A business meeting at private bank Duncan Lawrie convinced Victoria Liddle that with its ‘can do’ attitude and culture, this was where she would choose to work if an opportunity came about.
‘I had this feeling as soon as I walked through the door and it was also apparent the business was going through an exciting period of change,’ recalls Victoria, who has recently been appointed as head of Isle of Man investment management at the Douglas-based private banking specialist.
Victoria was then a manager within the funds and investment services team, at the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission (now the Financial Services Authority).
It was during the summer holidays in 2015 she got a phone call asking if she would be interested in joining Duncan Lawrie.
‘There followed a lengthy process of discussions which gave both myself and Duncan Lawrie the opportunity to make a considered decision rather than rushing into it,’ said Victoria, 36, who lives in Ramsey and is married with two children aged seven and five.
‘It’s great we are able to offer clients direct access to our experienced investment team who are permanently based at our Douglas office,’ said Victoria, who holds the CISI Diploma from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
‘Unlike some of our competitors, with our in-house team we don’t make our clients wait to see an investment adviser. We are a local business and our clients enjoy this interaction and can discuss their banking requirements at the same time.’
Victoria added: ‘Duncan Lawrie is a business with a positive culture. There is a real buzz about the place and a strong management team in place, along with a good work/life balance which is important with a young family.’
Isle of Man born and bred and with a BA honours degree in urban geography from Sheffield Hallam University, Victoria was last year a ‘woman on a mission’ when it came to the Parish Walk. ‘I met the challenge and completed the Walk, it was a two year project,’ she laughed.
‘I’m a home girl at heart which is why I came back to the island in 2000, at a time when the finance sector was booming.’
She admits she has a ‘wonderful network of family and friends’ supporting her family life while the morning drive from Ramsey into Douglas allows her to relax for the day ahead by tuning into the Chris Evans breakfast programme on Radio 2.
Sue Preskey, managing director of Duncan Lawrie Private Banking (IOM) said: ‘I’m delighted that someone of Victoria’s experience and calibre has joined us at what is an exciting time for Duncan Lawrie in the island.
‘I recruited Victoria to join my team at the Financial Supervision Commission while I was working there in 2004 and I’m personally extremely delighted to be working with her again.
‘She is a high achiever with an engaging personality which will very definitely complement our new team as we celebrate 30 years of successful operation in the Isle of Man.’