Generation Next case study: Matt Robinson

Putting yourself out there at business events when you’re young can be a daunting experience – but it is a useful way to develop new connections and improve your confidence. We talk to Generation Next member Matt Robinson, a chartered financial planner at RBC Brewin Dolphin in Nottingham, about how our events programme has helped him build his connections across the region.

Tell us about the business you work for and your role within it?

RBC Brewin Dolphin is one of the largest British wealth management firms with more than 30 offices throughout the UK, Jersey and Ireland, and around 2,000 employees. We provide financial planning and investment management services to individuals, companies, intermediaries and charities.

I provide advice to private individuals and families on investments, pensions, retirement planning, protection and inheritance tax planning. I work closely with clients so that I can create bespoke financial plans for them by fully understanding their individual needs.

My role is about helping and guiding clients and ensuring they enjoy the benefits of their hard work. It is about getting them through often difficult financial situations and ensuring they meet their objectives.

Why did you sign up to Generation Next membership?

I signed up to become a Generation Next member as the group provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals in a relaxed networking environment. The support programme has also given me the opportunity to develop key skills through a variety of webinars and insights from business leaders across the East Midlands.

Have you attended any of the Generation Next events? If so, what was your experience like?

I have attended numerous Generation Next events in recent months including the Creative Coffee event in Leicester, the Everards Brewery Tour and Cocktail Masterclass events. The team and board of champions are very friendly and welcoming, and each event I have attended has attracted different individuals from all across the East Midlands.

The Brewery Tour event was a fantastic opportunity to meet some new people from different sectors in a relaxed environment, with the added bonus of being able to learn about the history of Everards and taste some of their flagship beers!

How has the support you’ve received from our events programme been useful to your career development and current job role?

The events are a great way to meet and connect with likeminded individuals to help build professional relationships for the long term. I have made some valuable connections at past events, which have helped me to grow my network across different sectors, which I hope to build on at future events.

If I had to give one piece of advice it would be to push yourself out of your comfort zone and attend a variety of events as you never know what valuable connections you might make!

By becoming a member of Generation Next, you can access our events programme, which comprises of networking events to help you build a professional network, and webinars that each tackle a topic to build your business knowledge and skills.