Tag Archives: Celtic financial planning

News

Finance firm leads carer campaign by funding Christmas for three hard-hit families

THOUGHTFUL financial planners have stepped into Christmas with a kind-hearted campaign.

The team at award-winning Celtic Financial Planning – based in Mold, St Asaph, and London – will be generously supporting three families by donating hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers to pay for a selection of products and gifts this holiday season.

In partnership with NEWCIS (North East Wales Carers Information Service) – the largest provider of carer services in Wales – director Rob Lewis and the team hope businesses in the region will join their appeal.

“For many people Christmas is a very difficult time of year when, despite the cost-of-living crisis and other challenges, there is pressure to go out and spend money on food, decorations, gifts and more,” said Rob.

“As a NEWCIS trustee I know what amazing work they do with thousands of carers who put others before themselves every single day, and as a company at the heart of the community we wanted to try and alleviate some of that pressure by paying for Christmas for three families experiencing hardship.

“We hope other organisations will come forward and do the same.”

He added: “While this appeal is for help with festive donations, there are people in need of support all year-round, so it could be a helping hand towards a holiday, school uniform, or a whole host of other day-to-day costs.

“For example, one of the families we will be supporting is an elderly couple facing a winter with no fuel allowance, and sadly the gentleman has dementia and been diagnosed recently with a terminal illness.

“Being able to provide financial support so they can pay for presents for relatives and Christmas dinner will make the world of difference to them and hopefully bring some joy into their lives at a very, very difficult time.”

NEWCIS moved to a 6,000 square foot premises in Mold High Street – formerly Barclay’s Bank – during the summer and renovated the building to include a shop, offices, meeting rooms, disabled access and a pop-up space for community and health groups to utilise.

Now employing more than 50 staff and representing up to 24,000 carers in Wales, CEO Claire Sullivan says the charity identified three carers and families who would “greatly benefit” from the generosity of Celtic Financial Planning and thanked Rob and staff for their “unwavering support”.

“They are all so grateful, this will be of huge benefit to them, it will be life-changing,” said Claire.

“For one family the vouchers will be used to buy decorations for a child’s room, providing a sanctuary and safe environment, for another they will enable a young lady who put university on hold to care for her mum, to buy clothes, food and gifts she would have been unable to afford otherwise.

“Even a small amount will have a major impact so we are so thankful to Rob and Celtic Financial Planning for their kindness and would love to see more businesses get in touch to see how they can help.

“To be thought of by someone who does not know you is a huge gesture and as one of the recipients told us, this benevolence has reaffirmed their faith in humanity and made dreams come true – it is incredibly overwhelming and touched all our hearts.”

For more news and information or to support NEWCIS and the campaign, visit the website www.newcis.org.uk and follow them on social media. Alternatively, call 01352 752525.

Visit the website Celtic Financial Planning Ltd | IFA Independent Financial Advisers Mold and follow them on social media at @celticfinancial. You can watch a video on the campaign here on YouTube: Bringing Joy: How We’re Funding Christmas 2024 for Three Local Families

News

Financial planners welcome new staff and secure sponsorship deal with grassroots rugby club

A PROMINENT financial planning firm at the heart of a North Wales community has thrown its support behind a successful grassroots rugby club.

Celtic Financial Planning is the new sponsor of Mold RFC’s youth development squad, which is made up of two age grades (U18 and U17) and focused on preparing players for the senior set-up.

The company, based on the town’s Bromfield Industrial Estate, is renowned for its work across north east Wales and position as an employer with a strong community and social conscience.

A keen rugby fan, Director Rob Lewis was pleased to be able to supply the club with a financial boost, including new kits manufactured by Macron, supplier to Wrexham AFC and the Welsh Rugby Union team.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the youth squad and to help the club as it has such a huge history in this area while having a positive impact on the lives of so many people of all ages,” he said.

“This is an important time for us as we approach five years in business, so we look forward to making further announcements that will benefit our staff, the community and the environment – given our commitment to sustainability – in the months ahead.”

Rob added: “We wish the team all the best for this season and will be cheering them on from the sidelines.”

Rhys Hellen, lead coach for the youth side at Mold RFC – currently flying high in the North and Mid Wales Youth League – thanked the award-winning business for “making such a difference” on and off the pitch.

