We’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone at WDS Wealth Management as we welcome Jack Hewitson to his new role as Equity Partner and Director.
Jack has been an integral part of our team, championing personalised financial advice and spearheading growth in West Yorkshire. Today, we sit down with him to learn more about his journey, vision for the future, and the unique perspective he brings to our clients and team. Let’s dive in!
Congratulations on your new role, Jack! Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an Equity Partner at WDS Wealth Management? What are some milestones that stand out for you?
Thank you. I joined the firm to build out WDS’s wealth services offering in West Yorkshire. As the team grew, I began to share the compliance burden with my then colleague and Equity Partner. As it became clear that as the team grew it would be impossible to maintain our high level of service with only one Partner, I was invited to become an Equity Partner at WDS Wealth Management.
As you step into this new position, what are your key priorities for our clients and the Wealth Management team?
We are proud of our traditional in person service we offer. Our clients, in my opinion, greatly benefit from this. My key priorities are to ensure we stay efficient and competitive whilst equally continuing to be a great place to work for our colleagues and beneficial to the communities we operate in.
You’ve built a reputation for providing highly personalised financial advice. What do you believe is the most important element in building trust with clients?
When meeting with new clients I spend much of the first meeting discussing their non-financial lives. I am a big believer that money is only so good as it allows you to do what you want to. Understanding what clients really value in life helps me to plan how to include more of that in their lives. Each client is unique and what’s important to me in my life would not necessarily be important to someone else. I cannot say how important it is to understand what my clients love doing. That is the only way I can make sure their money is doing for them what they need it to do.
Finance and wealth management are fields that demand both technical skill and interpersonal understanding. How has your personal journey shaped the way you approach client relationships?
Those who know me will know how much I love to travel. Having lived and worked overseas for years I believe this really keeps me open-minded. Each one of my clients is an individual and I pride myself on taking people as I find them. Of course, it is human nature to make judgements when first meeting others but doing a people-oriented role it’s key to be able to park your assumptions and re-learn people’s attributes and needs.
You bring a unique perspective to our team. What does diversity in finance mean to you, and how do you feel it can impact the industry positively?
Diversity to me means strength, perspective and thought. At WDS we have a diverse team across the business which helps us see things from many angles. Financial Services has a reputation for still being closed and not inclusive. For me this explains quite why some firms seem to bumble along and others thrive. Having diverse backgrounds and skill sets really sets Team WDS out amongst the pack.
Looking at the financial landscape, what trends or developments do you think will be most significant for clients in the coming years?
I believe the recent budget changes will put a renewed focus on life insurance. Some financial products previously were fully excluded from Inheritance Tax, with non-levied at all. As these assets, Agricultural Assets, Business Assets and Pensions become part of the inheritance tax calculation I can see many more people needing short term life insurance to cover gifts and protect legacies.
As pension subscriptions maintained their NI exemption, I can further see this continuing to be attractive to owner directors.
Wealth management often involves planning for both the expected and the unexpected. What do you enjoy most about helping clients prepare for their futures?
As a firm we build ‘what if’ scenarios into our financial plans. As you say, this helps us prepare for the unexpected. Life by its nature is unknown. I love planning with clients for these what ifs. When everything in a client’s personal life feels as though it’s changing at a great pace, I love to see them understand their financial life has been protected.
Finally, outside of work, what are some of your passions or pursuits? How do they influence your approach to financial planning and client service?
It will be no surprise that I would say Travel is my true passion in life. I love nothing more than getting lost somewhere new with my backpack on. I love travel so much as it helps me learn about others and understand viewpoints I would otherwise have never encountered. The world is an interesting place and the unwavering kindness of strangers never ceases to melt my heart.
Thank you, Jack, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your passion for personalized client service, dedication to innovation, and belief in the power of diversity truly set you apart. As you step into this new chapter, we’re excited to see how your leadership will continue to shape the future of WDS Wealth Management and the exceptional service we provide. Congratulations once again, and here’s to an exciting future ahead!
