Melanie Tydeman – 20 Years of Steady Support and Client Care

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since I joined PFM Associates as a Financial Planning Administrator. Before that, I started my career at Abbey Life, where I worked my way from Administrator to Manager across a variety of departments.

After leaving the financial sector for a time, I ran a pub for several years and also worked within the NHS, an experience I believe everyone should have at some point. It’s not all about doctors and nurses; there are so many dedicated people keeping things running behind the scenes, just as there are in financial planning.

At PFM, my focus has always been on keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes such as preparing reports, managing documentation, and supporting our advisers so they can concentrate on providing the best possible service to our clients. Over the years, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been developing long-standing relationships with our clients. Getting to know them well has allowed me to offer a more personal and thoughtful service, and to help maintain the trust they’ve placed in us for so many years.

I also have a lighter side to my work affectionately dubbed “Head of IT,” largely because any tech within a 10-meter radius of my desk seems to mysteriously stop working. That said, I like to think I’ve grown alongside the company, adapted to the many changes in our industry, and remained a steady, reliable presence through it all.

The past few years have brought particularly big changes for PFM, and I count myself very lucky to work with such a great team of people. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job these days is helping to train and support our newer team members even if it does make me feel a little old at times!

While writing this, I even experimented with Copilot to see what it could come up with — and I have to admit, I was quite amazed by what technology can do now. As I look toward the future (and eventually, toward retirement), it’s clear that the financial planning industry is evolving into something very different from the one I joined two decades ago. With advances in technology, our world is changing fast but the one thing that won’t change is the importance of genuine human care, connection, and trust.

I remain as committed to PFM as ever, and when the time does finally come for me to retire, you can all come to the party.