Vishal - Corporate

Hi,

A lot has happened since my last blog. I have completed my placement in Leveraged Finance Asset Class Management (LFACM) and I am due to commence my placement in Integrated Finance.

The last two weeks in LFACM were by no means quiet. On the 18th of September, I joined one of the directors and went to a client visit. The meeting was arranged to discuss business performance and to initiate the process to renew facilities for another year. I find client meetings very interesting; you tend to find different businesses have their own management styles. Likewise, Relationship Manager's (RM) also have their own way of approaching customers. The meeting was with the Managing Director and Financial Director of the company and included a site visit followed by lunch. It's always nice to partake in client entertaining but nothing comes for free…..following the meeting, I was told by my manager that I would be completing the renewal report!

With guidance and assistance from the RM and other analysts within the LFACM team, I carried out a financial assessment of the business along with research into business strategy, changes in management structure etc. This information was then used to draft the report.

In the same week, I also had my placement review with my line managers. A formal review is carried out twice in each 6 month placement (halfway through and at the end). My review went very well; I was pleased to hear that management saw me as a valued member of the team.

In my last week of the placement, the team went for a pub lunch as a farewell to me and a welcome to the new graduate who has joined the department. I also met up with the other graduates in Birmingham for a meal. We will all be heading off to different destinations now. Looking back, the last 6 months has really flown by. I can't believe I am now mid-way through the graduate programme! I have learnt a significant amount throughout this time and I am confident this will continue as I progress on to my 3rd placement which will be in Integrated Finance.

Integrated Finance (IF) provides a debt and equity offering to customers. This division of BoS Corporate differs from private equity houses primarily because IF takes a smaller equity stake in the business, is willing to support management for a longer period of time and enables management to retain control of the business. I think Integrated Finance will be a fantastic placement. So far on the programme, I have worked within a portfolio management environment only. Hence, participating in a transactional team will be a totally new, exciting and challenging experience. Furthermore, this placement will enable me to learn about equity investment which will be interesting.

Before I start my new placement, there's the small issue of moving all my possessions from Leicester to Edinburgh! Wish me luck – im going to need it!