10 In 10: Matthew Slessor

Matthew Slessor is founder of Matthew Slessor Wealth Management and is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as The Yorkshire Times gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.


What does your typical working day involve?

Each day is different, but usually centres around meetings with clients, to help them in one way or another. I meet clients and their families at their home, as they are usually most comfortable, and have all their paperwork to hand. I get many emails from clients and companies, so they tend to get dealt with as and when they come in, and a client meeting will usually take between 1 and 2 hours. I spend a lot of time ‘planning’ with clients who typically are confused by their investments and pensions, and want them to be organised properly to actually understand what they have. I spend my day (and often nights) researching my clients investments, so see if they are on track, and if not, recommend changes, so report writing is also part of the role.

What makes Matthew Slessor Wealth Management special?

I wanted to be able to say to clients “It’s me” that they get, with my full attention and responsibility, in essence, the buck stops with me as firm principal. I think that having worked for larger organisations in the past, its clear that the larger these businesses are, the more of a ‘number’ the client becomes, and they get taken for granted or even abandoned. You see this with large banks, who fail to cater for the needs of elderly clients, who really need that personal touch. Local Building Societies do a great job in providing local services, but they generally don’t provide Independent Financial Advice.

I don’t work for a firm with a vested interest in selling you their own funds, and I don’t have a financial interest in the funds my clients are invested into. So, quite simply put, my clients can access Chartered, Independent Financial Advice that puts them first and not a business taking a large bite out of their portfolio. Most of my ‘new’ work tends to come by way of referrals through word of mouth, and I’m proud to say I have one of the highest VouchedFor ratings in the UK, alongside the highest number of testimonials in Cumbria.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I think I was born with a suit and tie on, so it’s usually always formal. If you cannot make an effort to be presentable, it can give off the message that your attention to detail is lacking.


What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Buy Tesla, Amazon and Microsoft shares.

What’s your favourite Cumbrian venue for an event or team away day?

I would have to say a ‘flying’ visit to Silverband Falconry in Kirkby Thore. Richard Cooper is just an amazing host. Eagles, Owls, Buzzards – you can really feel the beauty of nature when the birds come flying towards you at such a pace.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

I like to travel by car, as I like to be able to get back home, taking the train is too risky for meetings in Manchester or Edinburgh.

What’s your favourite place in Cumbria to relax?

I take my family to Foxes Pool at Kirkbride, usually once a fortnight. Tom and Ann are so welcoming, and the venue is immaculate.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Cumbria and what dish do you recommend?

Cumbria is blessed with so many amazing establishments, you can’t go wrong with Fontana’s Fish and Chips, they are just divine. Last year, I took my wife to celebrate our 27th Wedding Anniversary at Askham Hall for their Taster Menu which was out of this world, and highly recommended for a special occasion.

What do you miss most about Cumbria when you’re away?

My family first and foremost, being a Penrithian, seeing the Beacon on my return up the M6 always makes me feel “I’ve arrived home”, which is strange considering I’ve lived in Carlisle for the last 28 years.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Do the right thing, you can’t go wrong if that’s your default position.