Investments

Louise Oliver,

a co-director of financial planning company Piercefield Oliver.

What was your best investment?

The best investment decision I ever made was to go into business. It is rewarding to be an employer and invest in others on their career journey.

Are wise investors born or made?

Wise investors are made and not born in my view.

Do you believe it’s become harder for entrepreneurs to make prudent investments since the crash of 2008?

I believe that entrepreneurs have just as much opportunity as they did prior to 2008. Often new businesses thrive as economies recover from downturns.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are looking to make a major investment?

Invest in what you know, have a good business plan that has been stress tested and surround yourself with positive people.

What’s the worst investment you’ve ever made?

Investing time in the wrong people who are not on your journey has to be one of the worst investments I have made.

What lessons did you learn from your worst investment?

I have learned to have a broad spread of investments.

Which sectors are most likely to offer handsome returns for business investors?

Any investment in business is a risk. As long as the risks are measured and the right people are on the team investing in a product or service for which there is a market there will be a better chance of success.

Are there any sectors you feel should be avoided?

There are no sectors I would avoid. There are opportunities across the board.

What was the best piece of investment advice you’ve received?

Be positive and surround yourself with positive people.