Graham Bull
Managing Director, All Employee Services
Introduction and what your role is at EQ?
I have been in the share plan industry now for approximately 30 years and I currently head up the commercial aspect of our employee share plan business at EQ. I initially started as a Share Plan Manager looking after scheme launches and maturities, and this is where I essentially got hooked into the world of share plans, seeing first-hand the superb benefits these schemes bring, creating wealth and share ownership for all. That’s one of the many great things about the tax advantaged SIP and SAYE share plans - their inclusivity.
What office are you located at and tell us something special about this location?
Worthing, West Sussex (not far from Brighton) – and what a beautiful part of the world it is. A short 10-minute walk south you will enjoy stunning views of the fantastic coastline, with its amazing sunsets. Equally, heading north, you will find yourself on the beautiful South Downs, which on a clear day will allow you to see for miles. What more do you want?
What’s happened in your career to this point?
Crikey where do I start……I have been fortunate to have many roles in my career including operational, service delivery and relationship roles. These roles have given me so much variety and so many exciting challenges including the BT tender offer by the government, working in India and now having a leading part in a share plans business where my work takes me beyond EQ engaging with industry bodies such as ProShare and ESOP Centre. I am so grateful to have learnt so much from so many during my career and I’m keen for the learning to continue.
What do you like about EQ?
The people – you can have the best systems in the world but without the people it can only ever be a system. The people are what gives the system its full potential by ensuring it runs with intelligence, character and value. Everyday I am reminded of that and it’s great to be part of our inclusive and supportive culture.
What’s your biggest EQ achievement?
There are so many to choose from such as obtaining my CGI professional qualification, leading a successful operation of 250 plus colleagues and more recently representing EQ at major industry events such as the government’s recent call for evidence on SIP and SAYE. However, my biggest achievement has always been to surround myself with brilliant people who have allowed me to perform at my very best each and every day. Without them I would never have achieved half of what I have accomplished.
What are looking forward to in the future at EQ?
To take our technology offering to another level. Over the past 24 months, foundations have been laid to be more product and technology-led and this has been backed up by some excellent product enhancements already, such as the Share Plans APP. This means we can look to the future with confidence, helping our current and future client base to achieve the companies’ shareholder and employee strategies.
Do you have a fun fact/hobby about yourself?
I can say and sing (please don’t ask) the longest town name in Great Britain.
A big thank you to Graham for sharing his thoughts with us.