We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Anne Couper Woods as she retires. Anne has made an outstanding contribution throughout her career, and her commitment, professionalism and expertise have been greatly appreciated by her colleagues.
We asked Anne to reflect on her career in her own words.
“The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings.” A nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll considered to signal a moment of transition or significance, which seems apt for a retirement after 35 years in the corporate and trust services industry.
It has been an interesting, challenging and rewarding career in a sector I didn’t know existed and a role that meant nothing to me when I was considering careers on leaving school.
I left Grammar School in Bolton with O levels (equivalent to GCSEs), the only member of my family (both parents, my brother and two sisters) who didn’t go to University, following which I studied English A level and shorthand and typing at college.
Full time work started for me in Bolton as a Secretary and culminated in nearly 35 years in the CSP TSP industry. Who knew that my touch-typing skills learnt at college after leaving school would be one of my most useful skills over the following 50 years.
A couple of decades after school, I studied for my professional qualifications as a chartered company secretary (now the Corporate Governance Institute). I studied for 16 exams which took a total of four years. I found each subject useful and directly applicable to my job which gave me the incentive to complete the course.
From someone who could not sit still and concentrate at school and only enjoyed the sports and social opportunities it afforded, I made my way through experience and knowledge obtained at work, from being a secretary to being a director and chartered company secretary. Every structure and every client or adviser I met was unique and provided new challenges and it was for this reason that I found the work interesting. I have always had a low boredom threshold and would normally find I was ready for a change after doing the same job for a year, but I was lucky enough to find a job where every day was different.
Many memories but I have summarised a few highlights: –
Proudest career achievements
- I completed the drafting of all the documents to undertake the first merger of Isle of Man companies under the Companies Act 2006 – this was to merge three private 2006 companies into one surviving company in 2010.
- Company secretary 2007-2013 to Wichford Plc quoted on AIM, which was admitted to the London Stock Exchange Main Market and subsequently undertook a reverse acquisition / merger with Redefine International Plc.
- Company secretary for several international companies when they completed IPOs on AIM and for the following years.
- Awarded the TP Rogers Prize for the best result in the Corporate Governance Institute “Company Secretarial Practice” exam in December 2000, particularly as the night before the exam our house was flooded and I was up all night bailing out water and helping neighbours!
- Being awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators in April 2003.
My support team
- My five amazing and unique adult children; biased I know, but they are pretty incredible and always supportive.
- A husband who constantly supported me through the stresses and pressure of a busy career, many days, and weeks away from home and meltdowns usually the day before an exam.
- My Dad and brother who gave up their time to refresh my maths so I could pass the Corporate Finance exam.
- My Mum was an English teacher and I share her love of reading, which helped my writing and comprehension.
- Colleagues who have become great friends (some from more than 40 years ago) and have helped me along the way.
A positive and happy environment
- The Isle of Man has provided a wonderful and safe environment for my family to grow up in, wonderful biodiversity with beaches, glens, wildflowers, marine and wildlife for an idyllic childhood.
- Amazing sporting opportunities for me and my family – more than 25 years as part of the hockey community, where I met my husband and made many good friends.
- Inspirational colleagues who made coming to work a pleasure and from whom I have learned more every day.
- Everyone at Boston who made us all so welcome. Testament to which the employees and clients were all retained as we managed a smooth transition from IQE to Boston.
- A strong professional team for a seamless handover for my retirement (thanks Sion Roberts, Lisa Whear, and Helen Hall).
Thanks for exceeding my wildest dreams
- The opportunity to travel far and wide.
- Study leave and financial support for professional exams, whilst juggling full time work and five school age children.
- Reaching the heady heights and privilege to be a director and group company secretary.
Katherine Ellis, CEO of Boston Multi Family Office said “As Anne steps into retirement, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact she’s had—not just on our business, but on all of us who’ve had the privilege of working alongside her. Throughout her career, Anne has exemplified dedication, integrity, and excellence. Her leadership, wisdom, and commitment has helped shape our team and she leaves a legacy that will continue to influence our business long after Anne retires. On behalf of the entire Boston team, thank you Anne for your hard work, your enthusiasm, and your sense of humour. Wishing you a retirement filled with happiness, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation!”