Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
This month, Sarah Hogan has been nominated for multiple awards, Jack Leatherland and Fin Cottam each celebrate their one-year KBA anniversary, and Elysia Walsh and Emma Hull have both welcomed a new baby to their families.
Sarah Hogan has been nominated for the 2023 Women in Protection & Health Awards
First this month, we’re saying a massive well done to our Company Director, Sarah Hogan, on making the nominations for not one, but THREE awards for the 2023 Women in Protection and Health Awards.
Sarah has been nominated for:
⭐ Inspirational leader of the year
⭐ Adviser of the year
⭐ Mentor of the year
Responding to the amazing news, Sarah said: “I am always amazed when the nominations come through. Firstly, that someone has taken the time to nominate me and secondly, that people think I am deserving of such an accolade.”
Glowing with pride, she puts her success down to her love for the work she does. “I think most people know I love my work, my clients and my team and I am just trying to help people have better futures and enjoy life, so it always means a lot to be recognised in such a way. I’m extremely proud and I couldn’t do it without my team, and I include in that, the team that work for me, our clients, and my family and friends.”
Jack Leatherland has been on the KBA team for a whole year
Operations Director, Jack joined KBA The Financial Planning Company as Sarah Hogan’s righthand man in January 2022. Here he tells us about his time so far…
What were you doing before you joined the KBA team, and do you remember the interview?
Before KBA life, I was working for Yorkshire Building Society and had been there since 2007, most recently working as a Development Implementation Manager. The focus of this role was a business relationship assisting proprietors like our very own Sarah Hogan and KBA to open new agencies.
I had worked with KBA in 2019 and then Sarah and I crossed paths again in 2021 when we opened the Bury YBS Agency*. It was at that time Sarah mentioned the exciting position and how long she had spent searching for the right person to assist her in running the business.
We had a few conversations about where Sarah wanted to take the business and it was a great help having worked together before. I was inspired – as everyone is by Sarah and her vision – and applied for the role. To my delight, my application was successful.
I always knew it would have to be a special opportunity to take me away from along service and YBS and have no regrets at all.
What do you remember about your first day at KBA Financial?
My first day was a quarterly team meeting – definitely thrown in at the deep end! Luckily, Sarah ran this one. I remember having about 100 abbreviations on my notes that I needed to clarify, but mainly how welcoming the team were. The benefit of knowing a few faces from my previous interactions with the company before I joined was a big help.
What do you love most about your job?
This sounds cheesy, but it’s always down to the people you work with – good people always make things more enjoyable. And I’m lucky because my role gives me the chance to interact with everyone in the company, across all our different offices.
When joining, I knew KBA had a great culture and upheld values that matched my own approach to work and life. Sarah is an inspirational boss to work with and I am looking forward to accomplishing everything that we’ve set out to achieve over the coming years.
Favourite memorable moment of the last year?
There are so many to choose from… But I particularly enjoy the team meetings and the team taking time out of the everyday work to reflect and chat things over – which is really important. My favourite moment has to be the team weekend away in October, mostly because I was part of the winning team in Crystal Maze!
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
I have recently moved closer to work as I lived in Nottingham when I took the role. It has been a massive life change for me and my family, but I am looking forward to settling into the area and the extra time I will have for work and my social life, without all the commuting.
Fin Cottam celebrated his 1-year work anniversary
Fin joined the team just over a year ago as one of our brilliant Customer Consultants in Bury. We caught up with Fin to find out how his year with KBA has treated him…
What were you doing before you joined the KBA team, and do you remember the interview?
I had previously worked mainly in retail and hospitality and before that I lived in Australia for two years, working and travelling around the different states.
I do remember the interview – Leyna interviewed me for the role. I recall feeling that it went well and was looking forward to joining the team.
What do you remember about your first day at KBA Financial?
I remember meeting the team and being shown how things were run day-to-day. I was a little nervous, but mostly excited to start my new job.
What do you love most about your job?
The culture, the opportunities, and the people I work with.
Favourite memorable moment of the last year?
The team weekend in Manchester! It was a top night out and great to meet the whole team, as we have expanded massively since I first started.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
To continue progressing and taking on new responsibilities, plus collaborating further with my colleagues.
Elysia Walsh and Emma Hull both have wonderful baby news
Financial Planning Consultant Elysia Walsh welcomed adorable baby Luke to the world.
Hot on Elysia’s heels, Customer Consultant Emma Hull welcomed beautiful baby Ada to her family.
* The Yorkshire Building Society Agency services promoted here are not part of The Openwork Partnership offering and are offered in our own right. The Openwork Partnership accepts no responsibility for this aspect of our business.
