Firstly, tell us a little more about how you got to where you have today?

I started out my career in Banking 25 years ago and quickly realised that I enjoyed the financial planning aspect of work. This prompted a move to Standard Life where I had an amazing grounding in the more technical aspects of financial planning. This then led me to the decision to set up my own business 16 years ago which provided the foundation for Gilson Gray Financial Management which was established 8 years ago. It has been an amazing journey and we have an amazing group of clients who I really enjoy helping through the financial maze.

Financial Advice can sometimes seem like a complicated subject. How do you simplify it for your clients?

I see that as my key role in any interaction with clients, a little information can be dangerous and lead to expensive errors so it is important to be clear with clients and check understanding. Recent developments with cashflow modelling software have really helped to illustrate plans to clients in a way they understand.

What would be the three key points you would tell someone who was looking for financial advice?

• Engage with the process and don’t hide anything

• Make sure you understand what is being proposed

• Review the plan at least once a year and seek to gain a better understanding

What do you like to do with your spare time?

My main hobby is Golf, having stopped playing Rugby some years ago due to injury – I sometimes get the urge to go back and play as I miss it a lot, but going to Linlithgow, Edinburgh, or Scotland games helps. I hate being quiet so if there are gaps in my day I fill them - much to my wife Gillian’s annoyance!

Do you specialise in any areas of financial advice?

I specialise in dealing with families who have accumulated wealth over the years through retirement and investment planning or property. I believe my particular specialism is intergenerational planning with a focus on enjoying today whilst planning for tomorrow.

Any advice you would give yourself?

In the short term, I always make sure the next holiday is booked in the diary. I try to maximise my time with my family - although with teenage girls they really do not want to be with me. I do plan for the future but have luxury of meeting lots of people who get this right and I am able to copy their ideas and hopefully pass some on.