Building a career in financial advice doesn’t always follow a traditional route. For Rose Hawkins, it began straight from school, learning the profession from the ground up, and has grown into running her own advice business with the support of The Openwork Partnership.
With 15 years in financial services behind her, Rose’s story is one of learning by doing, building strong client relationships, and taking confident steps forward at the right time.
Starting young and learning on the job
Rose joined financial services straight after completing her A-levels, beginning her career at The Martin Cliffe Practice, part of Openwork.
“I have been in financial services for the last 15 years, having joined a local practice straight from school after completing my A-levels. I was given the opportunity to work within the firm, The Martin Cliffe Practice, part of Openwork, as they were my family financial advisers and I was able to learn on the job whilst completing my qualifications alongside.”
Working closely with experienced professionals gave Rose a solid foundation early on. Over time, she developed the knowledge and experience needed to support clients effectively.
“I have been lucky to be able to learn from experienced professionals in the industry and have been able to build a foundation of knowledge and experience to help clients. I really enjoy helping others and seeing the difference you can make to individuals with planning, particularly building strong and close relationships.”
She is now working towards chartered status, having completed 120 AF credits, with a small amount of gap-fill left to complete.
Falling into advice and finding the right fit
Rose did not initially plan to become a financial adviser. At the time, she knew university was not the right path and was exploring alternative career options.
“I sort of fell into the role and I think there is a huge opportunity within the industry to make this career opportunity more well known for the younger generation.”
A chance conversation proved pivotal.
“Thankfully I was introduced to Martin Cliffe, who was our family financial adviser, and he gave me the opportunity to work as an apprentice in his firm.”
Over the next 13 and a half years, Rose was able to see the profession from every angle.
“I was able to learn all aspects of the business during my time there.”
At the beginning of January 2025, she decided the time was right to take the next step.
“I then decided to take the leap and set up my own business. It felt a very natural next step, and I felt confident doing this with the support of Openwork.”
It is the variety and the relationships that continue to motivate her.
“I find the industry so interesting, no two days are the same and it is great to be able to help clients and build long-term relationships.”
Building trust through honest, long-term advice
When it comes to how clients experience working with her, Rose keeps things simple.
“I think my clients would describe me as patient and honest.”
Her focus is always on long-term outcomes, rather than one-off transactions.
“I love to help clients and to work with them for their long-term future planning goals which is extremely important to me, as I do not want the process to feel transactional to them.”
For Rose, good advice goes beyond products and paperwork.
“Good advice is listening to the client’s specific needs and objectives and then providing a plan that works for them.”
Trust and collaboration sit at the heart of that relationship.
“It is really important the client wants to work together for the long term to achieve their goals and recognises it is a working relationship based on trust.”
Growing in confidence through experience
Joining the industry at an early age brought its own challenges, particularly around confidence.
“Having joined the industry very young I found it difficult at first to build my confidence, but I do believe knowledge is power and that has really helped me.”
Rose spent time working across administration and paraplanning roles before becoming fully client facing.
“I didn’t take my licence straight away and worked more on administration, moving into paraplanning to develop my knowledge.”
This approach helped shape how she works with clients today.
“Once I became licenced my role was focused on servicing clients with existing ongoing commitments. This really allowed me to understand the strong relationship you form with clients and how important an ongoing relationship is.”
She also sees this as a valuable pathway for others moving into advice.
“I think this is a really nice way for someone transitioning from a paraplanning or admin role to client facing, as it is a little less daunting than starting with a brand-new client.”
Defining success as a business owner
Having launched her business in January 2025, Rose is clear about what success looks like at this stage.
“A successful business to me is ensuring that my clients are happy with the service I provide.”
Growth has come organically through relationships and referrals.
“Initially, I have been reliant on client referrals which has allowed me to build the business and grow in a very natural way.”
The value of being part of Openwork
For Rose, being part of The Openwork Partnership has played a crucial role in her journey into business ownership.
“Being part of Openwork has helped me tremendously. I really feel I have had a great level of support, particularly with the Route to Principal programme I was able to be part of the first Cohort. I have also found the community within Openwork amazing when I decided to start on my own, I have been incredibly lucky to have advisers who are slightly ahead of me in their journey who have all been so willing to give me advice and feedback. Even though it is just me in the business now I really do feel I have had so much support it does not feel like I am ‘alone’.”
That sense of community and structured support allows Rose to focus on her clients; while knowing she has access to expertise, guidance, and shared experience whenever she needs it.
Advice for the next generation
For anyone considering a career in financial advice today, Rose offers practical and honest guidance.
“I would say to them to at least try and understand all elements of the end-to-end advice process.”
Even for those keen to move straight into advice, building wider knowledge matters.
“Working closely to understand the admin and paraplanning process really helps to build knowledge.”
And she encourages people to make use of the support around them.
“If it is something you are not sure about, reach out to those around you and use the support available. It is much better than struggling and taking double the time to figure something out on your own.”
Inspired by Rose’s journey?
Discover how The Openwork Partnership supports advisers to grow with confidence – from first steps to business ownership.