Sarah Siddons - Senior Adviser, Bowcliffe Wealth Management
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I attended a traditional all-girls school in the 1980s, where a career in finance wasn’t even on my radar! I initially wanted to be a PE teacher until mine pointed out I could continue playing sports without having to teach them. After completing a Politics degree at Warwick University I started my career in advertising, spending 14 years in both London and Leeds working with agencies before deciding to switch industries. In April 2008, I retrained as a financial planner through the St. James’s Place Academy Programme and set up my own financial planning practice that September. After 17 years of building my business and qualifying as a Chartered Financial Planner, I merged my practice with my colleague Adrian Brook in October 2024.
Tell us about your current role.
I spend my days meeting clients who want to take control of their financial future. Many already have pensions and investments but aren’t sure if they’ll have enough for retirement. I love helping them create a clear plan and peace of mind.
Having been through it myself, I’m particularly passionate about supporting women through divorce, helping them navigate financial decisions with confidence. Divorce is challenging, and many women find themselves managing finances alone for the first time. I help them understand their position, make informed choices, and build a secure future. Drawing up a solid plan provides much-needed stability during a difficult transition.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Leaving a well-paid job to work for myself, just after having my first child. I wanted to create a work-life balance that allowed me to run my own business while being present as a mum. Seventeen years later, I have two wonderful children and have grown my business from no industry experience or clients to managing nearly £70 million of clients’ wealth by the end of 2024.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Technology has transformed the way we work. There’s more paperwork, but it has also improved client interactions, making meetings more engaging. I now use cashflow modelling tools which brings financial plans to life in a way that wasn’t possible when I started. However, one thing remains unchanged – the importance of building long-term relationships. Face-to-face meetings are still key, especially when dealing with something as personal as finances.
What are you currently working on?
We’re in the early stages of merging Siddons & Co with Bowcliffe Wealth Management, so there’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes.
Tell us about the team you work with.
The Bowcliffe team is friendly and highly professional, clients may not see all the work that happens in the background, but our support team is invaluable, they make everything run smoothly.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
“Start with the end in mind, have a plan, and be ready to adapt.”
What has been your biggest challenge?
Balancing running my practice, studying for my Chartered qualification, and being present for my family was my toughest challenge. It took two years of hard work, but I qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2019. An achievement I’m proud of, given that less than 20% of UK financial planners hold this qualification.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
I wouldn’t say I have ‘heroes,’ but I found the late Mike Wilson, one of the founders of St. James’s Place, incredibly inspiring. He built a hugely successful business that now serves nearly a million clients across the UK. I’m proud to have been part of that journey for the past 17 years.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I love playing tennis at my local club, spending time with family, and travelling – so much so that my friends have nicknamed me ‘Judith Chalmers’!
Favourite book and box set?
I love crime thrillers but don’t have a single favourite book. My favourite box set is The Crown – my kids laugh at me because I’ve watched it so many times!
Sarah Siddons is a Senior Adviser at Bowcliffe Wealt Management, a Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management
www.bowcliffewm.co.uk/sarah-siddons