Former Fylde coast student now director at stockbrokers

Karl Townsend, 30, grew up in Staining and went to Hodgson High School in Poulton before starting work for Lloyds Banking Group at 18 as a cashier.

He said: “I started my stockbroking career in Preston when I was given the opportunity as a trainee broker, I went on to become a qualified derivative trader and fully qualified stockbroker.

Three years ago I moved to Manchester to further my career and took over as head of dealing at Arnold Stansby and Co.”

After qualifying as a chartered member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, he was asked to take on more responsibility and become a director.

He added: “The capital markets are a dynamic and diverse space to work, every day is different and every news story effects something whether it be share prices, bond yields or GBP.

It keeps you on your toes.

“I enjoy engaging with clients to bring together an investment strategy that delivers the required returns with appropriate risk.”