When I started to write this blog, I had the strange realisation that for once, I wasn’t pushed for time. Since the arrival of our children, I have worked part time at Xentum and my days in the office are normally rather frantic to say the least. As many parents will know and have experienced, juggling childcare with any job can be challenging and at times, a little frustrating. It does, however, focus the mind and I for one have always been very grateful to have the opportunity to do both roles. What I do find, however, is that there is very little time to be able to reflect on the bigger picture – either at home or at work. Thankfully, July and August can provide a much needed opportunity for reflection and re-evaluation. Many of our clients and staff head off for their holidays and so the pace slows down a little.
Reflecting back on the first half of the year, it certainly feels like some confidence has returned to the markets. We continually monitor the performance of our clients’ portfolios and notwithstanding the volatility in the stock market, almost without exception, they have outperformed their benchmarks. This is promising to see and extremely important to us and to our clients. From our perspective, however, we are not judged solely on performance. The private office service that we provide goes wider and deeper than that. As a business, we pride ourselves on providing continuity of service with a genuinely personal touch. It is clear from speaking to clients and the other professionals with whom we work, this is equally valued.
Inevitably, continuity means that we look after our clients in good times and in bad and that we are trusted to do so. There are obvious comparisons in this respect with the job of being a parent – it can’t all be good and at times, it can be challenging. As co-founders of Xentum, Dominic and I share both responsibilities between us – running the business and being parents. Both can be causes of great satisfaction and the odd sleepless night. Reflecting on this, what strikes me the most is that the same thing is at the heart of both - having a shared set of core values that will weather the storms.
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At the weekend I took part in Race for Life. This is the UK’s largest women only fundraising event in order to raise money for Cancer Research. It is likely every single one of us will know someone who has or has had the diagnosis and many of us will have a story to tell. 
Sadly, I lost my father this week after a long and courageously fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a fantastic dad and I will really miss his wise counsel and companionship.