In the Spotlight this week is Jonathan Scott, managing director of Platinum Financial Planning
What was your first job?
I first started working while still at school, with a part-time job as a cashier in a petrol station. After leaving university, I got my first taste of financial planning with a local firm and I haven’t looked back since.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute our success to having a clear vision and a strong belief in the value of proper, independent financial planning. We’ve always put our clients first, and that approach has helped shape the core values that now define our business: being professional, trusted, invested, and always improving. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how that consistency and a client-focused mindset is resonating more than ever, especially with private clients and business owners who are looking for something more personal, more thoughtful, and more aligned with their own long-term goals.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I’d describe myself as steady, loyal and forward-thinking, with a principled approach that values consistency and integrity. Those values have become the foundation of how we work as a firm. I try to bring a sense of calm and clarity, especially during uncertain times, and I hope that’s something clients genuinely value.
Who do you look up to in business?
I’m drawn to leaders who bring clarity and purpose to what they do. I’ve always admired Simon Sinek’s focus on leading with ‘why’ and building trust through values.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Creating a clear vision of what we’re building and why it matters is a big part of how we work, but it’s just as important that the whole team understands it, believes in it, and feels part of it. It’s also about treating people like adults, by giving them the space to do their best work, while making sure they feel supported, which is when they tend to bring their best.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I believe we could have made much more of the unique position Brexit gave us. There’s huge potential here, with access to both the UK and EU markets being a huge advantage, but it requires joined-up thinking and a commitment to delivering real, shared progress.
What was the last book you read?
With a young family, reading time is a bit more limited these days, but I try to balance fiction and non-fiction when I can. On the fiction side, I’m working my way through the Jack Reacher series but that tends to be holiday reading. Right now, I’m reading ‘Buy Back Your Time’ by Dan Martell. I’m always looking for ways to make better use of my time, both personally and professionally (as I never seem to have enough of it), so I’m hoping to take a few practical ideas from it.
What car do you drive?
As a financial planner and business owner, I recognised the tax benefits of switching to an electric car a few years ago. However, with three children and a dog, the options were quite limited at the time in terms of size and practicality. In the end, I chose a Mercedes EQC.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I’m a twin and my sister is 14 minutes older than me. People often ask if we’re identical, which always makes me smile given the obvious anatomical differences!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Sport has always been a big passion of mine, especially rugby. I played for many years and was proud to captain my local club, CIYMS, for a few of those. These days, my Saturday mornings are mostly spent back at the rugby club, coaching mini rugby with my six-year-old son, which has been really rewarding.
