FINANCE
New starters – chartered financial planner Craig Honeyman and chartered head of risk Lauren Lee.
added.“ We all sit together. We have created the Active family.”
This family-centric approach is central to the firm’ s recruitment and retention success.
Karl said:“ We let our team be individuals and that’ s why people want to come and work for us compared to our peers.”
The proof is in the numbers. Despite welcoming six new employees in the last 18 months to take the number of staff to 30, the average tenure for an Active team member is an impressive 10 years.
The firm’ s recent hires, Lauren and Craig, have quickly integrated into the Active family, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a commitment to clientfocused service.
Lauren joins with more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry.
She started her career as an apprentice in the Tees Valley, eventually achieving her diploma in financial planning, chartered status and becoming a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Having recently returned to the North- East after living abroad, Lauren was drawn to Active’ s well-known culture.
She said:“ Active Chartered Financial
Boardroom – Active new starters Craig Honeyman( second left) and Lauren Lee flanked by directors Karl Pemberton( left) and Paul Gibson.
Planners has been incredibly welcoming. I knew a lot about the approach before I came here, and it really hasn’ t disappointed.
“ The management is so approachable, the team is so friendly, and the firm is so adaptable and understanding towards its employees.
“ It is lovely to be happy to go to work, as not many people get to say that.” Craig, from Guisborough, brings more than 20 years of experience as a chartered financial planner. He has a strong reputation for personable advice on everything from pension planning to home finance.
He, too, was attracted by the firm’ s independence and local reputation. He said:“ I was drawn to Active Chartered Financial Planners because of its independent status, strong local reputation and client-centred approach.
“ The firm’ s values, culture and ethics closely align with my own. Being part of a chartered firm, working alongside so many other highly skilled individuals, was a huge part of my decision to join.”
After Active celebrated its 25th anniversary in August, it did so with a sense of immense pride and a clear vision for the future.
The firm has grown from its humble beginnings in Guisborough to a team of 30 employees based in modern offices in Dukes Court, Thornaby.
In 2012, Paul looked at the new office
One of the things that makes us stand out is our culture. We’ ve created a positive, flexible and good place to work.”
with 20 desks and wondered how they would ever fill them.
Today, the space is buzzing with a vibrant, talented team, with a record number of new faces.
Karl said:“ This year marks a significant milestone for us as a business. While we’ re proud to celebrate 25 years of helping clients across the region, our focus is firmly on the future.
“ The additions of Craig and Lauren reflect our continued growth and the high demand for quality advice and support.
“ Both bring exceptional experience and share our commitment to putting clients first. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
With a team that boasts an impressive 15 chartered qualified individuals, including six with Fellowship status, Active is wellpositioned for the road ahead.
Chartered status, held since 2013, is a promise of the highest standards of professional excellence and Active remains committed to a belief that a business is only as good as the people who work there.
Visit activefinancialplanners. co. uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 65