be an ever more important area. Anything we can do as planners to ensure that clients have the best outcomes possible is very rewarding.
Are you now working towards another qualification, or are you taking a break before diving into your next challenge?
I have my next module booked to continue my journey towards Chartered Financial Planner status. I think it is good to keep the momentum going.
We’ll keep you updated on Adam’s progress.
Adam Canavan specialises in advising successful business owners and professionals by providing a single point of contact to help them achieve their financial objectives. We’ll keep you updated on his progress towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner.
Weddings
Duncan Harvey, our senior paraplanner at the Bowmore Financial Planning office in Bristol, recently married Charlotte Bhandari.
Duncan first met Charlotte in the Tobacco Factory, a popular café bar in Bristol city centre in 2011. After 10 happy years together, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Bristol registry office attended by their parents. 
Afterwards, the newlyweds and their parents went to the Clifton Observatory for drinks on the rooftop. After enjoying the spectacular panoramic landscape of Bristol, the party of six headed to the Bristol Lido for dinner.
Early the following morning, Duncan and Charlotte drove up to Scotland for their honeymoon. They hope to enjoy a longer honeymoon in Namibia once it’s feasible.
With the complications of travel restrictions and changing rules, Duncan and Charlotte were pleased to have kept their wedding day simple, yet special.
Next year they plan to have a party to celebrate, by which time friends and family from abroad will be able to come over to the UK.
Duncan said: “The whole day was perfect. I had gone through the ceremony so many times in my mind, and it lived up to expectations. I just managed to get my words out through the tears, and our parents got on well, which was a relief.”
Good sports
Helen Best made a snap decision to run 10k and raise money for Cancer Research
Another of our paraplanners in the Bristol office, Helen Best, completed a 10k run to raise money for Cancer Research on a whim. We chased Helen down to find out more. 
When did you start running?
I’ve been running on and off since university.
How often do you run?
Once or twice a week, usually with the dog – two birds with one stone!
What’s your favourite time of day to run?
Early evening after work.
How much money did you raise?
£394 so far, but people can still donate through my fundraising page here. All donations go to Cancer Research.
How did you train for the 10k challenge?
I noticed the event setting up the day before as it was taking place close to my house. I decided to do it on a whim. Since I keep fit through a combination of softball, rugby, circuits, yoga, and a bunch of other sports, I knew I could do the 10k distance.
Do you prefer to run alone, or with a group?
Either. I enjoy running with the dog but also enjoy running/training with my rugby team and group circuits class.
How long did it take you to complete the 10k run?
55 minutes.
How was the weather on race day?
Hot and sunny.
Is there another challenge on the horizon?
Yes, I’m participating in the Bristol Sprint Triathlon on 3 October.
What would be your one piece of advice for a first-time runner or someone considering taking up running?
The first run back into fitness or after a break is always the hardest and then it does get easier and more enjoyable – promise!
For new runners, take it easy and build up your distance/speed slowly to prevent any injuries and it’s always worth incorporating one day a week of lower-body strength training, along with your running, to build up your strength and mobility.
Don’t forget to stretch with a warm up and cool down!
Bristol & Clifton Golf Club sponsorship
Finally, we are proud to sponsor the 8th and 13th holes at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club for another year.
Here’s Mark Incledon, our CEO, at the 8th hole.
