OR Enterprise Circle

Upon leaving Repton in 2008, I signed a full-time professional contract with Derbyshire County Cricket Club (CCC) as a wicketkeeper-batsman. I was fortunate to play over 100 First XI games for Derbyshire CCC across the various formats (2007-2016) with my highlight being winning the LV= County Championship Division 2 title in 2012 along with scoring a First Class hundred in the same season.

I was extremely active as an ambassador for Derbyshire CCC, promoting the club and the game in the local area through presentations, speeches, media interviews, coaching, and networking with key stakeholders. This helped me to develop unique relationships and a network of diverse contacts that I would eventually “call upon” when my career ended.

My professional cricketing career was tragically cut short through injury in 2016, and after 10 years as a professional cricketer, I re-trained in financial advice and investment management.

After several work experience opportunities at leading financial firms, I was instrumental in establishing Baron & Grant Investment Management Limited (B&G) where I am an Executive Director (SMF3 – Senior Manager Function). I am a qualified Financial Adviser and also sit on the Investment Committee.

B&G is an owner managed, FCA directly authorised discretionary investment management business with retail advice permissions. We are specialists in managing investment trust focused portfolios – a genuinely differentiated approach to the vast majority of investment or wealth managers.

We provide financial planning, advice and discretionary investment management services to individuals, companies, pension schemes, Trusts and Charities. We offer leading expertise and pride ourselves on providing clients with exceptional levels of personal service.

Alongside my professional career, I have also volunteered to sit on a number of General or Executive Committees. These include the Old Reptonian Society, Swarkestone Cricket Club, the Derbyshire County Cricket Leagues, and the Mayor of Derby’s Charity Committee. I am also a Panel Member for the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) when requested. The CDC is responsible for all aspects of cricket discipline covered by the England & Wales Cricket Board’s Rules, Regulations and Directives.

I have found these voluntary roles very rewarding, and they have been hugely beneficial to my personal development – particularly in terms of corporate governance experience. I highly recommend exploring similar roles in areas that you are passionate about.

My advice to others wishing to follow in similar footsteps is to be bold (with your goals and ambitions), be brave (with taking risks) and be kind (to everyone!). Working hard is a given, but also “work smart”. Have discipline and consistency in your everyday approach and compound those efforts over time. www.baronandgrant.com