Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
This month, Matt Marsh and Joe Webster are moving and shaking – with each being promoted to Junior Adviser. Plus, find out about Emma Bell’s latest sporting event in aid of Brain Research UK.
Before we crack on, there have also been a flurry of work anniversaries this month. Jack Leatherland and Hannah Needham celebrate two years on the team and Maura Baines and Melissa Wright toast their first year with the KBA family.
Matt Marsh has been promoted to Junior Financial Planner
You may remember reading about Matt last month, after he passed the R05 exam on his journey towards gaining his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Now Matt has been promoted and will be progressing from our Client Support team to Junior Adviser. We caught up with Matt to find out more…
Congratulations on your promotion, can you start by telling us a little about your background? What were you doing before joining KBA The Financial Planning Company and how long have you been on the team?
My background before this job is quite varied.
Originally, out of high school I had a football scholarship with Bolton Wanderers for two years, which didn’t work out. Then I joined a window supplier firm for new builds as a customer care representative for five years.
After this, I realised I wanted to go down a financial services route. So, I started my R0 exams while still in that job and began looking for a job in financial services. I joined KBA The Financial Planning Company in summer 2023 as a member of the Client Support team.
Can you tell us about your previous role and how your responsibilities have changed during your time with KBA?
My previous role as a customer care rep was very similar to my first role with KBA. Both involved providing what’s best for the client and delivering great customer service, albeit in a different industry. And that is one of the key abilities I’ve transferred to this job.
With KBA, the responsibilities have definitely increased compared to my last job. This is something I enjoy and thrive on as it helps me to progress with my ambitions.
During my time with KBA The Financial Planning Company, my confidence has grown, and I’ve been improving and taking on responsibility for completing complex cases.
What excites you most about taking on this new role?
The chance to continue with my ambition of becoming a Financial Planner and help clients achieve their financial goals.
I’m also really looking forward to continuing to learn from KBA’s experienced Financial Planners. And am keen to see more about how all the aspects of being a planner work, as I’ll be soaking all of that information in on a daily basis.
What do you think might be your biggest challenge?
Entering the unknown of being a planner will be the biggest challenge. There will be a lot to learn.
However, I’m more than excited to meet all the different people I’ll get to speak with, and the different situations clients may find themselves in.
The whole networking aspect of being a planner really thrills me, too.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
Progression: continuing to adapt on an education level with my exams and hopefully becoming qualified, but also adapting and honing new skills to the interpersonal levels in meeting clients and becoming a Financial Planner.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone looking to work with KBA or in the financial services industry, what would it be?
If you have drive and ambition, this is definitely the place to be. Educate yourself outside of work if you can and work hard, but enjoy doing it.
Joe Webster is moving up from Customer Consultant to Junior Financial Planner
One of our lovely Customer Consultants, Joe Webster has been working at our Southport Agency since 2023. His dedication and commitment have shone through from the beginning, and he’s now been promoted to Junior Adviser.
Here, Joe tells us more about his fast-paced career choices and how he finally found his home at KBA The Financial Planning Company.
“I’ve been working since I was 14, starting with my dad’s window cleaning business, which has been in the family for 80 years. After completing my business studies diploma at Runshaw College, I jumped into full-time work.
“I tried retail at first, but it wasn’t for me. So, I switched to hospitality in 2018 and loved the fast-paced environment. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, I worked in Ibiza and had an incredible time.
“When I returned, I got a management job at an Irish pub and eventually moved into hotel management. Although I loved the role, the lack of work-life balance led me to leave in 2022. I tried working at a golf club but realized hospitality wasn’t for me anymore.
“In 2023, I joined KBA and instantly fell in love with the finance industry. Starting as a customer consultant, I enjoyed helping people with their financial needs and appreciated the work-life balance it offered.
“Now, I’m thrilled to have progressed into the Junior Financial Planner role. I’m excited to meet new people, build relationships, and face challenges head-on in 2024.
“My advice for anyone considering KBA? Go for it! The work is fascinating, and the company feels like one big family. It’s a place where everyone works together and supports each other.”
Emma Bell is running for charity
On Saturday 9 March, Emma will be donning her trainers to raise money for Brain Research UK – a charity dedicated to funding neurological research to achieve the greatest impact for people affected by neurological conditions – helping them to live better, and longer.
With hundreds of people expected to participate, Emma will be in good company as she takes part in this fast, undulating race through the grounds of the beautiful Tatton Park.
Emma was kind enough to sit still long enough to tell us more…
What attracted you to this sporting charity event? Why Brain Research UK?
Brain Research UK is a charity very dear to my heart. Their ground-breaking research into the neurological realm is incredibly impactful and deserving of support.
Running 10k is quite a challenge! How’s your training progressing?
I began with the “Couch to 5K” program and have been gradually working my way up to 10K. It’s been a significant leap, but with each day, I feel more positive and motivated to push my limits.
Could you tell us about your training routine?
I run every other morning at around 6 am. It’s been extremely difficult to get out of bed some days with this miserable weather, but I haven’t missed a run yet!
Are you mindful of your diet as well?
Like many others, I embraced a new year resolution to prioritise my health. While I attempted “Veganuary”, being a farmer’s daughter made it a short-lived venture. 😊
How do you manage to juggle training with your busy job?
Surprisingly, training serves as a welcome break from work. While it’s been a challenge to maintain energy levels for both running and my dance classes, I find joy in the balance.
Do you have a training partner?
I prefer solo activities for focus, but my best friend will be joining me for the race. With her experience running the New York Marathon, I anticipate she’ll be leaving me in the dust at the starting line!
Hopefully the sun will make an appearance and encourage people to come along to cheer us on. Any donations would also be greatly appreciated. ❤
