One to One: Tom Davies, managing director of Alexander Hall Associates

Please provide an overview of your career to date

I started at Alexander Hall at a youthful 22. I’d graduated that year and I still remember turning up for the trainee programme in an oversized suit and bad tie, and not being totally sure what the plan was.

Over the next 18 years, I was advising clients — from musicians, architects, bankers and barristers to artists, head chefs and politicians. I absolutely loved the role and am envious of the advisers still looking after these relationships today.

Know what your values are and what you stand for

During that time I realised my passion for learning, connecting with and supporting people, and leading.

After seven years on the management team I took on the role of managing director almost a year ago. Without doubt it was one of my proudest moments.

What is the main premise of your role as managing director of Alexander Hall?

To have a clear vision for the business that our people are enrolled in, and to shape a culture that supports our collective success.

Alexander Hall’s size enables me to be closely involved with various projects and teams across the whole business. I’m really passionate about getting into the detail to drive, progress and empower staff.

I think the pace of evolution in the tech side of the sector could be better

Naturally, the role carries responsibility for risk and cost management, regulatory adherence and driving growth — although that doesn’t do justice to the day-to-day!

What has been the biggest challenge in your role to date? And what has been the biggest highlight?

Being given the opportunity to lead the business last July, 17 years on from joining, has got to be the highlight.

I’m very fortunate to have worked with such a talented and inspiring group of people along the way. They have shaped my growth, professionally and personally, and shared in a lot of success.

The whole industry needs to look at the latest volatility and consider what can be done to give customers more options for longer-term fixed rates

Of course, the role has many challenges, and events of the past few years have forced us all to think creatively and to adapt. But the support and collaboration I’ve had from colleagues and industry peers have been incredible, and I’m relishing what’s to come.

If you could change anything about the mortgage market, what would it be?

Fewer re-pricings and product withdrawals, and generally a little more stability.

The whole industry needs to look at the latest volatility and consider what can be done to give customers more options for longer-term fixed rates, with the flexibility that makes them viable in the real world.

Although that’s the spirit of the day, I think the pace of evolution in the tech side of the sector could be better.

If I hadn’t been a mortgage broker, you’d have seen me in Inception, Mad Max, The Revenant and Batman, and playing Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders!

The past few years, however, give me confidence that we’ll see some significant steps forward in the short term to support a better customer journey and increased productivity for intermediaries.

What are some of Alexander Hall’s plans for the next 12 months?

We’ve got some bold and innovative growth plans for the firm, which will see us scale the business, increase headcount, develop partnerships and improve our strong client proposition.

I’m really passionate about getting into the detail to drive, progress and empower staff

We’re a well-established business with an incredibly driven and talented group of people working here. I’m really excited to see what we’re going to achieve in the future.

If you didn’t work in the mortgage industry, what other career would appeal to you?

If I hadn’t been a mortgage broker, you’d have seen me in Inception, Mad Max, The Revenant and Batman, and playing Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders!

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Know what your values are and what you stand for.

I took on the role of managing director almost a year ago. Without doubt it was one of my proudest moments

You often hear people say we should ‘be our authentic selves’, which is good advice — though tricky to deliver if you don’t really know who you are or don’t take the time to self-reflect.

This article featured in the July/August 2023 edition of MS.

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