Member Spotlight: Claire Bocking, Regional Manager, Schroders

1. Introduce yourself

I’m Claire, Regional Manager at Schroders Personal Wealth, a national wealth management business backed by Schroders’ and Lloyds Banking Group. We aim to improve the way financial advice is offered, by making it simple, accessible, and affordable. Our advisers work with their clients to create a personalised financial plan based on their needs, covering areas such as retirement, protection, passing on your wealth, savings and investing.

My experience spans 25 years across various financial services roles, including banking, mortgages and wealth management sectors, and I’m a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. In my role at SPW, I work with a diverse range of clients and an expert team of personal wealth advisers.

Having grown up in Pennington, Greater Manchester, I am passionate about the local community and one of my biggest life achievements is my daughter, who is currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. Outside of work, I love to spend time in the countryside with my dog Toby who is a great listener after a busy week!

I am passionate about championing the potential of women in financial advice, and my role as chair of the SPWomen network enables me to empower colleagues and help the business create a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment.

2. Career highlight

Leading a fantastic team across the North of England, it’s a privilege to work with great people and they are what makes our business thrive. One of my proudest moments was when a client joined us on stage at a recent conference and described the positive impact one of our advisers had on their life. It was such a great feeling to hear firsthand the difference our team makes to our clients’ lives.

I was also honoured to collect the award for Contribution to Gender Diversity on behalf of Schroders Personal Wealth at the Women in Financial Advice Awards 2024.

3. Name three words that describe your personality

Approachable, Positive, Candid

4. What’s the best thing about pro-manchester

Networking with likeminded people who can support each other across greater Manchester. The size and scale of pro-manchester network is fantastic and a unique opportunity that I am so proud to be part of when speaking to my peers across the country.

5. What are your priorities for 2025

People and relationships are at the heart of our business so a key priority is to nurture and grow key internal and external relationships. My role is to inspire, motivate and develop my team to help more clients achieve their financial goals. The economic landscape is changing rapidly and post the Autumn Budget 2024, we have more reason than ever to talk to people about how we can help them navigate the changes and be in control of their financial future.

Intergenerational wealth planning remains one of our key priorities in 2025, with people living longer and families supporting multigenerational needs. Anyone who wants to make sure their assets are passed down in a way that reflects their values and goals can benefit. Effective transfer of wealth across generations requires a thoughtful combination of education, communication and planning.

Every year Schroders Personal Wealth releases a report focusing on the needs and barriers women experience when accessing financial advice, and the findings are always really insightful. I’m excited to explore how we can use this year’s report findings to engage with our female clients.

6. What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Manchester is a city that thrives on its dynamic professional environment and rich cultural offerings, making it an exciting place to be at the moment.

I am looking forward to the pro-manchester IWD Lunch on 7^th March at Emirates Old Trafford, it is a great event in the calendar where Schroders Personal Wealth is sponsoring, celebrating women across the region and fostering new connections. As someone passionate about the Manchester region and diversity, I’ve found these events incredibly inspiring.

Local initiatives such as zero-waste campaigns and ethical sourcing practices are gaining traction among Manchester’s businesses, reflecting the city’s commitment to responsible business practices. The Green Tech Conference 2025 on March 20^th will focus on sustainability and the green economic revolution.

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester

Foundation coffee house on Portland street is handy as its directly underneath our office and has an easy-going atmosphere for casual meetings.

8. Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

Accountancy, legal, private equity, corporate finance, business consultancy, sports professionals, owner managed businesses or any firm or individual who would like to talk to us about achieving their goals and want to know more about the benefits of a financial plan. We believe that collaboration with these sectors can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Get In Touch (optional)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07788 354415

LinkedIn: (15) Claire Bocking FPFS Chartered Financial Planner | LinkedIn