ISJ Independent Financial Planning was created five years ago by Lena Patel with the aim of helping clients be more engaged with their financial future. ISJ is drawn from the initials of her children; Isha, Shaylen and Joshua. The original plan was for the children to join the firm, though that is now looking unlikely: Shaylen has now qualified as a pharmacist, Isha is off at university doing graphic design and Josh, who is nine, wants to be a footballer!

The last year has proved challenging for most businesses, and being a single mum and sole trader has left Patel feeling lonely and isolated. However, she has recently opened a new office in her local village and won an award in the Leicestershire Live Women in Business awards, which is a testament to her hard work and determination to help more clients feel confident, safe, and secure in their financial future.

Patel, is an award-winning Fellow and Chartered Financial Planner, with a strong social media presence. Her main passion is to inspire more women and people of colour into what is a very rewarding career, and to help change people’s lives.