Celebrating 30 Years of Garfield-Bennett: The Vision and Leadership of Founder & Managing Director, William Bennett.

This year, Jersey-based Garfield-Bennett Trust Company has reached a proud milestone, celebrating 30 years of private client services on 11th July 2025. From its humble beginnings at a dining room table to a thriving, multidisciplinary team with international reach, the firm has come a long way.

We sat down with Garfield-Bennett’s Founder and Managing Director, William Bennett, to reflect on the journey, the challenges along the way, and his hopes for the company’s future.

Q: What inspired you to start Garfield-Bennett in the first place?

“I wanted to build something personal, creating an environment where clients would feel valued and relationships came first. At the time, I was working within a more rigid legal framework, but things didn’t work out and I found myself looking for the next move.

I felt things could be done differently, and while walking the dogs one day, I decided to take the plunge and set up on my own. It’s funny how good things can come out of negative situations, I never imagined Garfield-Bennett would grow into what it is today!”

Q: What was it like in those early days?

“It was just me at the start, working from home at the dining room table, until my wife and I went to an auction and bought a couple of old desks, chairs and a filing cabinet. We sanded and varnished them, then turned the dining room into an office. My mother gave me a computer as a start-up gift, and I also bought a printer and fax machine.

It was a standing start. I had no clients and had to get out on the road. I used to travel all over: London, Europe, South Africa… It was hard because I was competing with well-known private client service companies.

A fair amount of grit and determination went into those early days, and I’ve found that attitude never leaves you. It’s challenging, but also exciting!”

Q: Were there any particular challenges in the early days?

“I’d been in business for one year and had taken on a few clients when I had a meeting with the bank, where I was told my account was overdrawn and had been frozen. They gave a short deadline to get back under the overdraft limit. I went home that morning, feeling like a rug had been pulled from underneath me, wondering how I would overcome this impossible challenge.

That same morning, a contact approached me out of the blue about setting up a structure with Garfield-Bennett. This changed everything, and I went from almost crashing to surviving again within 24 hours. I always tell people to remember that good things can happen in a flash, just as bad things can!”

Q: What are you most proud of, personally or professionally?

“On a personal level, I’m most proud of marrying my wife, Ellen. She’s been my rock and supported me every step of the way. On a professional level, I’m proud of the team we’ve built; seeing people grow and stay with the company for decades, and maintaining long-term client relationships. That loyalty means a great deal to me.”

Q: How have you navigated significant industry changes over the years?

“When fiduciary regulation was introduced in 2000, it felt like a big shift. The licensing process with the Jersey Financial Services Commission was detailed. Thankfully, I’d already been subject to annual audits through legal practice, but it was still a learning curve.

Over time, I’ve learnt not to panic when approaching these changes. Stop, breathe, think it through, take advice, and above all, don’t let a challenge overwhelm you. What feels insurmountable at first can often be broken down step by step, and there will always be challenges!”

Q: What kind of workplace culture did you set out to build?

“One that was friendly, supportive, and open. I’ve worked with some fantastic people in the past who showed me how people should be treated, as well as some others who taught me how not to lead.

We all spend a huge part of our lives at work, so it should be a place where people feel heard and respected. That doesn’t mean being soft, but it does mean being fair and human.”

Q: How has the team changed over the years?

“It’s transformed beyond recognition. Garfield-Bennett now employs around 34 people, including lawyers, accountants, STEP-qualified professionals, compliance officers, HR professionals, and support teams. But the ethos of care, collaboration with colleagues, and building long-term relationships with clients remains the same.”

Q: What values have remained constant since day one?

“Never be complacent, there’s always more to do! You are never truly “off duty” as a founder. Even on holiday, if something needs doing, I do it. I probably learned that from my father, who ran his own podiatry practice and always said, “Work or starve.”

You have to stay honest and keep going. Persistence matters, and never giving up is one of the most valuable traits in business. I’ve always believed in taking pride in my work, being accessible, and treating people fairly. Success isn’t guaranteed, and it doesn’t take long to lose what you’ve built if you lose sight of those fundamentals.”

Q: What has leadership taught you over the years?

“That people matter. If you treat your team well, they’ll treat your clients well. It’s important to be honest and authentic, and to understand what motivates your team.

Staying calm under pressure also helps! People remember how you make them feel. If you want their loyalty and best work, you have to earn their respect and be ready to adapt. Leadership is about bringing people with you, not pulling rank.”

Q: Was work-life balance always part of your vision?

“For me, work-life balance has always been a challenge. Running a business requires commitment. I’ve spent many holidays on my phone or laptop, but I’ve never seen it as a hardship. It’s my passion, and I am fully committed to the business.

At the same time, I’ve always tried to create an environment where others don’t have to do the same. People perform better when they are not overwhelmed, and I fully support a healthy work-life balance for my team.”

Q: What advice would you give a first-time founder today?

“Value your relationships, both professional and personal, as they are your greatest asset. You will face setbacks, and you will make mistakes, but staying honest and tuning out the “white noise” will get you through the challenges.”

Q: What excites you most about Garfield-Bennett’s future?

“We joined Summit Group at the end of 2023, which has opened up a world of opportunities. Expanding our reach, particularly into fast-growing regions like the Middle East, is hugely exciting. The pace of development in places like the UAE is phenomenal, and we’re well-positioned to be part of that growth.”

Q: What legacy would you like to leave behind?

“That I was approachable, and that the business always put people first.”

Q: If you could go back 30 years and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Don’t worry, it will be fine.”

Looking Ahead

As Garfield-Bennett celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that while much has changed on the surface since the early days, the company remains underpinned by integrity and a genuine commitment to people.

With local roots and a growing international reach, the next chapter is set to be every bit as impactful as the first.

Discover Garfield-Bennett’s services >

Garfield-Bennett is a member of the Summit Group, which also has offices in the Cayman Islands, Jersey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Find out more about Summit Group >