He said: “The new jerseys and sponsorship they have provided makes a massive difference to the whole squad and who we play against.

“The new sizing was provided with the current squad in mind so immediately the boys feel more comfortable and ready for the games.

“Our old shirts did not fit correctly, and some players had to wear alternative jerseys which doesn’t portray the club or the squad in a positive way.

“It may be a little thing to some people, but it has given the squad a huge lift and other clubs have commented on how good our kits look.

“Not only does the branding and sponsorship hopefully help Rob and the team, but clearly it makes an impact wider than just Mold RFC.”

Meanwhile, Celtic Financial Planning continues to grow, with mortgage adviser Sammy Jo-Peace the latest to join their 13-strong workforce.

Plans are still in motion for a new north west Wales office – adding to their sites in Mold and London – and last year they won the Micro Firm Financial Adviser of the Year title at the illustrious MoneyAge Awards.

For more information on Celtic Financial Planning, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

Alternatively, you can attend the company’s latest client seminar on June 15 from 6.30pm at Saughton Hall, Sychdyn.

News

New face at award-winning financial planners with expansion on the horizon

AWARD-WINNING financial planners will continue with expansion and open their third office due to a surge in client demand and new staff.

Mold and London-based Celtic Financial Planning is identifying locations in north west Wales – Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey – given the growth of their customer base in those areas.

The latest recruit to join the firm is Jamie Hughes, who has spent more than 13 years in the sector.

A chartered financial adviser, Jamie – who lives in Prestatyn with wife Alex and sons Lucas and Dylan – is looking forward to being part of a burgeoning business with sustainability and community at its core.

“I have seen the way the company operates and its sense of place and culture, which really appealed to me,” said the Bangor University graduate.

“They have plans to grow further and I’m excited to be a part of that, it’s refreshing to be joining an organisation which is fresh and dynamic, which is not always the case in what can be a very corporate industry.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and delighted I can play a part in the firm’s continued long-term success.”

Celtic Financial Planning director Rob Lewis is looking at different locations and confident they will be even better placed to serve their clients in the west as they target £100m in managed funds from this year onwards having last week won the Micro Firm Financial Adviser of the Year title for 2022 at the illustrious MoneyAge Awards.

“We already have offices in Mold and London, so the natural next step given the amount of business we now have in that area – and with Jamie joining our diverse, principled team – is to have a presence there,” said Rob.

“The team and I are very passionate about North Wales and delivering sound financial advice across the region, so to have Jamie on board and be able to deliver an even better service to new and existing clients is heartening.

“There are a lot of opportunities for us to do even more along the coast and into those rural areas and we will be looking to capitalise on that in the coming months.”

He added: “We do have clients travel to us from as far away as Anglesey and Caernarfon, but we want to make life easier for them, and the long-term aim will be for Jamie – an experienced and talented financial adviser – to be based there.

“We now have 12 staff, which demonstrates the commitment we have to our fantastic, loyal clients, and that will only increase in the years ahead.”

For more information, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

News

Welsh financial advice firm continues boom with London expansion

A THRIVING financial planning business centred on ethical investment and sustainability has expanded its London operation.

Mold-based Celtic Financial Planning won new clients and increased its capital management portfolio throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

And now the award-winning organisation – led by director Rob Lewis – has added a talented chartered financial planner to their team in Canary Wharf, one of the leading finance sectors in the UK.

Victoria Nabarro joins Cleona Lira in driving the company’s customer base in the City’s bustling business district; both are committed to encouraging the next generation of females into a traditionally male-dominated industry, and delivering sound, principled guidance and advice.

Victoria became one of the youngest women to ever qualify for Chartered Financial Planner status at just 24 years of age.

Now 27, she is delighted to join Celtic – named in the Citywire New Model Advertiser top 100 financial advice firms – and looks forward to a bright future with the organisation.

“I’m really excited to be part of this fantastic family-run organisation,” said Victoria, originally from Leeds and a former student at the University of Manchester.

“That was a big attraction for me, and the systems, skill and experience they have in place, all of which is second to none.

“It’s a great place to be at a pivotal time for this sector, so I hope to make a big impact.”

