Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA.
This month, Sarah Hogan celebrates a fantastic 16 years at KBA. Meanwhile, Courtney Collins and Hannah Needham are both celebrating one year on the team, and Hannah is about to start meeting clients as a fully-fledged Financial Planning Consultant.
Sarah Hogan, our Company Director, celebrates 16 years at KBA
As our Company Director, Sarah is also an award-winning Chartered Financial Adviser and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. We grabbed a moment with Sarah to find out what she had to say…
What were you doing before joining KBA and how did the change occur?
I worked in Manchester in customer service and joined my dad, Ken Bates, as a self-employed mortgage adviser. I was bored in a previous role, and he had always said he thought I would be good in the business but apparently, I was too young.
How has your role evolved over the years?
Wow, where to start?
At the beginning I was a mortgage adviser and then Northern Rock collapsed, six months after I started – marking the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis.
I did my exams to get qualified for pensions and investments, then progressed to Chartered status and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, of which there are only a couple of thousand in the UK.
I bought Ken out of the business between 2014 and 2016. Since then, we have gone from six people and one office to 40 people and four offices.
I now run the company as well as train the Financial Planning Consultants and still see clients – it’s busy but I love it.
What has been the most significant change during your time with KBA?
For clients, Pension Freedoms probably. Giving savers the option to spend their retirement funds the way that they wish, in line with their goals, was huge.
What do you consider your biggest professional achievement?
There have been many achievements over the years but whenever we have a successful outcome for a client or one of the team passes an exam, it makes me proud.
As a leader, the people around you are the most important thing, so I am proud if they do well.
Of everything you’ve achieved with KBA, what stands out and what are you most proud of?
Being someone that others look up to.
What’s your absolute favourite memorable moment?
Ha, at KBA, there’s a memorable moment every week! We have a great time as well as looking after our clients. My team are amazing and there are so many memories, I could write a book.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
For this I have to go personal: my daughter starting high school and being happy.
What advice would you give to someone looking to work with KBA or in the financial services industry?
Find the right company for you and don’t give up. The industry isn’t easy, but it is so worth it.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The last 16 years have gone in the blink of an eye. We haven’t always got it right and it hasn’t always been easy.
But I have a wonderful team and wonderful clients. At home I have a wonderful support system.
My ethos is to try and help people and that’s what we try and do. I’m so excited about the next 16 years and bringing genuine financial planning to more people so they can live out their dreams and enjoy a financially independent future.
Hannah Needham celebrates one year on the team and prepares to start meeting clients
Joining KBA early in 2022, Hannah has been studying hard to pass all the necessary exams to become a fully-fledged Financial Planning Consultant.
Now that she’s on the cusp of meeting clients, we caught up with Hannah to find out what’s going on and how she’s feeling about the next stage in her journey…
What were you doing before you joined the KBA team?
Before joining KBA, I worked for The Openwork Partnership assisting advisers and administrators in using different online systems.
What do you remember about your first day at KBA Financial?
I remember arriving to work almost an hour earlier than I needed to because I was nervous! I met the whole team and realised I’d be working in a fast-paced but very caring and loyal workplace. I felt at home almost immediately.
What do you love most about your job?
I’m not sure I can whittle it down to just one aspect. So, in no particular order, I love:
- Being able to give clients piece of mind about their finances or guide them towards a path where they will be able to have peace of mind in the future
- That no day is the same and I am constantly learning
- My colleagues who make me laugh and support me.
All that put together makes KBA a great place to build a career.
Having learned so much in the last year, what did you find most challenging?
My biggest challenge has been the amount of change that has gone on within KBA in the last year. Despite only being here a year, I feel as though a lot has happened – not only internally but throughout the financial services industry.
However, I also feel as though it has made me stronger and more capable to deal with whatever is thrown at me in the future.
And most rewarding?
Helping our Company Director, Sarah Hogan, build financial plans for our clients.
Being able to see them relax after listening to our analysis, so they know that they are going to be alright financially is the most rewarding feeling in the world.
Favourite memorable moment of the last year?
I loved our company weekend away in Manchester last year. It was great to spend more time with people from the other offices and really come together as one team.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
Following the end of my training in a few weeks’ time, I’m looking forwarding to starting my own financial planning journey. I can’t wait to start helping my own clients and to show them the value of KBA and what we are able to do for them.
And finally, Courtney Collings celebrates one year with KBA
Customer Consultant at our Nantwich office, Courtney started working at KBA after a short career break travelling around the South of Italy. Happy to have tempted her back home, we find out what Courtney has to say about the last year.
Prior to joining the KBA team, I was taking a short career break travelling around the South of Italy! I remember being apprehensive for the interview, but confident in the preparation I had put in prior.
My first day was mainly completing the mandatory training courses and a little introduction to the counter transactions! Everyone was really welcoming.
The thing I love most about my job is how versatile it is. Because it’s constantly changing, every day is a little different and there’s no time to be bored.
My favourite moment of last year was the Christmas party and the team getaway. Both were incredibly memorable (for different reasons!), and it was great to spend more time with the wider team.
In the coming year I’m looking forward to progressing further in my role and commencing studying for the financial planning exams – wish me luck!
