We’re chatting to Andy Hall, Senior Financial Planner in the first of our Meet the Team interviews with BHP Financial Planning. Andy is one of the newer members of the team, joining BHP in 2022 after spending five years with a wealth management firm. Andy loves being part of the team and supporting clients to make sensible choices with their money. In his spare time, he enjoys walking his dog and dining out with friends and family. Find out more below.
When did you join BHP Financial Planning?
I joined in August 2022, after five years of being a Financial Planner for another wealth management firm.
What attracted to you to work for the firm?
After working for a restricted advisory firm, I was keen to develop my career within the independent sector and provide clients with a truly holistic approach to Financial Planning. I heard great things about BHP and, after having the first meeting with my Managing Director Joy, and Business Development Manager Gary, I knew that BHP would be a perfect fit for what I was looking for moving forward.
BHP has a fantastic team environment and holds monthly social events, as well as the notorious BHP Festival every summer, which is always so much fun!
What do you love about being part of the BHP Financial Planning team?
I love our team environment. We work extremely well together and often brainstorm ideas, as well as collaborate on different cases. I would have no hesitation to ask for help from any team member in FP, even if it is one of those ‘stupid’ questions when your mind goes blank.
What inspired you to work within financial planning?
I used to work for a Stockbroking firm in Leeds City Centre and I saw a lot of people lose a lot of money within minutes of putting through trades for clients. I was keen to develop my career in the financial sector by helping people make more sensible choices with their money, which led me into a career in Financial Planning.
How do you like to relax outside of work?
During the week, I often go for a walk straight after work with my dog Rolo – either to the Otley Chevin or through to Golden Acre Park to unwind after a busy day.
You would then find me either at the gym, rugby training or relaxing on the sofa binge-watching a TV series or documentary. At weekends, I love to go out for a meal and a few drinks.
Do you prefer a takeaway or meal out? What’s your favourite type of cuisine?
A meal out with family and friends would always be my preferred choice, followed by a nice bar for a few drinks. My favourite type of cuisine for a meal out would either be Thai or a classic Italian.
If you could host a celebrity dinner, who would you invite?
I would have to invite Steve Carrell (or more specifically Michael Scott from the US Office) and Will Ferrell for non-stop comedy. Along with Jonah Hill and Leonardo DiCaprio, as they would also be a laugh, and Aubrey Plaza because of her dry sense of humour.
What are your top three podcasts, books or films?
I am a bit of a history nerd (or a nerd in general), so my favourite book would be The Plantagenets – The Kings that made England.
For my favourite film, this one is tough. I would say either the Dark Knight or any of the Lord of the Rings films.
I am not a big podcast fan, but some of the Joe Rogan Experience podcasts are really good.
What type of holiday do you prefer? Beach, active or city break?
A skiing/snowboarding holiday would always be my first choice. I also love beach holidays, as long as there’s the option to hire a scooter to explore or go on a boat trip around the nearby islands.
If you didn’t work in financial planning, what job would you like to do?
I always liked the idea of being a member of the RNLI when I was living at home in Whitley Bay. Now, perhaps it would be the mountain rescue service – something outdoorsy.
