Co-owner close up: Barney Timson
In this Co-owner close up, Analyst Barney Timson outlines a typical day in his role within the Investment Management team, explaining how his work supports both research and stewardship activities that serve clients’ financial and ethical goals. He also reflects on what he enjoys most about working at an employee-owned firm and shares a bit about life outside of the office.
Tell us a bit about your role and the team you work within?
I’m an Analyst in the Investment Management team. My role at Castlefield predominantly involves supporting the research function through the provision of both fund and equity research, whether that be carrying out fresh primary research for a potential new name in the smaller companies fund or reviewing the ongoing performance of the third party fixed income funds we hold. Separately, I also head up Castlefield’s voting efforts and strategy, working closely with Ita and Ffion to carry out targeted and proactive engagements across the names we hold.
What does your typical day involve?
My mornings typically start out by checking for news flow relating to the companies we hold across the fund range. This includes updates on company performance, any potential news regarding acquisitions or disposals or changes to management. At 9:30 every morning, the investment team holds its daily meeting, where the team run through company, client, ESG and any other potentially relevant news with the wider team. Whilst this first part of my day remains consistent, the rest of my day can vary quite wildly from carrying out primary research on a new name for one of the funds to engaging with the board of directors on various stewardship topics and presenting updates on our own funds to client facing colleagues and external clients.
How does this help clients (directly or indirectly)?
The Investment Management team directly help our clients by ensuring that they have an appropriate suite of investment options that meet their financial needs whilst also satisfying their ethical beliefs.
How did you get into this career?
My interest within the industry first developed whilst studying Economics at school. I’ve always been fascinated by the bigger picture, and being able to understand the mechanisms through which policies create an impact. That interest carried on throughout my university years where I coincidentally met our very own Dave Gorman during a sustainability event hosted by the University. Sixth months later, I was a fully-fledged member of the Investment Management team!
What aspects do you most enjoy about working at Castlefield?
There are several aspects I enjoy about working at Castlefield, the first revolves around the employee ownership structure which has a significant influence on company culture as co-owners can further participate in the success and growth of the firm. I also enjoy being involved in such a wide breadth of tasks which result in each day being different from the last.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, you’ll catch me in the gym lifting weights, at the cinema or supping on the odd Guinness or two.
Quick fire questions:
Favourite TV show? It’s always sunny in Philadelphia.
Favourite sport? Football (when Liverpool are winning at least).
Favourite drink? Guinness… Need I say more.
Favourite Food? I’m a bit of a hoover in that I will eat anything and everything although I do love a good Italian.
Favourite movie? If you’ll accept the full Lord of the Rings trilogy as an answer then that, if not I really enjoyed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, especially the reimagined ending.
Favourite holiday destination? Greek Islands – specifically Paros.
What would you choose an unlimited supply of in the office? A vat of Soup and crusty rolls.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation so I could go on holiday whenever I wanted free of charge.
If you were on mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? Lord of the Rings.
Written by: Barney Timson