Spotlight on Managing Director Neil Law
February's IFSD newsletter featured our one and only Managing Director, and Bruce Springsteen fan Neil Law.
Neil tells us everything from his vision for Murphy Wealth, to what he wanted to be as a child. Read on to find out his favourite things about Glasgow and what box set he has been binging on recently!
How long have you worked at Murphy Wealth?
Just over 5 years, since August 2014
How many people work there now ?
15 (and growing!)
What is the vision for your company in Glasgow?
Growth. We want to invest in our future so that we can attract the best talent and be drivers of change in the industry.
What’s a typical day for you?
Typically, I like to be in the office early as it allows me to check emails, keep up to speed with the news that may impact on clients, and plan my day ahead. The remainder of my day is spent either in client meetings or working with the client managers who support me to deliver financial plans for clients. Most of my time is client facing, however, over and above that I have time allocated to management responsibilities and working with the rest of the Board to see how we move our business forward.
Why did your company choose to locate in the IFSD in Glasgow?
It’s the hub of growth and the place to be as we pride Glasgow as an entrepreneurial society. It is therefore a prime location where we can support business owners.
Three good things about working in Glasgow?
- The people - Glasgow is a hard-working city and I love the work ethic that exists in the city.
- Innovation – Glasgow has always been a place that is prepared to try new things, and this is something we have embraced at MW as we are determined to be at the forefront of moving the financial services industry forward.
- Willingness to change – Glasgow has changed so much in the past 30 years. Having worked 27 years, the city doesn’t look anything like it did back in the day and it’s great!
What is your biggest business achievement to date?
There is a huge focus on lifestyle financial planning. We are moving away from the traditional model of advising, and slowly towards lifestyle planning. By doing this, we are taking our first steps in not only shaping the industry, but it is allowing us to have much deeper conversations with clients to understand what they want to achieve in life. Their stories are my biggest achievements because the work that we have done lets us see some life-changing results in their lives, that not even they thought could be possible.
What is your biggest investment you've ever made?
The office, the team, the investment into innovation and technology…all in the last year! These are all pieces in the jigsaw allowing us to make the steps forward in our growth plan and collaborate with organisations we wouldn’t usually normally get to work with including Business Women Scotland and MND Scotland.
Which businessperson or company do you most admire and why?
Simon Sinek, as a business inspiration and author. He has changed the way that leaders and companies think about their purpose, their leadership and how they can build sustainable culture. Sustainability is key when you are thinking about growth, and all these factors play a huge part in that. Till this day, we still use Sinek’s concept to think about ‘our why’.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
That is an easy question…when I was a child, I was desperate to play centre half for Rangers. I still am desperate to do it, however, at 44 and with dodgy knees, I may have to accept that the call from Ibrox may never come…but I will keep my phone on just in case.
What do you do to relax away from the office?
Most of my time away from the office revolves around my two daughters. My older daughter Caitlyn (10) is a keen swimmer and swims for East Kilbride Swim Team and my younger daughter Eilidh, is a gymnast with East Kilbride Gymnastics Club. They are both part of a dance club too! So, if I am not at swimming gala’s, gymnastic displays or dance shows, I enjoy playing golf or going out for meals with my wife, Yvonne.
- I-Phone or Android? I-phone
- Favourite band? Stuck in the eighties so Bruce Springsteen for me!
- Favourite sport? Golf
- Favourite movie? Box sets are more for me…Designated Survivor is being binge watched at the moment.
- Sunshine or snow? Sunshine
...and finally, what three words sum you up?
Ambitious, sociable and dedicated.