Meet the Team – Tracey Stronghill

You have been at Arbuthnot Latham for 20 years – how has the bank evolved in that time?

The bank today is virtually unrecognisable to the one I joined in 2003.

Not only have our banking services widened to include wealth management, commercial banking, and international finance, but our team has grown. Colleagues provide for a great mix of knowledge, experience, and culture.

The world is changing rapidly, but as the bank has grown, we have retained our ability to be nimble, to respond to new challenges quickly; all while continuing to focus on our differentiator, putting our clients first and delivering exceptional service.

 

What is the best thing about working at Arbuthnot Latham?

Because we provide services rather than products, we can tailor our offering to suit our clients’ needs. For instance, I look after a number of real estate clients, both developers and investors, yet no one loan facility is identical to the next.

The client relationship is key. It is not just about drawing a loan or taking a deposit, it is about working together with the client, helping and advising them to deliver the best outcome for them.

 

Why did you choose to work in banking?

My best subjects at school were maths and art. I wanted to go to art college, but back in the early 1980s, the focus was more on getting a job than pursuing further education.

I therefore opted to go down the banking route where I could make use of my love of numbers. I have never regretted the decision to go into banking - art has over the years become a way to destress.

 

What keeps you motivated?

I have to say it is the clients. If I have made a commitment to them, I want to see it through, and to see the benefits my involvement has in their lives and businesses.

I learned the hard way, many moons ago, the importance of a good work/life balance. You are no good to anybody, especially yourself, if you over-work. Keeping a sensible balance between the two is healthy but also keeps you motivated.

 

You are based in our Exeter office - how has the market in the South West changed over the years?

Devon, Cornwall, parts of Somerset, and Dorset were previously seen as retirement destinations, but with technology improving, more people are relocating to these areas to improve their work/life balance.

The change in Exeter since the early 2000s has been significant. While key parts of the historic city remain unchanged, other areas such as the shopping centre, Sidwell Street area, and beyond have seen substantial redevelopment.

The city is currently forecast to be one of the first in the UK to see a turnaround in its economy as we work through the current economic situation.

 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I used to do a lot of drawing and painting, but I have Essential Tremor which causes significant shaking in my hands and arms. I am hoping to find ways to get round this so I can continue to enjoy art. I spend a large part of my spare time with the ladies-only running club I helped set up, Fit2Run Devon. I am a fully qualified road running coach so you will often see me (or more likely hear me) leading the training session around the lanes and streets of Newton Abbot. I have completed numerous races including eight road marathons, but nowadays I prefer to be off road running (and walking) on the moors and coastal paths.

 

 

Find out more about how we work with clients in Exeter

Related services

Commercial Banking  •  Buy to Let  •  South West  • Real Estate Finance