Marlene Outrim: The highs and lows of lockdown

'Thank goodness for technology'

clock • 4 min read

"A week is a long time in politics", so said the late Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson, but it seems a heck of a long time when there is a pandemic, writes Marlene Outrim. Here, the Chartered financial planner explores how her firm has adapted during the coronavirus pandemic

Just into the sixth week of the team working from home and just me holding the fort at the office (I only live five minutes away), it has been a lonely although productive time, even though the team members are regularly in touch by email & Zoom and doing all they can to keep the business going as usual. In many ways, it seems surreal and takes me back to when I first started as an adviser and there was just me who did everything. Obviously, the business was much smaller then and had far fewer clients, but it has made me realise how far we have come and how much the business has grown. ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: 40s are the new 50s - a move in the right direction? 

News editor's view: 40s are the new 50s - a move in the right direction? 

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 1 May

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: FOS chooses Dementia UK as charity partner

Feel Good Friday: FOS chooses Dementia UK as charity partner

Will support Dementia UK over the next two years

Professional Adviser
clock 01 May 2026 • 1 min read
Why 50:50 parenting doesn't necessarily mean no child maintenance

Why 50:50 parenting doesn't necessarily mean no child maintenance

'In many cases, one parent will meet a greater share of the children’s financial needs'

Clizia Motterle
clock 01 May 2026 • 4 min read