After graduating from university Victoria worked for a leading wealth management company while achieving her CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Fellowship.

An “ambitious and driven” individual, she is one of the industry’s brightest stars and plans to follow in the footsteps of Cleona – a finalist in the Woman of the Year – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Advice category at the 2021 Women in Financial Advice Awards – in offering a first-class service built on trust and purpose.

“I initially represented a broad range of clients, but my specialities are ethical investment, working with female investors and executive level leaders, and ultra-high net worth investors,” said Victoria.

“With this base you can really make a difference because they are looking at the bigger picture rather than just making more money. There is a drive to do good for future generations, for their communities and the environment, which is a breath of fresh air.”

She added: “I’m passionate about what I do but also in being a role model to young girls who might want a career in financial advice and the investment arena.

“It is not a role that women are traditionally encouraged to pursue, but that has to change, especially given the rising demand for candidates.

“It is more important than ever that people are stable and secure and flourishing financially, and it’s vital we communicate that, especially to younger people.

“The archetypal view is that financial advice is for those who are middle aged and above, that it’s inaccessible, especially for women – Celtic Financial Planning is trying to change that, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Rob is proud to have Victoria join their 12-strong team and believes she can help them to achieve their target of £100m in managed funds from 2022.

“We are building a strong, diverse and principled group which is delivering for clients and at the forefront of advances in this industry,” he added.

“Victoria is a very talented, motivated financial planner who shares our core values – we are thrilled to have her onboard.”

For more information, visit www.celticfp.co.uk or follow @celtic_FP on social media.

FInance, Finance and Banking

Positive outlook for Welsh finance business following North West acquisition

A TRUSTED financial advisory firm is expanding into the North West and looking to grow its workforce following a successful acquisition.

In less than three years, Celtic Financial Planning has gone from three to nine staff delivering independent financial advice on a wide range of themes, from mortgages and insurance to pensions and investment strategies.

Led by directors Rob Lewis and Nigel Dale, the multi award-winning Mold company serves North Wales but has clients across the UK, from London to the Isle of Arran.

And in past weeks they have completed the takeover of the financial advisory arm of Widnes-based Halton Insurance Services, a move that will bring a further £20m of funds and up to 100 customers under their management.

Rob and wife Ella – also part of the team – wanted to bring a “family feel” to what is a traditionally antiquated arena, a point reinforced by alarming new figures revealing more than half of independent financial advisers operating in the UK today will retire within the next 10 years.

They have done that while securing 250% growth since launching in 2018, and there is still more to come.

“We always wanted to do things differently, to be a breath of fresh air in this industry with a more digital, technological approach,” said Rob.

“We have done that, but also retained our core beliefs, which is in treating clients the way they deserve to be treated, with honesty and transparency, as if they were a part of the family.”

He added: “That has served us well; in the beginning it was just Nigel, Ella and myself, and now we have a dynamic team of nine.

“With the exciting acquisition of what is a reputable, established firm in the North West, we are recruiting for two new members of staff and will look to hopefully add two more later in the year.”

Rob, 33, had dreams of becoming an architect as a young boy, but after joining a mortgage lender straight out of high school he designed and built an alternative career for himself.

Now marking 15 years in the financial sector, he gives back to the community as part of the North Wales Social platform and is the driving force behind the Celtic Community Network, bringing businesspeople together to share best practice, advice, and guidance, while promoting each other’s services.

Celtic Financial Planning is also key sponsor of the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society, and, during the first Coronavirus lockdown, purchased a 3D printer and began manufacturing and distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) to local schools and frontline workers.

With further expansion plans in the pipeline, he says they will continue to work through the pandemic as safely and securely as possible, while trying to support other companies when they need it most.

“Like every other industry we have had our challenges, but you just have to keep going, think outside the box and do the best you can,” he said.

“That way of thinking is going to be needed in the future, which is why we are working with others in this field to try and attract and educate the next generation of financial advisers.

“Over the next 10 years, more than half of current IFAs will be retiring; demand for advice is going up and the number of people giving advice is going down, so it’s a real crisis.”

For more information from Celtic Financial Planning, visit www.celticfp.co.uk and follow them on social media at @celtic_FP.