Just a Minute: Robert Perrie, Commerical Finance Broker at ABL Business

Our current series of Just A Minute profiles continues with Robert Perrie, Commerical Finance Broker at Glasgow-based ABL Business.

Why did you chose to work in the finance sector and how and did you get started in the industry?

Graduated with an accountancy degree and realised I wanted to be more client focused so began a Graduate Trainee Scheme with Lloyds Bank in 2003 so that I could get out from behind a desk and actually engage with business owners.

Who or what has been the greatest professional influence in your life?

Jamie Alison my first proper boss, he listened and helped develop me without me even being aware at the time.

Your best and worst professional experience?

Best – meeting Richard Branson and seeing first hand that business is inter-linked with personal relationships.

Worst – Being in a role that was totally sales driven and not customer focused.

What’s the best advice you received, either personal or professional?

Keep it simple.

What do you like most and least about your job?

Most – independence of being my own boss.

Least – people using your expertise, listening to it and then ignoring it.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in finance?

Be as honest and frank as you can be in a professional manner, people will respect you for it.

What you would most like to change in the industry?

Making revenue and commission more transparent. Most clients are business people and understand the nature of how finance works however are disparaging of Finance professionals because of a historic bad experience of poor or misleading pricing structures.

Are you pessimistic or optimistic about the economic outlook in the wake of June’s Brexit vote?

Pessimistic for the short-term as it will lead to costly changes, however confident in the UK’s ability to adapt so confident over a medium to long-term.

Which social media sites do you use?

LinkedIn

What are your hobbies and interests outside of the office?

Family, Golf, football and cooking.

What job would you want to do if you were not in finance?

PGA professional is unrealistic, so probably a chef, if I had my time over again.

What is your favourite holiday destination:

New Zealand, only been once, 10 years ago, but what a place, magic!

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