As we head towards the festive period, we wanted to reflect on the year that has just passed. Looking back at 2022, it has been an extremely busy year for the Ardent team, with successes on a company level and, in some cases, on a personal level too.
Discover seven high points from 2022, and how these could benefit you and your clients in 2023 and beyond.
1. We clinched 2 distinguished financial services awards
In 2022, we scooped two of the most distinguished awards within the financial advice sector. In March we were named as a VouchedFor Top Rated firm in its 2022 guide, and in November we were included in New Model Adviser’s Top 100 award.
The prestigious VouchedFor guide identifies the very best financial advice firms in the UK, based on client feedback. We are extremely proud to be one of only 53 firms in Britain to be included in the guide.
Feedback focuses on three key criteria: service, advice given and value for money. The results are used to provide each financial planner within a company with a score out of five, which in turn, are then used to provide the financial practice with an overall score.
We’re delighted to say that our three financial planners, Ruth, Mark and Gary, scored 4.9 each.
New Model Adviser’s Top 100 award is based on a range of attributes including:
- Industry knowledge and qualifications
- Diligent use of technology
- Commitment to client education
- Use of clear and understandable communication
- Investments recommended.
Judges assess companies of every size across the UK looking for outstanding service and clear, understandable advice. We were delighted to be named as a winner, something we feel demonstrates our dedication to providing excellent advice and a first-class service.
This not only benefits your client, but it could also help enhance your business’s reputation and drive new business through the door.
2. 100% of clients say we are helping them achieve their goals
While we are proud to be an award-winning business, we do not rest on our laurels. That’s why we send questionnaires to all our clients asking them to tell us about our service and the quality of advice provided.
We were delighted to learn that 100% of our clients said that working with us has, or will, help them reach their financial goals. Furthermore, 100% of clients said that:
- They would recommend us to friends and family
- They were satisfied with the speed of response from their adviser
- They were satisfied with the speed of response from our support team
- They were satisfied with their annual reviews.
Additionally, more than 98% of our clients said that they believed we understood their needs and objectives and were happy with the level of communication between meetings. This shows that any work we carry out with your clients will help them achieve their financial goals, and will be designed specifically for them.
3. We made financial information more accessible
As part of our aim to make high quality financial information as accessible as possible, we launched our range of informative videos in 2022. The videos provide financial information in a bite-sized and easy-to-understand way, with subjects including long-term care, avoiding scams, understanding pensions and financial education for children.
Furthermore, in May we invited clients and their guests to a presentation by Damien Lardoux, head of impact investing at our preferred London-based fund manager, EQ Investors. Damien gave the presentation at York’s beautiful Middletons Hotel and provided a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into the world of investing.
He also explained why investing in Environmental, Sustainable and Governance funds (ESG) can be a force for good.
In October, EQ Investors’ Future Leaders Portfolio was named as Best Sustainable Portfolio Range at 2022’s Investment Week Sustainable Investment Awards. The portfolio won for delivering sustainability, value for money and best in class solutions.
Our work with companies like EQ Investors demonstrates our commitment to ensuring any solution we recommend will have your client’s best interests at its heart.
4. We got the thumbs up from our team as an employer
Central to our company culture is the belief that excellent service starts with a happy and motivated team. That’s why we were delighted with the feedback from our 2022 employee engagement survey, which gave us an overall score of 91%.
It is the second time we have achieved the score, something practically unheard of. We were particularly proud that the senior management’s relationship with the team received 100% engagement, as did providing a supportive environment.
In October, we were one of three local companies to be shortlisted for the Employer of the Year section of the York Business Awards 2022. While we didn’t win, we were still extremely proud to have made it to the final stages of this prestigious local award.
5. We supported those in need within our local community
As we head towards the festive season, we decided to support people in our local community by donating £1,000 to York Foodbank. At a time when so many are struggling with the rising cost of living, we were pleased to help those who are fighting to make ends meet as food prices soar and energy bills skyrocket.
Our pledge to pay £50 to York Against Cancer charity for every referral received from an existing client will also continue.
6. We spoke at the Northern Family Law Conference
In November, Ardent’s Chartered financial planner and managing director, Gary O’Brian, spoke at the Northern Family Law Conference in York. As a specialist in financial planning for divorcees, Gary explained the importance of including pensions when calculating the marital assets, as these are often overlooked.
He told the audience of solicitors and family law professionals that including pensions helps ensure marital assets are split fairly. He also highlighted the important role a financial planner can play in helping divorcees gain financial security, both in the short- and long-term.
If you’re a solicitor who deals with divorce, our experience in providing non-judgmental and empathetic advice can help your client get back on their feet financially. Furthermore, it could help put your company ahead of the competition by adding an additional layer of support to your clients at a difficult time in their life.
7. Members of the Ardent team enjoyed successes too
In August, we were delighted when Declan Coates passed his Financial Adviser Level 4 apprenticeship with us after passing six challenging exams. The success highlights Declan’s dedication to excellence, as he completed additional work including assessments to pass his apprenticeship.
Then in November, we were equally pleased when client relationship administrator Dan Sanderson passed the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Financial Planning Practice (RO6) exam. This means he is now fully qualified to provide advice.
The achievements recognise Declan and Daniel’s hard work and commitment to providing the very best service and outcomes, which is why we’re so pleased they’re part of our team.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss how our dedication to excellent advice and service could help you or your clients achieve their financial objectives or protect their wealth, please contact us on hello@ardentuk.com or call 01904 655 330.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.
The information is aimed at retail clients only.
