About Me
Sean Fane
Non-Executive Director & Independent Financial Adviser
After studying Leisure Management and Business Studies, I briefly worked in the leisure industry, utilising my passion for health and sports, and attaining many sports coaching qualifications. I find myself a natural "teacher" and developed coaching techniques which have become useful in the IT industry. With little opportunity for career growth, I decided on a change of direction, and embarked on a career in the exciting IT industry.
I worked as a software product manager for one of the leading UK software distributors, before setting-up my own distributor of CAD software at 27 years old.
DipFA
I holds the Diploma in Financial Advice (DipFA), awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance.
The DipFA is an industry benchmark qualification for financial advisors, which meets the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) qualification requirement for retail investment advisors.
View Sean's SPS
View Sean's FCA entry
I gained invaluable experience starting my own business, but the acquisition of our leading vendor by Microsoft, and their implementation of a different channel strategy, we were forced to close the business before we had created enough critical mass to absorb the impact.
Looking to develop my experience further in management, I took a challenging role, to turn-around the fortunes of a struggling IT peripherals distributor called InterQuad.
Initially as General Manager and subsequently as the Managing Director, I steered InterQuad Systems to become the number 1 Citrix distributor in Northern Europe, and I participated in a management buy-out of the company from the owner. We acquired InterQuad Systems and InterQuad Learning and became the QA-IQ Group, and I took a seat on the group board.
QA-IQ represented the largest global Microsoft Accredited Training Centre, as well as the leading Citrix Distributor in EMEA.
After a period of further growth, the board partially sold QA-IQ to private equity, and I subsequently negotiated the sale InterQuad Systems to a trade buyer, where I took the position of divisional lead to integrate the business into their existing £100m+ specialist division.
I have spent the last 12 years working as a non-executive director and business adviser, as well as managing my own retirement portfolio.
I decided to formalise his interest in investments and financial planning, and attained the industry qualification for financial advisers, the Diploma in Financial Advice (DipFA) from the London Institute of Banking & Finance in 2022.
On a day-to-day basis, I advise busy professionals & small IT business owners on how to make the most of their business and personal assets.
Why I started Fit to Retire
I love engaging with people, and I am restless if I am not learning and progressing. Working as a non-executive director really gets the grey-matter working. My role is to simplify the complicated, and assist IT business owners to improve their strategic and operational performance.
What I love most about my job
I get a huge amount of satisfaction helping people to improve their lives. Whether volunteering for Samaritans, as a sports coach or mentor to the staff that have worked for me over the years. As a non-executive director I can help IT business owners to build a secure and happy future.
Why I love Dorset
Dorset is just beautiful. I feel like I am enveloped by nature when I am at the coast, from the big sky to the rolling waves, I find this county really relaxes me and makes me feel connected with the simple things in life.
My Motivations
My Passions
Paddleboarding to Hengistbury Head, or windsurfing in Christchurch Harbour.
On a perfect weekend you can find me
Italy, I adore the people, the culture, the language and the wine....and spend as much time exploring Italy as I can.
My favourite holiday destination is
A table at The Hut, at sunset, on the Isle of Wight with my beautiful partner Dubs.
My perfect dinner date would be
I once had a trial for Chelsea Football Club...but an injury forced me off the pitch before the end.
Something most people wouldn't know about me
I read comprehensively on health and wellness, with a particular interest in heart-disease prevention, having suffered a heart attack in my early fifties (I even wrote a book about my recovery)
Things I love to read
I am studying the philosophy of stoicism, and am enjoying the philosopies of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and the modern interpretations of them by Ryan Holiday.
My life philosophy