Striking a work/life balance: Interview with Raiders’ Tom and Dom

Almost one year into our sponsorship of the Guernsey Raiders, we caught up with Tom Teasdale, Senior Fund Administrator, and Dom Rice, Manager in our funds team, on how they balance work and rugby commitments and the similarities between working in the office and being on the pitch.

How do you balance work and rugby commitments?

Tom said, ‘Belasko has always been supportive of our rugby commitments, and this goes across the board for people’s hobbies and activities outside of work. They understand that people need that flexibility sometimes and are happy to work around you.

‘When we’re training, we have the option to be flexible with our working hours to make sure we meet the commitments inside and outside of the office. The culture at Belasko allows you to make your day your own. ‘

Dom, with the extra challenge of captaining the team, do you have any tips on how best to strike a balance between work commitments and team commitments?

Dom said: ‘Planning is essential. I manage my work diary and also have a combined personal diary to ensure I’m giving my all to both commitments. I find they work quite well together with a lot of transferable skills, so neither one really takes away from the other.

‘As long as you can get a strong handle on managing your time and understanding where one can be flexible with the other, then whilst difficult, it can be handled with ease.’

What are some of the transferable leadership skills you have picked up as captain of the raiders and a Manager in the Funds team at Belasko?

Dom said: ‘Rugby is a great sport for anyone. I would recommend it to any young sportspeople. My rugby career has shaped the person I am today and has promoted qualities and a sense of culture that I bring into the workplace.

‘My experience has shaped the way I handle challenges, and skills such as bringing people together and creating a strong team mentality has definitely transferred across. At Belasko, our culture is very important and we work closely as a team to deliver the best for our clients. You have to build a sense of trust and support in any team to ensure you’re working, or playing, at the highest possible level.’

Tom and Dom, are there any other similarities between working in the office and being out on the pitch?

Dom said: ‘Communication skills, teamwork and strong people skills are all vital, both in the office and on the rugby field. In team sports, you’re working with a group of 20-30 people who are all going to have naturally different personalities. It can be challenging to figure out how to work best with everyone and act cohesively as a team. This is also true within an office environment.

Tom said: ‘Of course, not everything carries across – you can’t tackle anyone in the office – but learning how to communicate effectively, manage challenging situations, diffuse tension and achieve positive outcomes is essential.

‘Playing rugby pre-employment can help you become more confident. Sometimes being younger and coming into the world of work at a junior level can be intimidating, but the communication skills you pick up playing a team sport like rugby can really help at work to make you feel comfortable speaking in a group or delivering a presentation.’

What support have you both received from Belasko towards you rugby commitment?

Dom said: ‘The sponsorship has been incredibly beneficial, and it’s been really nice for the office to feel more involved. It’s a great environment because everyone knows we play and people from work often come to watch matches. The care and interest in our hobbies feels very supportive and shows how close we are as an office.’

Tom said: ‘Andy Bailey, Group Head of Private Wealth at Belasko, used to play rugby and knows a lot of the other members of the Raiders. One great thing about being part of a local team in Guernsey is that there’s a real community feel, and our colleagues get involved in that as well. Playing for the Raiders is about representing something bigger than yourself, and I think that ethos goes hand in hand with the values at Belasko.’

Belasko grow Guernsey headcount with seven appointments

Belasko has made seven appointments in Guernsey continuing its talent acquisition drive, including the appointment of Hannah Dunnell as Managing Director in Guernsey.  

The seven new appointments bring more than 90 cumulative years of experience to Belasko, and the addition of an experienced and talented leader with Hannah Dunnell as Guernsey’s new Managing Director. 

Hannah is an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute and in her new role she will focus on how governance interplays with processes, people and culture across the business. She said: ‘I’m passionate about culture and promoting the development of the next generation, particularly the continued development of women in business. This latest round of appointments, including my own new role, is exciting for the future of Belasko and our continued upwards trajectory. 

‘In my view, people are the biggest asset of a business and therefore, must be considered in every aspect of evolution for an organisation. I feel a natural synergy and cohesion with the team here at Belasko; something that will be integral in driving the growth of a dynamic business.’ 

The group of new hires will support the growth of the business and the implementation of its unique client services model.  

The appointments include the creation of three new management positions across our services; with Daniella Hatton and Ceisha Martin in Fund Administration and Kirstie Trudgeon in Operations.  

Jane Ravenwood has also been appointed as a Senior Fund Administrator, Steffie Flynn has joined Belasko as a Fund Administrator and Georgia Parrish has started in the position of Compliance Officer. 

