Nicola Taylor, Senior Group Leader and Authorised Partner with Utility Warehouse in Preston, Lancashire

 

Hi I’m Nicola — a mum, wife, Nana to three incredible boys, and someone who genuinely believes that whatever your circumstances, there is always hope for a better future.

Family is hugely important to me. I love holidays, reading murder mystery novels and personal development books, and I have a real soft spot for boxer dogs! I’m also always happy to look after a nice dog — especially a black Labrador guide dog when her owner needs a helping hand.

One of my biggest passions is helping people create more options for their future.

My own journey into building a second income wasn’t something I initially planned. Life has a funny way of directing you down unexpected paths. In 2008, our family experienced bankruptcy through circumstances out of our control.  It was an incredibly tough and challenging time. We knew something had to change and no one was going to do it for us.

Initially it started by finding ways to reduce some of our household bills with Utility Warehouse. Then came the opportunity to help other people do exactly the same — and that opened the door to something much bigger.

Today, I’m passionate about helping ordinary people achieve extraordinary things, by showing them how a few focused hours around their existing part- or full-time work, can potentially create an additional income stream with a slight shift in mindset.

For me, it’s not simply about the money. It’s about HOPE and ACHIEVING DREAMS.

- Hope when bills are rising (we help people reduce them - energy - broadband, mobiles, insurance and a discount card to cut the bill more every single month).
- Hope when retirement feels too far away (topping up the pension pot to bring it nearer - no one wants to work into their late 60's and 70's)
- Hope when someone wants to achieve a dream but doesn’t know how/and their current finances won't even allow it (saving for a big event, a house, a holiday).
- Hope that there can be another option - and believe me - there can.

I love watching people discover what they are capable of — seeing their confidence grow, their mindset change and their goals become bigger. Coaching, guiding and inspiring the team, and then watching them flourish, is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

This opportunity has also enabled me to help some amazing charities and clubs locally, including Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Galloways Society for the Blind, St Catherine's Hospice and many more both with time and money - not something I would have been able to contemplate in 2008.  

I also like to bring "financial wellbeing" pop up bill review clinics into the workplace in Lancashire , working with HR, to encourage staff members to come and see me, ask questions, and book appointments outside of work if they want one.  Also signposting them to various help points if needed and struggling financially.

I believe you don’t have to be extraordinary to achieve extraordinary things. Sometimes you simply need someone to believe in you, a proven system to follow, and the willingness to take that first step.

If I can help give someone a little more hope, confidence and choice for their future, then its helps me do something I truly love and most importantly helps them.