Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA. This month, meet a couple of new members who’ve joined the team and there’s been another successful house move.
Meet Jack Leatherland, who joins us as chief operations officer and Sarah’s right-hand man
What is your job title and who do you work alongside?
I am chief operations officer. I work alongside Sarah and interact with the whole team.
What were you doing before you joined KBA Financial?
I was an implementation manager with the Yorkshire Building Society. That role involved working on task-focused projects and managing external relationships through their agency network expansion.
Can you tell us a bit about your new role?
I’ve joined KBA Financial to assist Sarah with the day-to-day operations of the business.
I’ll be implementing new ideas and systems, which will help streamline our approach for both colleagues and our clients. Basically, I’m here to make Sarah’s business dreams a reality.
How was your first week in the job?
My first week was taken up with introductions to colleagues I hadn’t previously met and getting to know everyone. I’m spending a lot of time learning the systems we use and processes we follow for our clients and colleagues.
So far, what do you enjoy most about your work with KBA?
The most enjoyable aspect of joining KBA so far are the people I am working with. I had the pleasure of knowing a few members of the team before I joined, so I knew that I’d be joining a great team. Everyone has been really welcoming, which is always a nice start.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Aside from getting to know the team better, I’m really looking forward to getting to know the processes and procedures everyone follows in more depth. I am a visual learner, so I’ll be spending lots of time shadowing everyone to learn all aspects of the business.
Meet Deborah Taylor, our new administration assistant
What is your job title and who do you work alongside?
I’m an administration assistant and work alongside Rachel Hatton, Jessica Wheildon, and James Nelson. My manager is Rebecca Brooks.
What were you doing before you joined KBA Financial?
I worked at another financial advice firm.
Can you tell us a bit about your new role?
I’ll be responsible for preparing client valuations, issuing letters of authority to providers, and general administration.
How was your first day at KBA Financial?
Brilliant! I was made to feel very welcome, and everybody was supportive and kind.
So far, what do you love most about your new role?
Learning every aspect of servicing our clients, which is always my main priority.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I’m looking forward to getting more involved with clients and to knowing my colleagues better.
Hot on the heels of her engagement, now Laura Jones has moved into her new home
Laura Jones celebrated her engagement to David at Christmas, and now they are settling into their new home. Here, Laura shares how it went.
Was the buying process easy, or were there anxiety-ridden delays?
We had been living with our parents for 12 months. We had expected this to be a temporary arrangement, but then lockdown hit and postponed our plans!
We were really hoping to be in before Christmas, but the solicitors were dragging their feet and making the process very long-winded. After many sleepless nights and long conversations with them, they finally got their heads in gear!
And how was move day?
Much better than I thought it would be! Apart from the fact that we had no electric until 7pm, it all went pretty smoothly.
Do you need to do any work to your new house? If so, what’s on the list?
The whole house needs a refresh, but first we’ll focus on getting the kids bedrooms and living room sorted. The rest will follow in time.
How did your children adapt to sleeping in a new bedroom and will they be helping to decorate their new rooms?
They loved it and slept very well on their first night. They definitely won’t be decorating their own rooms because I don’t trust them with paint where carpet is involved!
What do you love most about waking up in your new home?
How quiet it is, it’s a lovely change.
What’s your favourite room and why?
I don’t have one yet because we’re still in the process of decorating. Next week, we’ll have our media wall fitted in the living room so most probably that!
Have you met your neighbours?
Yes, they’re great! One of them even got us a beautiful card and bottle of prosecco when we moved in, which was lovely.
