What makes a successful team?

Today's blog comes from David Pegler, Divisonal Director of Brewin Dolphin.

Brewin Dolphin was established in 1762 and now has over 30 offices dotted around the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland. The FTSE 250 company was one of the founding firms of the London Stock Exchange and today it is one of the leading independently-owned providers of personalised, discretionary wealth management services, with funds under management of more than £28bn. During its long history, Brewin Dolphin has managed to survive and thrive through two world wars, the Great Depression and the financial Big Bang in 1986, as well as more recent challenges.

Brewin Dolphin's Brighton office is four years old and is one of the fastest growing in the Group, albeit from a relatively low base. The Directors have spent a great deal of time and effort in assembling its team, which they call 'getting the right people on the bus'.

The team works hard to cut through the mystique which surrounds some aspects of the world of finance. Our open and personal approach is reflected in the choice of office space, located within a few minutes walk from the main railway station and the North Laine, which is specifically designed to allow ready access for individual discussions, seminars and other relevant events.

We are fortunate that industry conditions are favourable - there really has never been a time when clients have needed advice more. Interest rates remain low, at least for the time being, and people are living longer so need to consider their long-term savings. Despite the decent headwind the Brighton team has also made every effort to set themselves up correctly from the word go. Their focus has been on the following:

• Clarity of vision, aligned with the Group and feeding down to each individual of the team
• Definition of roles and responsibilities, recognising individual strengths and ensuring that each member of the team is passionate in their chosen field
• Inclusion and good communication, being honest and transparent and having an open and approachable policy
• Improving the client experience, trying to do something every day to pleasantly surprise one of their clients. Providing a personalised service is paramount - lots of companies say they do it, but really make it your mantra
• Flexibility; times are a changing and having a good foundation and support from the Group, yet the ability to be agile and move when the industry and client needs change is a key attribute
• Invest in marketing and good PR, keep it fresh and explore new marketing and lead development initiatives. Initially the Brighton office had a couple of simple messages to communicate: what we do and where we are. Now their approach is considerably more targeted
• Develop close relationships; the team are keen to support local businesses, charities and events across the South of England. Strategic relationships have been established with many local intermediaries
• Promote a good work/life balance, strive for a healthy split and reap the rewards of a contented workforce
• Above all, don't take it too seriously and enjoy the journey - life is simply too short

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