Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
This time, there’s much to celebrate!
We’re all fit to burst with pride after Sarah Hogan was named Chartered Financial Planner of the Year 2026 by The Openwork Partnership.
The celebratory mood continued throughout the month, and we were delighted to host a black-tie gala dinner to mark our 25th anniversary on Friday 17 July. Plus, find out how much Karen Fogg raised for Breast Cancer Now.
Before we get into all the news and gossip, we must first say “congratulations” to Kasim Ikhlaq, who has been a brilliant member of the client support team for two years.
And a big happy birthday to Julie Leeson, our Customer Consultant at the KBA Southport Agency, who celebrated her 65th birthday this month – though you’d never have guessed it! 🎉
Sarah Hogan is named Chartered Financial Planner of the Year 2026 🍾
Earlier this month, The Openwork Partnership – the national adviser network we’re part of – named Sarah as Chartered Financial Planner of the Year 2026.
Openwork supports almost 5,000 advisers across the UK, so this recognition is momentous – for both Sarah and KBA.
When Sarah started out in financial services, nearly 20 years ago, she was a mortgage adviser with no idea what was to come.
Since then, she has:
- Become Chartered
- Achieved Fellowship status
- Built an incredible business alongside an amazing team.
Most important of all, as Sarah says, she’s also “helped hundreds of clients make important financial decisions for themselves and their families”.
Big-hearted as ever, she’s the first to acknowledge that while the award has her name on it, it reflects the support she’s had from many other people along the way.
“Thank you to my clients for the trust you place in me every day, thank you to the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who have supported me throughout my career […] I’m incredibly grateful, very proud, and excited for what comes next.”
Anniversary black-tie gala dinner
This month, we were delighted to welcome clients, professional connections, and team members to our 25th anniversary black-tie gala dinner at the Malmaison in Manchester.
The evening was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the journey of KBA over the last 25 years, celebrate the relationships we have built, and thank those who have supported us along the way.
From the fantastic venue and entertainment to the conversations shared throughout the evening, it was a truly memorable occasion.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended. Your continued trust and support mean a great deal to us, and we are proud to have been part of so many financial journeys over the years.
The gala dinner was just one of several events we have hosted throughout the year to celebrate our 25th anniversary.
We still have a couple more exciting events planned before the year is out, so if you were unable to join us for the Gala, be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for future invitations and announcements.
We would love to celebrate with you as we continue marking this special milestone.
Thanks to everyone who supported Karen Fogg’s Afternoon Tea and raffle
Alongside the now famous Afternoon Tea which Karen hosts each summer with her daughters, Amy and Lucy, Karen also runs a raffle.
Tickets sold for £5 each, and the top prize was an overnight stay at Ribby Hall for two, including breakfast and use of the Aqua Thermal Journey (think Aromatherapy Rooms, refreshing salt-infused mists, herbal saunas, and icy plunge buckets).
Although she’s a little shy to be mentioned, our very own Emma Bell won the top prize and is looking forward to a relaxing overnight stay at Ribby Hall in the near future! ☺️
Thanks to the support of friends, colleagues, and local businesses, when fundraising closed on 30 June, this year’s total was the biggest yet.
“We couldn’t do this without the support of all our lovely friends and family and local and national businesses,” Karen said, adding, “I’m not sure how we do it, but we have once again beaten last year’s total, raising a massive £5,053 for Breast Cancer Now.
“Thank you so much for your support.” 🩷