August saw a multitude of 16 and 18-year-old-students receiving their GCSEs and A Level results, providing them the means to progress to the next stage of their life at college, sixth form or university. Meanwhile, in September, kids from all over the country have started at primary school - ready to begin this exciting new road in their life.
Naturally these exciting achievements and events trigger an abundance of proud announcements from mums, dads and grandparents alike. And, like a proud parent, we have two exciting announcements ourselves, including a new team member starting at Woodgate and a fantastic achievement for one of our Planners...
New Team Member
Woodgate are pleased to announce the recent hiring of Ross Mackie to the position of Trainee Financial Planner at Woodgate.
Ross has previously worked with Chesterton House Financial Planning as a Paraplanner for two years, before which he worked for four years as a Planning Analyst with Pantheon Financial.
On becoming part of Woodgate, Ross says:
"I have seen first-hand how having a robust financial plan in place gives people reassurance and peace of mind so they don’t have to worry about their future. Woodgate's values and drive means we are all working towards providing the best service for our clients, so I am proud to be part of this team."
We're confident that Ross will make a significant contribution to our business and client relationships as he develops into the role of Chartered Financial Planner over the coming months.
Ross’s appointment takes the Team of Financial Planners at Woodgate Financial Planning to three, joining David Wright, Director & Senior Planner and Anna Sidat; who along with Ross are qualified as Chartered Financial Planners.
Becoming Chartered
Our staff are always working hard to improve their skills as Financial Planners. Holding the Chartered status is a symbol of technical competence and signifies a public commitment to professional standards.
We're thrilled to announce that Anna Sidat has passed her final exam towards achieving her Chartered status - let's find out how she feels about it:
How do you feel after achieving your status?
"It feels great to have reached Chartered status. We have a saying in martial arts that “when you reach your black-belt, that’s where the learning begins”. In the same way, we are very focused at Woodgate on providing the best outcomes for clients and so we need to continue growing and learning."
What does this mean for Woodgate?
"We have a highly qualified team and we are also independent, meaning that we are experts in our profession and put clients at the centre of everything we do."
How long has it taken?
"It takes a minimum of 5 years to become Chartered as you have to provide evidence that you have been putting the study materials into practice. Since we provide holistic financial planning at Woodgate, it made the exams much easier than it would have otherwise been."
What did the process involve?
"The process involved completing 13 professional exams, which cover a variety of topics such as retirement planning, investment planning, taxation and so on. I’d already completed my degree in Financial Economics, which helped provide a foundation for these exams. Nevertheless, using the skills and knowledge in my role as a Financial Planner was invaluable."
What’s next?
"I have no intention of slowing down, that’s for sure! I genuinely love to keep on learning and want to continue expanding my horizons. Best of all, I work alongside a great team of individuals that feel exactly the same way and I’m really excited for what comes next."
Want to find out more about our staff? Why not take a look here: https://www.woodgatefp.co.uk/about-us
Congratulations to both Ross and Anna!
David Wright, Director, writes:
"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ross as the newest member of our Financial Planning Team, I am confident he will provide our Clients with the highest level of service.
As you’ve read, becoming a Chartered Financial Planner requires several years of personal dedication by Ross and Anna successfully passing professional qualifications and demonstrating ethical best practice.
It highlights value here at Woodgate we place on supporting professional development for the benefit of our Staff, the Firm and Clients.
Congratulations to you both"
