Two minutes with Jun Merrett, Content Editor at Nucleus
You have recently joined Nucleus from Citywire New Model Adviser as the wrap platform’s content editor. What made you want to join the business?
I wrote about Nucleus when I was a reporter for quite a few years and always liked its attitude and ethos – I like that it’s got that young upstart mentality which is refreshing in financial services and I knew it was open to change so I could have freedom to try out new things.
What will your new role entail?
The main part of my job will be managing the Illuminate knowledge hub on Nucleus’ website. I have grand ambitions to make it advisers’ first and daily port of call when they want to read up about business development, best practice or share ideas with each other. I’ll be writing, commissioning and editing articles from advisers, experts and consultants for Illuminate. I will also be writing our thought leadership pieces and white papers and managing some parts of the PR.
What was it that initially drew you to want to work in financial services?
I have to be honest and say: job availability! When I graduated there were only journalism jobs in finance or beauty. I can’t say no to a good mascara but I wanted to focus on something more substantial and influential so opted for finance.
Tell us a little about your life outside of work, do you have any hobbies?
Everyone knows me as a massive foodie, so I spend most of my time exploring London for great restaurants, cafes and bars. I also love cooking; mainly either Japanese street food or hearty roast dinners. I’m a big yoga advocate but not in that awful cliched way and am forever fine tuning The Novel.
What is the one column or website that you read every day?
New Model Adviser – I still think it’s the best trade publication for advisers!!
What is your biggest pet peeve, or makes you angry?
I’m half Yorkshire so inevitably pretty much everything but people’s inconsiderations of others is my biggest bugbear. Especially on the tube…
What would you do if you were Prime Minister for a day?
Immediately overhaul the disgusting and degrading measures (cuts) our current government has put in place for disability welfare over the years. And do something genuinely constructive to sort out the housing crisis, especially in London. It’d be a long day!
What would you do if you received a windfall of £1000?
I should say invest or save but I’ve got payments for Christmas in Australia looming so that should pay about half of the ticket price (!) In any other situation, I tend to save half and splurge half on meals, drinks and a new outfit or shoes.