To know what characterises and guides us here at Stellar, we need to go back to our foundation. Before setting up Stellar in 2007, I had been making a comfortable living as a director in a leading merchant bank. I learned a lot there including the value of rigour, original thinking and hard work.

But I myself was not comfortable. The market I worked in had become complacent – offering one-size-fits-all solutions that in reality fitted no-one. Companies were also putting their own interests before their investors. Most were reluctant to disclose let alone share the investment upsides, for instance. Few if any were taking proper care over costs, fees and delivering value for money.

I therefore wanted to create a company with a fair deal for investors at its heart. Offering flexible and innovative solutions that reflect the real needs and aspirations of clients and their families. Sharing the investment returns. Ensuring transparency and accountability in everything we do. The light that we are able to shine on a complex estate planning and inheritance tax landscape creates a clear pathway for advisers and their clients.

For me personally, the new venture was a big risk. I had left behind the financial security of my previous job and put all my savings into Stellar. But it was worth every penny. I have been able to follow the principles that I believe are right without compromise. I also had, and continue to have, a great team around me, including highly experienced colleagues from my previous company.