As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at Somers Partnership, we are taking time to reflect on the many people who have shaped our journey. Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of connecting exceptional individuals with extraordinary opportunities across the world of family offices. Among the achievements we are most proud of is our internship programme, which has become a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Since its inception, our internship programme has welcomed bright, ambitious individuals eager to learn, contribute and grow. Many of them have gone on to achieve remarkable success in fields as diverse as engineering, medicine, finance and sustainability. Their stories embody the same values that guide our work every day including integrity, curiosity and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Creating Real-World Experience and Lasting Impact
When we first launched our internship programme, our aim was simple: to give talented people the chance to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in the world of family office recruitment. From the very beginning, our interns have been encouraged to think strategically, to work collaboratively and to understand the importance of relationships and trust. These are skills that have gone on to serve them well throughout their careers.
We designed the programme to go beyond observation. Interns at Somers Partnership are given responsibility, guidance and the freedom to explore their ideas. This blend of mentorship and practical experience has helped many of our alumni discover their purpose, build professional confidence and embark on truly exciting career paths. These are some of their stories…
From Engineering to Leadership: Freddie Hobbs
One of our longest-serving interns, Freddie Hobbs, joined us between 2017 and 2020 while completing his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, where he graduated with First Class Honours. Freddie’s drive, curiosity and calm under pressure were evident from the start and it has been inspiring to watch his journey unfold since his time with us.
After leaving Somers Partnership, Freddie commissioned into the British Army, where his leadership skills saw him promoted to Captain a year early as Regimental Signals Officer. In 2022, he took part in the Queen’s Funeral, a great honour and a moment of immense national significance. Freddie’s achievements extend beyond his military service too. His dedication to supporting veterans’ mental health has seen him raise thousands of pounds for Combat Stress through remarkable challenges including the Mongol Rally, the Cambrian Patrol, the Nijmegen Marches and the London Marathon.
Championing Sustainability and Innovation: Owen Tutt
We were fortunate to have Owen Tutt join our internship programme in 2020, bringing with him a Double First in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, where he was an academic scholar specialising in cell and molecular biology. From the outset, Owen impressed us with his intellect, focus and thoughtful approach to problem-solving.
After his internship, Owen completed a Master’s in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London, graduating with distinction and ranking first in his cohort. His passion for sustainability and innovation has since guided his career, beginning with investment stewardship, advising investors on climate and energy transition strategy, before moving into private equity fundraising for infrastructure projects.
Today, Owen works with Hoxton Farms, a London-based foodtech company developing cultivated animal fats for use in sustainable food ingredients. Outside of work, he’s discovered a love for kitesurfing and can often be found chasing the wind along the coast at weekends.
Caring for Communities Around the World: Josie Richards
Josie Richards joined us in 2015 during her gap year before studying Medicine at Cardiff University. From her first day with us, Josie brought energy, empathy and professionalism, qualities that have continued to define her ever since.
After qualifying as a doctor, Josie spent a year working in Auckland, New Zealand, before taking time to travel through Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the UAE. She now works in A&E in Chichester, where she is making a tangible difference in her community while enjoying life closer to home. We were delighted to hear that she recently got engaged to her partner Andrew, who proposed during a trip to Cornwall at the beautiful Kynance Cove.
Investing in People, Inspiring the Future
These represent just a few of the interesting and inspiring journeys our interns have chosen and hearing about their accomplishments fills us with immense pride. Each of them has gone on to forge their own unique path, but all share the same spirit of purpose, resilience and curiosity that we value so deeply at Somers Partnership.
Our internship programme has always been about more than just gaining professional experience. It’s about helping people discover what motivates them, learn from others and grow into confident, capable professionals who go on to make a difference in the world.
As we celebrate twenty years of Somers Partnership, our commitment to nurturing emerging talent remains at the heart of what we do. We firmly believe that investing in people, giving them the opportunity, encouragement and trust to succeed, is one of the greatest legacies an organisation can build. Here’s to the next twenty years of mentoring and championing the leaders of tomorrow.