Paul Lawrence, Group Managing Director, said: ‘We are thrilled to be expanding the business with a strong and experienced group of new joiners. They will work with Belasko to implement a robust structure and service, bolstering the team and strengthening our services.’ 

This round of appointments also sees existing Guernsey team member Gregory McKenzie move to Luxembourg and taking on the role of Managing Director, continuing the growth of our Luxembourg office alongside Graham Parry-Dew. With three years’ experiences managing the Guernsey office, Greg’s move promotes collaboration and cohesive structure across the Belasko jurisdictions. 

Belasko launch People and Culture Task Force

Belasko has launched its People and Culture Task Force; a team working across all four jurisdictions which will focus on building collaboration across the group, develop and maintain a cultural identity and design a cohesive strategy for engagement.  

The active team, made up of 11 ambassadors, has outlined its core values, which will be the guiding force for their activity and used to enhance the business’ vision.  

We’re pleased to welcome a wide range of backgrounds to the team as we look to meet the needs and develop an inclusive and supportive culture for all members of the group, across all jurisdictions.  

Meet the People and Culture Ambassadors below: 

UK team: 

Katie Bodman – Group Head of Learning and Development 

Natalie Iacona – Business Operations Analyst 

Naomi King – Accountant 

Georgie White – Accountant 

Jordan Mills – Accountant 

 

Jersey team:  

Amanda Moffat – Group Head of HR 

Niamh Fountaine – Director 

Lucy Casado-Martines – Senior Accountant 

Emily A’Court – Manager 

 

Guernsey: 

Emma Swieton – Group HR Officer 

Hannah Dunnell – Managing Director

 

Luxembourg:  

Charles Bettingen – Corporate Manager 

 

The People and Culture ambassadors will work to build a cohesive culture strategy across Belasko and we can’t wait to see the excellent and supportive work they do for the group.  

Belasko appoints new Associate Director in Guernsey

Belasko continues the growth of its senior leadership team with the appointment of Alex Le Prevost as Associate Director.

In his new role, Alex will utilise his 18 years of experience in the private wealth sector and oversee the Guernsey fiduciary team and drive growth initiatives within the business. 

Andy Bailey, Group Head of Private Wealth at Belasko, said: ‘We are pleased to welcome Alex to the team. We look forward to supporting him drive new initiatives and continue the business’ chapter of growth across all jurisdictions of operation. His experience and knowledge of off-island markets complements our existing team.’ 

Alex has a strong background in the South African market and is eager to share his knowledge of client relationships with the team.  

On his appointment, Alex said: ‘I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Belasko’s exciting future and join what is already an energised senior management team. I look forward to working across our jurisdictions to continue delivering excellent client services.’

Belasko acquires Jersey-based family office

Belasko has acquired Jersey-based family office business, BKS Family Office Limited, to complement and expand Belasko’s existing family office and private wealth offering.

The deal increases the experience and capacity across the group in Jersey, Guernsey, Luxembourg and the UK.

Paul Lawrence, Group Managing Director at Belasko, said: ‘We’re delighted to have come to this agreement with BKS which will build the scale of our operating model in Jersey whilst continuing to deliver outstanding client service. The acquisition of BKS delivers critical scale to our Jersey business but also enhances our private wealth and family office services across all of our operating jurisdictions. This acquisition cements our commitment to Jersey and our continued innovation in the family office sector.’

Chris Bevan, Managing Director at BKS, added, ‘We were looking for the right partner to help BKS in the next chapter of its growth whilst supporting succession goals for our leadership team. The personal relationships with Paul and the entire Belasko team gave us the confidence that we could do this whilst continuing to look after our clients and all members of the team.’

The combined Jersey business will relocate to the existing BKS offices on New Street with 35 highly experienced private wealth practitioners, another milestone for the Belasko Group.

Belasko promoted 14 members of the group

The Belasko team can now announce 14 promotions across the Group, including new Associate Director in Luxembourg, Angelique Pecheur.

Angelique is heading up the corporate secretarial team. She joined Belasko in 2021 with more than 15 years of experience in management and fund services.

This round of promotions includes three new managers, two new assistant managers and three senior positions across the group.

Paul Lawrence, Group Managing Director, said: ‘We are thrilled to share this host of well-deserved promotions across the Group. At Belasko, we support the personal and professional growth of our people and it is excellent to see all of our locations levelling up their offering and continuing to deliver first-class financial services.’

