Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
Last month, Sarah Tate and Angela Mckenzie both had their work anniversaries – with Sarah Tate celebrating 11 fabulous years on the team. Plus, find out how Karen Fogg’s annual Afternoon Tea Party went down and how we’re helping our new friends at Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
Sarah Tate celebrates 11 years with KBA
Last month, we wished a very happy work anniversary to our lovely Client Support team member, Sarah Tate.
Joining us back in 2012 as a temporary worker within our client support team, Sarah has now been with us for an incredible 11 years! A vital part of the KBA family, we caught up with Sarah to find out more about her work.
What were you doing before you joined KBA?
I had not long finished university and didn’t have a “proper job”. Instead, I was doing three or four different jobs. Working most days and nights each week, I worked in a pub, in a make-up shop, at a cobblers, and helped my friend out at her mum’s sandwich shop. A real jack-of-all-trades!
What do you remember about your first week on the team?
It was just me and Karen on my first day, as we were only a small team at the time. I was really shy when I first started – but that soon changed!
What has changed most since you started working here?
The number of KBA employees/offices.
There were only about six or seven people on the team when I started; now there’s more than 40 of us spread across five offices.
Best part of a regular day at the office?
Catching up with everyone and discussing our dinner options. I work part-time and half of that is from home, so I can be accused of being the chatty one when I come into the office!
What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started working here?
That I may need a new liver after the KBA Christmas parties.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining KBA?
Just go for it, I knew nothing about the industry when I started, and I’ve learned so much since I started at KBA. Now I can’t see myself working anywhere else.
Angela Mckenzie celebrates 1 year with KBA
Our lovely Customer Consultant at our Bury office, Angela has more than 30 years of customer service experience and excels in building long-lasting relationships with our clients.
We caught up with Angela during a quick tea break to find out more about her first year on the KBA team…
“Before working for KBA I worked remotely for a law firm, doing admin work, and answering the telephone. I remember my interview with Jack and Leyna, they made me feel really relaxed and at ease.
“The day I started I immediately felt part of the team, everyone was so welcoming and friendly.
“The thing I love about my job is that every day is so different. I enjoy chatting with the customers and it makes your day when you have been able to help someone in some way, they are always so grateful.
“My most memorable moment, so far, was when I was given a recognition award for recommending customers over to the financial planning side of the business.
“I love being a part of a team that shows such great appreciation for a job well done.”
Karen Fogg hosted her annual Breast Cancer Now Afternoon Tea, raising more than £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now
KBA’s top Executive Assistant, Karen Fogg and her two daughters have raised more than £2,000 for Breast Cancer Now.
The brilliant trio have been hosting an annual Afternoon Tea for friends, family, and friends of friends since 2014, in memory of Karen’s auntie who lost her fight against breast cancer in the same year.
Raising £400 at their first ever tea party, the amount has increased every year since.
Here, Karen tells us a little bit more about the party and shares a heartfelt “thank you” email from Breast Cancer Now.
“We held the party at my home on Saturday 19 August and were really lucky with the weather – the sun came out and it was lovely and warm.
“Family and friends bought their own family and friends, so we drew quite a crowd.
“It took a lot of work and planning to make sure we had enough cake to serve. Naturally, I was the Chief Cake Maker, but I was assisted by my step granddaughter, Annabelle, who was also baking cakes to sell as part of her Charity Badge for Brownies.
“My friend’s mum made the scones, and my nephew made some chocolate brownies which were amazing. So, it was a proper team effort.
“This year, we made £2,360. Since we started fundraising for Breast Cancer Now in 2014, including this year, we’ve raised a total of £10,316.65 (wow, I’m gob smacked just typing that I had no idea it was so much!).
“The email, shared below, from Breast Cancer Now reduced me and my daughter to tears.”
“I’m so grateful to everyone who’s joined in and helped this brilliant cause over the years. I’m looking forward to another successful party next summer.”
The cakes may be sold out, but if you’d like to donate, the JustGiving link is still open.
We visited our new friends at Wigan & Leigh Hospice
Following a client recommendation, we visited our new friends at Wigan & Leigh Hospice to find out all about the fantastic work they do to support their patients and their families.
The hospice has been serving people across the Wigan borough for nearly 40 years. Doing invaluable work to support people who have been diagnosed with an illness that is no longer curable, they passionately believe in providing care suited to every patient’s unique needs and do so 365 days a year.
During the visit, we found out about all the brilliant fundraising events they have going on. One of these was a fire walk, which our Events & Marketing Executive, Emma Bell, signed up for.
Braving the burning coals with bare feet earlier this month, Emma raised £315 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice!
Happily, she was in good company, supported by Joshua James, CEO of Sandpit Fitness, who also took the challenge.
Sandpit Fitness, which is due to open its doors to the public in December 2023, is a gym with a difference. Rather than simply focusing on cardio fitness and weight-training, it’s also a well-being centre, supporting sobriety and men’s mental health.
Emma Bell – KBA The Financial Planning Company and Joshua James – Sandpit Fitness
If you’re inspired to get involved or donate to Wigan & Leigh Hospice, or would like to know more about the amazing work they do, please get in touch.
