Co-owner close up - James Buckley

In this latest Co-owner Close up, we hear from Fund Manager James Buckley. James tells us a bit about his role and the work of the investment team, and shares details of his international family life and a penchant for whiskey (with an 'e'!). 

Could you tell us about the work of the Investment Management team? 

The Investment Management Team (IMT) manage the Castlefield Thoughtful fund range, including the multi-asset and direct equity funds. This entails amongst other things, investment research, portfolio management and engagement with investee companies and third party fund providers, as well as Castlefield’s client advisers. We’ve developed our own B.E.S.T investment methodology, to identify investments not only based on those aiming to offer the best financial returns, but also based on a range of other critical success factors. To us, issues like good standards of corporate governance and overall transparency are not just ‘nice to have’; they’re key to generating sound returns, linked to a proper appreciation of risk, defined in its widest sense.

Can you tell us about your role?

I joined to manage the Castlefield Thoughtful European Equity fund in September 2023. My role has also evolved to include preparing and researching for the launch of potential future funds. This has involved researching global companies using our B.E.S.T framework to build a model portfolio which will be used as the basis for launching a fund.

What prompted you to join Castlefield?

I was working in Dublin for a large US financial organisation as their Head of Equity Research, but was looking to return to a pure fund management role when Castlefield approached me. I knew the founding partners of the firm from having worked together in Manchester over 20 years ago so it was an easy decision to join, particularly as Castlefield’s distinct investment approach and overall company ethos appealed to me.

What’s different about working at Castlefield? 

Other than the fact they’re one of the few investment managers to be headquartered in Manchester, their employee co-ownership structure is relatively unusual in this industry. There’s a lack of ego at Castlefield and a genuinely co-operative team spirit which can sometimes be shall we say, less prevalent, in larger financial organisations.

Outside of work, could you tell us a bit about you? 

I divide my time between London where my home is and Manchester, where I generally work during the week. I consider myself fortunate to have bases in these different but vibrant cities. You’ll often find me taking advantage of Manchester’s exciting live music scene during the week as well as attending football matches at The Etihad Stadium. My son is at Lancaster University, an hour North of Manchester, so it’s great being able to catch up with him regularly. I waterski near London eight months of the year but haven’t got round to trying it up here yet. My wife’s American so we spend a couple of weeks a year in rural Michigan, between Chicago and Detroit.

9 quick questions 

Favourite bands? Fontaines DC; Slowdive

What's your sport? Boxing

Favourite movie? Wall Street

Favourite drink? Irish Whiskey (spelt with an “e”)

Favourite book?  Trainspotting 

Favourite holiday destination? Michigan, USA

Favourite decade? The ‘90s

What would you choose an unlimited supply of in the office? Heating on a Monday

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation

If you were on mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? European equities