Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA. This month, we’ve been listed as finalists for Business of the Year, we took the whole business for a well-deserved weekend away, we were at the Crewe and Nantwich Careers Fair, and Joanne Hobson and Rachel Hatton both celebrated their KBA work anniversaries.
We made the finalists list for Business of the Year with 25+ employees
We are thrilled to announce that we have been listed by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry as finalists for the Business of the Year with 25+ Employees award!
After a very busy and trying few years, which have included both a global pandemic and a whole lot of growth, receiving this fantastic news reminds us of exactly why we do what we do.
Sarah Hogan said: “Running a small business is hard work. Anyone who has done it would agree with that. People on the outside and on the inside don’t always see what goes in to being a business owner. The literal blood, sweat, and tears.”
“A good leader is constantly putting others before themselves and trying to make the right decisions for the good of the whole team and the clients of the business. Believe me, it’s tough, but it’s rewarding. And when you find out you’re a finalist in the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry awards, it’s humbling and makes me proud. Proud not only to be a finalist but proud that the company and team I strive for every day was nominated in the first place.”
The awards will take place on Friday 18 November 2022. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and LinkedIn so you can be first to see how we get on!
We took the whole team for a well-deserved weekend away
We enjoyed a fabulous few days away in Manchester with the team to celebrate our successes and enjoy some well-earned down time together.
It’s impossible to put into words how fantastic the time we spent together was, never mind pick one photo to do it justice. So, we thought 36 pictures all wrapped into one would give you good insight.
A massive well done to the whole team. You all work so hard and deserved this and so much more. Here’s to you and the future memories we will get to create over the years.
We attended the Crewe and Nantwich Careers Fair
We also attended the Crewe and Nantwich Careers Fair this month. Held at Cheshire College South & West, we discussed all the future opportunities the next generation have when they leave school and college.
We engaged in hundreds of fantastic conversations with many different people from age 14 to 50-plus. We talked about the jobs we have to offer as well as our progression plans.
We also ran a special money-counting activity where you had to “beat the clock” by counting all the display money provided in two minutes. It may sound easy, but it was harder than expected and, believe it or not, the children did better than the adults!
Over the next 12 months, we’ll be growing our relationship with local schools and colleges by going in to deliver educational workshops, financial seminars, and careers fairs.
If you feel that you, your child, or someone else you know could benefit from any of the above then please contact us today.
Joanne Hobson celebrated her three-year work anniversary with KBA
Joanne, one of our Financial Planning Consultants, says:
“Before joining KBA, I was a financial planner but predominantly arranged mortgages as I was based within an estate agents.
“Since moving to KBA, I specialise more in lifetime financial planning and cashflow forecasting which still includes looking after your mortgage needs.
“I’ve known Sarah Hogan (Company Director) for a long time. I knew KBA was the place for me because it’s a proactive financial planning company who care about their clients.
“On my first day at KBA, I was returning to work from maternity leave. It had been a while since I had to put smart clothes on and go to an office. It was great being around colleagues again in a work environment instead of a baby!
“The best thing about my job is being able to look after all my clients’ financial needs and not just one area. There are so many changes throughout our lives, and I really enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients and being there to help them make the right choices and meet their long-term financial goals.
“I’ve known some of my clients for more than 15 years and it’s great to have helped them buy their first home, then advised with savings and retirement planning.”
Rachel Hatton celebrated her one-year work anniversary with KBA
Rachel Hatton joined the team as Admin Support but quickly progressed to Trainee Paraplanner.
We caught up with Rachel to ask her about her time with KBA so far…
What were you doing before you joined the KBA team, and do you remember the interview?
Before joining I worked at a doctor’s surgery. When I was first asked to come and interview, I was excited but also worried it was going to be a bit daunting as a job in finance was something I had never experienced before.
The day before the interview I was asked to do an online quiz to see if I was a fit for the job.
I came in and had a formal interview with Karen and the other two paraplanners at the time and did an unseen task that would be relevant to my day-to-day job activities. I also sat a maths and English test.
What do you remember about your first day at KBA?
Being told that I will never be sat with nothing to do for long and to enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasted – this was very true!
What do you love most about your job?
How much room there is for progression and expanding my knowledge in a field that, before working here, I knew little about.
Favourite memorable moment?
I can’t pick just one, I love my job and my team. However, the most rewarding part of my job is hearing great feedback from our lovely clients on the phone. When they thank you for all the work you have done, it really makes the job worthwhile.
