Josh boxing clever with new practice

FINANCE specialist Josh Petersen is hoping to be a knock-out when it comes to helping people look after their cash.

Former pupil of Wardle High School, Josh, aged 25, has just set up Petersen Financial Management, a partner practice of the financial giant, St. James’s Place.

He combines his love of finance with a love of boxing.

He is a middleweight who trains several nights a week at Elite Boxing in Bolton.

Josh said: “To some, it might seem an odd combination.

“But I have an absolute passion for both these facets of my life.

“I think a lot of the skills and qualities needed are the same, whether at my desk or in the ring. Above all else, you’ve got to be the three Ds – disciplined, dedicated and determined.”

He has had one bout so far which was stopped after he suffered a head cut.

“I was fine,” Josh said. “I was back in my suit the next day going through my usual round of appointments.

“It gave us something different to talk about!”

Josh was brought up in Todmorden and now lives in Bacup.

He began his career by building a knowledge base of economics.

His broad understanding of financial matters laid the foundations which enabled him to specialise further into pensions, investments and insurance.

“I’m a bit of an evangelist about finance,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m a workingclass lad and it means a lot to me to help people get the most returns from their cash, when they’ve worked so hard to earn it.”

He has decided on a one-onone bespoke approach rather than working for a larger, existing company.

“I like meeting people and just chatting, running through the basics: do you know where your money goes each month? Are you confident in the financial decisions you are making? Do you know what a pension is?’’ he said.

“There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve helped someone feel more secure and that all their financial needs are taken care of. It makes all the training I’ve had worthwhile,” he added.

And what if his boxing career takes off?

“I love my boxing but it’s mainly to keep fit and use up my excess energy.

“Besides, in boxing terms I’m getting on a bit, whereas I’m just starting out with my financial management business.

“I’ve always been good with figures and love meeting people and getting to know them, so it’s probably my better option!” he said.