2022 has been a great year for HA&W, from welcoming new staff to raising money for charity through our amazing fundraising event, a virtual Land’s End to John O’Groats, and back again.
To pick highlights from the year is tough, but you might want to take a look back and read about some of these big announcements.
2022 in review
In 2022 we officially welcomed three new faces to the HA&W family. Jacob and Sonal (who started in July 2021 and January 2022, respectively) took time to answer some burning questions. As did paraplanner, Suzi Beck, back in August.
Liz and Dawn, long-standing members of the HA&W team, also kindly took time out of their busy schedules to talk about their roles. They also gave us a glimpse into their lives outside of the office.
In the summer, Rob reached a volunteering milestone when he attended his 50th Covid volunteering vaccination shift.
While in September, the whole HA&W team took part in our annual charity fundraising event, which we completed in grand style, raising an impressive £1,850.
2022 was also the year that HA&W pledged to go carbon neutral, offsetting our emissions and continuing to be environmentally conscious through the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
At HA&W we never stand still and we have some huge plans in place for 2023. To give you just a sneak peek of what we might have in store, let’s hand over to Alasdair.
A look ahead to 2023
“HA&W has now enjoyed several years of rapid growth. We are hoping to continue this trend in 2023.
“Back in January 2021, we said we would invest in staff, and we have. Over this period, we have recruited two fantastic paraplanners to augment the paraplanner we employed at the time.
“The team support our financial planners by carrying out product research, undertaking technical work, speaking to clients, and writing reports. This frees up financial planners for more customer contact and face-to-face time.
“The office at Brook Park is nearly full and we have only one spare desk. Once this is occupied, we will either have to start to desk-share (which isn’t desirable) or move office. If you know of some nice building land that’s available, please give us a shout!
“One major change that will occur in 2023 will be to our name.
“Historically, the company’s name included the senior members of staff. As these names change over time – and senior staff numbers grow – the required changes are becoming cumbersome.
“We will reveal a new shorter company name and new website in the spring. This should ensure that there’s no need for further changes going forward!
“Our name may change but our ethos will not.
“We aim to provide a top-notch financial planning service for our customers supported by the latest technology and innovations, backed by highly qualified staff. I’m pleased to report that three non-financial planner members of the team have passed exams this year, with one (Sue) becoming Chartered herself in 2022.
“This year, the company also became accredited by the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments, an achievement we are incredibly proud of as the accolade is subject to strict assessment criteria.
“I mentioned ethos. In 2023 we aim to continue with our “zero CO2” policy and improve on this by buying yet more electric vehicles when the opportunity presents itself.
“We will continue the company’s policy of charitable giving, whereby 1% of our turnover (which is now more than £1 million) is gifted to national and local charities. We hope to organise another, different, autumn fundraiser in 2023 to support a local charity.
“We are also working on a new annual review format which we will roll out in 2023. We aim to make reports shorter and easier to read and more “pictorial” and less wordy. We welcome any feedback after you have received your first copy.
“We expect 2023 to be another dynamic year of change for the financial services industry, and we are planning for further long-term expansion with the hire of more financial planners and additional support staff over time as customer numbers grow.
“One of the things we would really like to do is “grow our own” by investing in staff directly recruited from school, college or university, which is a very rewarding way of building our human capital.
“Whatever happens to staff numbers we will always maintain a firm commitment to offering a personal, professional service.
“Finally, thank you for your continued support throughout 2022 and I and the rest of the team look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023.”
