Every month, we share some of the highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
This month, we celebrate one of our clients who won an amazing award for their business achievements, several team successes, and a brand-new addition to David Parkinson’s family.
Emsys Maritime Ltd won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category
Simon Brown has been a KBA client for almost four years. He founded Emsys Maritime, in 2017, to supply the maritime industry with smart measurement tools that help firms achieve their long-term environmental goals.
The prime minister gives the Queen’s Award on behalf of Her Majesty, The Queen, and is the pinnacle of UK business awards.
The firm faced tough competition
Thousands of companies enter the competition each year and all entries are fully audited to prove submissions are accurate.
It’s been a long journey to get here.
Simon and his team entered the competition after four years of operation because of the continued success of their product roll-out. Simon admits it felt like a “long shot” so to win this ultimate award for UK business recognition means a great deal to him, and his colleagues.
Their success, Simon says, is down to two factors: a great product and a great team.
“When you compete with the major players, you have to go the extra mile to win business, and we have certainly done that. My colleagues are amazing – they will do whatever it takes to have a happy customer. This includes many long days and travel to all parts of the world, but also fixing problems that at first glance may seem unsurmountable!” – Simon Brown
Emsys Maritime won based on their export sales over the last three years and their unique contribution to the UK’s export economy.
“This award recognised the efforts and progress my colleagues and our business has made. They deserve to feel proud of their achievements and especially when we are recognised at such a high level. I am also looking forward to sharing this with our partners, supply chain and individuals who have supported and guided us on this arduous but rewarding journey.” – Simon Brown
In other news, while the Queen may not have been involved, the KBA team have been doing their share of winning too.
We celebrate Beccy Brooks
Pensions and investments paraplanner Beccy has been a member of our brilliant team for 15 incredible years this month.
Beccy started out as our receptionist in 2006. These days, she loves getting her teeth into the more complicated advice we specialise in.
How was your first day at KBA Financial?
I just remember being a bag of nerves! I was only 19 back then and it was a new role for me, so I found it very daunting with all these financial advisers, but they were great and really welcoming so I quickly settled in.
What do you love most about your job?
The people, both who I work with and the clients we help. We’re like one big family at KBA so it’s nice.
Favourite memorable moment?
So many! But the one that springs to mind would be doing flaming sambucas on the work trip to Marbella and setting the table on fire! Oops.
We also celebrate James Nelson who has been on the team for three years
James began with us as a trainee paraplanner in 2018 and is now our estate planning co-ordinator.
What do you remember about your first day at KBA Financial?
I felt very nervous but was made to feel welcome straight away. I remember being given a tour of the office and we all went out for lunch, so I was able to get to know people better.
What do you love most about your job?
The people I work with, we are like one big family here at KBA.
Favourite memorable moment?
We went on a trip to Chamonix and as part of this we went up a mountain on Skidoos, which was an amazing experience.
Customer Consultant Emma Bell received a Distinction in her Level 5 Events Management Course
How long have you been working towards your Events Management qualification and where do you study?
It’s taken me just over 18 months to complete my Level 5. I studied at Pitman Training in Nantwich and, in March 2020, I also started studying with the Oxford Home Study College to help further my education.
What did you enjoy learning about most?
I graded highest in my events and project management modules, but the two parts I enjoyed the most were marketing and web design. Learning the skills to create my own website and actually putting it into practice was extremely challenging, but I loved the sense of achievement once finished.
What’s next?
I’ll continue to plan events for family and friends and volunteer in the hospitality tents at the Nantwich and Cheshire shows. I hope my skills and knowledge can help to further the event side of KBA and I look forward to any opportunities thrown my way!
David Parkinson became a grandad for the second time
Dave’s son, Seb, and his partner Lizzie gave Dave his second grandchild, baby Arlo, in May.
Lockdown and social distancing rules made the pregnancy more challenging for all the family, but “Seb was magnificent looking after Lizzie.”
It was also good for Seb and his three-year-old daughter, Ophelia. Furlough meant a lot more quality father-daughter time when mum was resting.
Dave says: “I’m a very proud grandad and Julie is a very proud grandma, and we are truly thankful we all stayed healthy and sane during the last 12 months.”
We’d love to hear from you. Share your news or ask any of the KBA team a question by emailing info@kbafinancial.com or call us on 01942 889883.
