Paul Smith, Independent Financial Adviser

An introduction to Paul Smith

Your career to date?
I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left university and it was while I was killing time working in London that I fell into the financial services sector. That was a little over 20 years ago and I have been successfully advising an array of clients ever since.

I spent the formative part of my career working for GAN, the French insurance group and then in 1998 I crossed the divide and became an independent financial adviser. The only regret I have is not making the switch to the independent sector sooner!

What is your strongest childhood memory?
Telling my mum that I wouldn’t have to go to school when I got older - oh well!

What is your favourite piece of music?
Mr Brightside by The Killers - the happiest and saddest of songs all rolled into one.

You have one flight, where would you go and why?
Hawaii - It’s paradise with infrastructure.

Who would be your three guests at a dream dinner party?
Jimmy Carr, Ana Ivanovic and Noel Gallagher. I’d also have Ray Mears as first reserve, just in case the cooker broke.

Your favourite website?
Googlepedia - how did we function without them!

If money was no object what would you buy tomorrow?
All the properties lying dormant to give the homeless a roof over their head.

The last piece of art you bought and why?
Two canvasses from a street market in Havana because I knew they’d look great in my home.

Speed cameras, good or evil?
An unnecessary evil.

Speed cameras, good or evil?
He was unselfish.