Monenti news update – interns experience the business, plus meet Lelan Spence and a newborn son

Welcome to your latest update from Monenti Partners.

This month, read about our internship programme – and why we value the opportunity to give young students genuine access to every part of the business each year. Plus, meet financial planner Lelan Spence, and find out how Aaron and his wife are faring with their lively toddler and newborn son.

2 interns, 2 weeks, and a wealth of real-world work experience

As part of our commitment to attracting young talent to financial services, we run an internship programme for pupils from Gresham’s in Norfolk, where co-founder Tom was a pupil. Each year, we give two pupils the opportunity to get a real-world understanding of what we do.

We recently welcomed two sixth-form students into the business, allowing them to experience the realities of what a career in financial services involves ahead of starting university. Combining analytical rigour with genuine human connection, the students we host are often surprised by how much of the work is about meeting and understanding people.

Access all areas

As a small team, interns experience every part of the business. Rather than remaining on the sidelines or making the coffee, they spend two weeks sitting alongside our advisers and paraplanners, allowing them to see how client relationships are built and managed from the very first meeting, how we build financial plans, and the tools we use.

As well as dedicated mentoring time with a senior financial planner, they also get one-to-one time with a younger team member who started where the students are now.

In the final two days, we invite the students to showcase a project where they present a short research topic of their choosing and one fresh idea for us to consider.

We were delighted to receive some glowing feedback

One of the student interns was generous enough to share the following kind words:

“I would wholeheartedly recommend the internship to others, whether they have a deep interest in financial planning or are simply curious. For those who seek to learn first-hand, experience life in a small office environment, and undertake a research project connected to financial planning and the work of a specific firm, this internship will be invaluable.

“I really appreciate how Monenti is committed to building the relationship established during the internship. It is truly amazing that a reference letter is provided automatically and that there will be yearly conversations with a member of the team.

“Thank you so much to the whole team for making the internship possible, and I look forward to future contact!”

Meet Lelan Spence

Lelan was attracted to a career in finance after completing a master’s in physics. With an analytical mindset, he particularly enjoys solving complex cases.

With the initial professional qualifications under his belt, Lelan supports clients in achieving their long-term goals.

Lelan took a few minutes out of his day to tell us about the work he does and why the best financial planners are great listeners.

Can you tell us more about you, your role, and what you do?

I’m 30 years old and live with my wife Ashleigh in south-east London. I enjoy reading, cycling, watching TV series, and exploring London’s food scene.

As a financial planner, my day-to-day role consists of working with individuals and families to understand their personal circumstances, aspirations, and financial goals, helping them make informed decisions about their money.

I provide advice across investments, pensions, protection, tax planning, estate planning, and retirement, creating a personalised financial plan that evolves as clients’ needs and circumstances change.

What is your favourite part of your role?

Helping clients move from a place of uncertainty to confidence, hearing their unique stories, and solving complex problems.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in the financial services profession?

Technical knowledge is important, but the best financial planners are great listeners who genuinely care about helping people.

It’s the relationships you build and the difference you make in clients’ lives that make the profession so rewarding.

What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks?

I’m working towards my final exams to achieve my Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and receive Chartered status – so I’m hoping for success with that later this year.

What three small things always make your day better?

Sunshine, fresh air, and good coffee.

3 quickfire questions

Favourite food? Toasted fresh bread with salted butter (for nostalgic reasons).

Top of your reading list? Taking this to mean what book I’d recommend, then Lord of the Rings (listen to the audiobook!) and East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Meanwhile, The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky is next up on my reading list.

What are you watching right now? Bosch and The Agency.

Aaron Hicks and his young family welcome a new baby to the fold

Weighing in at a healthy 9 lb 3 oz, Edmund, Aaron’s second son, was born in a beautiful water birth, with mother and baby both extremely well looked after by a team of wonderful midwives.

While there were several names on the list of possibilities, Aaron and his wife settled on Edmund (Ned for short), feeling it was a good fit alongside older brother Heath.

Sharing the happy news, Aaron told us he was relieved to have planned ahead by investing in air conditioning earlier in the year. As well as helping his wife feel a little more comfortable in the late stages of her pregnancy, baby Ned and the rest of the family remained cool during the series of extreme summer heatwaves.

Delighted and proud, Aaron said: “The house is both chaotic and full of love with a toddler and a newborn. They keep you in the present. My wife and I feel very grateful to be able to do this all again.”