A day in the life of an adviser: South Ayrshire-based Shona Barr

PA hears how advisers all across the nation structure their workdays

Hope William-Smith
clock • 2 min read

In this interview series, Professional Adviser speaks with a range of different planners from all corners of the UK about their typical workday.

This week, it's Progeny associate director and certified financial planner Shona Barr… What time does a typical workday start for you and what is first on the agenda? I typically start around 7:45am to 8:00am, check in with my team, respond to any emails and finalise preparation for any meetings I have that day. On days without client meetings, when do you tend to do your ‘deep thinking' work? I tend to get ideas popping into my head frequently, which I generally note in my phone to come back to. I believe deep thinking is hugely important and to ensure I have space for this, I sc...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your Business

Editor's view: Feeling the heat

Editor's view: Feeling the heat

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 29 May

Jen Frost
clock 29 May 2026 • 2 min read
Why advice firms need to be 'more intentional' when attracting new talent

Why advice firms need to be 'more intentional' when attracting new talent

Financial advice not seen as ‘a profession at all, let alone a first-choice career’

Sophia Panayi
clock 27 May 2026 • 8 min read
Lead generation: Execution is just as important as selection

Lead generation: Execution is just as important as selection

'It's no surprise the channel has, at times, been met with scepticism'

Richard Ardron
clock 20 May 2026 • 3 min read