Nigel Thomas: My reflections on 30 years in fund management

AXA Framlington's Nigel Thomas was awarded the outstanding contribution to fund management at Investment Week's Fund Manager of the Year Awards this month after almost 30 years in the industry.

Commending Thomas, the FMYA judges praised the manager's devotion to "common-sense investing" and ability to consistently deliver the goods over the medium to long term. His £3.1bn Axa Framlington UK Select Opportunities fund has returned 20.9% over the five years to 20 July, compared with an average 1% loss for the IMA UK All Companies sector, according to Morningstar. Speaking to Investment Week, Thomas here reflects on the influences on his career, the changing fund management industry and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Who has had the biggest influence on your...