Belasko expands operation in Luxembourg

Belasko has relocated its Luxembourg office following the business’s expectation-breaking growth.    

Belasko has now moved to a new office space at 43-45 Allée Scheffer which will enable and encourage further development and expansion for the business.  

Ross Youngs, Commercial Director at Belasko, said; ‘The team and I are delighted with the growth we have experienced. It affirms our view that putting clients front and centre, proactively training our teams, investing in great technology and focusing on stability are the key building blocks of our success.’ 

The new premises will reinforce Belasko as an employer of choice and cement Luxembourg as a key jurisdiction for the business.  

Ross continued, ‘We received CSSF approval for our funds business in May 2022 and have quickly outgrown our previous office. We are very excited about working with our customers in Luxembourg and are proud to have secured such great premises for our staff and clients alike.’ 

‘We’re proud that Luxembourg is one of our four chosen jurisdictions. Since opening in Luxembourg in April 2022, the team have achieved fantastic organic growth and we look forward to many more years to come.’  

Channel Islands Cricket League returns with new sponsor

Following a three-year break, Guernsey Cricket and Jersey Cricket can announce the return of the Channel Islands Cricket League to the inter-insular cricket calendar. The combined league will also welcome Belasko as the title sponsor for the next two years.  

The previous iteration of the pan-island cricket league was ceased in 2019 due to the global pandemic with current champions ATF St Ouen Springfield taking the crown in a hard-fought victory over Farmers Caesareans.

Commenting on the deal for Guernsey Cricket, CEO Mark Latter said, “It has been great to work with Lee Meloy and Sarah Gomersall in Jersey to bring the return of the Belasko Channel Island Cricket League. There is excited anticipation at the renewing of rivalries at inter-insular club level. To be able to attract a title sponsor of the profile of Belasko speaks volumes for the interest such cross water fixtures can create.” 

Sarah Gomersall, Jersey Cricket CEO, added “The Belasko Channel Island Cricket League will add more variety and healthy competition to our club cricket calendar. Securing the return of inter-island club cricket has been a top priority for us. We are delighted to have secured Belasko as the title sponsor for the next two years and thank them for their assistance.” 

Paul Lawrence, Group Managing Director at Belasko, said: “The team at Belasko is committed to supporting our local communities and we’re pleased that our support will help the Channel Islands Cricket League get back off the ground after three years. We are thrilled to bring our two Channel Island offices together for a summer of cricket.” 

The Belasko Channel Island Cricket League of course relies on inter-island travel and timings to suit a cricket match and Guernsey and Jersey Cricket wish to extend their thanks to Brent Blondel, and all at Blue Islands, for their work and flexibility in creating the required flight schedules to allow the matches to take place. 

Fixtures are scheduled to commence earlier than usual with the first game 27th May and they run through various weekends until the Final to be held in Jersey on 26th August. More information on the Belasko Channel Island Cricket League can be found at www.guernseycricket.com or CLICK HERE. 

Belasko appoints Director in Jersey

Belasko continues to strengthen its senior leadership with the appointment of Scott Nelson as Client Services Director in Jersey.  

Scott has a multi-disciplinary background in corporate, private wealth and fund administration with more than 20 years of experience in offshore financial services. Scott also has considerable expertise working with private and listed clients from a broad range of jurisdictions and sectors.  

Paul Lawrence, Group Managing Director at Belasko, said: ‘I’m delighted to strengthen our offering in Jersey with Scott’s appointment. He joins us with a wealth of expertise and will be a great addition to our growing team on the island.’  

In his new role, he will be working with Belasko’s fiduciary team to develop corporate strategy and utilise his experience in regulatory and financial technology to maintain excellent client experiences and manage business risk. 

Belasko appoints experienced Client Services Director to lead Guernsey funds team

Belasko has appointed Tom Lambrechts as Client Services Director to support the continued growth of the business and lead the Guernsey funds team.  

Prior to joining Belasko, Tom held the position of Client Director at a global fund administrator. He has extensive experience in corporate governance and establishing high-performing teams servicing a varied portfolio of private capital clients. Tom graduated from the University of Bath with a BSc (Hons) in Business and is a qualified chartered accountant (ICAEW). 

Greg McKenzie, Managing Director in Guernsey, said: ‘Belasko continues to grow our fund services offering with Tom’s appointment. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and is passionate about delivering exceptional client service. We welcome Tom to the Guernsey team.’  

In his new role, Tom will oversee client delivery and ensure operational excellence across all aspects of the Guernsey funds team.