In the view of Stather-Lodge, clients are more financially aware and cost-conscious than ever before. ‘Sometimes they know the cost of everything and value of nothing,’ he says matter-of-factly. But OCM prides itself on driving its costs down. ‘In many ways, delivering more for less has been a motto,’ he explains.
A former engineer in the forces, Stather-Lodge set up OCM after stints at RBS and Ernst & Young. His clients get a personalised service. ‘I’ve never turned my phone off on holiday because I’m terrified a client won’t be able to get hold of me,’ he says with disarming honesty. He adds: ‘Your clients become your children in a way. You put them first.’