Forsyth Barr

A 'relationship' business needs a physical home

Liz Brown Douglas wears two hats at Forsyth Barr. She’s an investment adviser, working with clients to understand their needs and goals in order to build and manage an investment portfolio to help them meet their long term objectives. Liz is also the manager of the firm’s East Auckland branch.

“What we do is… a relationship business,” she says. “Allowing someone to manage and invest your money requires a huge amount of trust – it’s so personal.”

Forsyth Barr believes that trust is best built sitting across the table from someone – reading body language, answering questions in real time, and having the kind of open conversations that simply work better face-to-face.

That’s where space matters. A cramped, dated office can undermine confidence. If clients are going to place their financial future in Forsyth’s hands, the experience needs to feel considered, professional and welcoming from the moment they walk through the door, Liz explains.

Investing in the right location

The decision to invest in East Auckland was a strategic one.

“East Auckland is going to experience huge amounts of growth over the next 20 years,” Liz says. Forsyth Barr wants to be where the clients are – and where future clients will be. Liz believes the area has long been underserved in terms of private wealth management. As Branch Manager, part of her role is to expand the firm’s presence and deliver growth in this part of the city.

Highbrook supports that ambition. “There isn’t really anywhere comparative,” Liz says. It’s easily accessible off the motorway, with convenient parking for clients. It sits within an established business community, alongside firms such as BDO and RSM – businesses that many of Forsyth Barr’s clients already work with. Being part of that ecosystem makes it easier for clients to see the firm as part of their broader advisory network. “I like the idea that you’re known by the company you keep.”