Taking Stock - August 2015

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2015

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy …

Well, that may have been the case for George Gershwin and I hope that our readers are enjoying the holiday period. However, our unpredictable British summer weather has once again proved that it isn’t easy to find a regular supply of sunshine to indulge in.

Debbie Jukes Partner

Anyhow, there’s little chance of taking it easy at Equilibrium. Amongst other things, I’m pleased to tell you that we’ve secured a new permanent office in Chester which we hope will be up and running within the next month or so. In addition, we’ve launched a graduate programme which has seen two new recruits recently join the team with a further two starting in September.

I would also like to say thank you to all clients who have taken the time to complete the feedback cards

following your annual review meetings this year. The feedback has been great and we’ve taken note of the suggestions that have been made with a view to reviewing some of our procedures.

Outside EQ, the budget brought in one or two unexpected changes, the Greece predicament continues and Operation Stack causes chaos in the South as a result of the migrant crisis. The livin’ is most definitely not easy for some this summer!

For some lighter relief, take a look through this issue of Taking Stock. I hope you enjoy the update and if you have any feedback, comments or you would like to see anything else included, drop me a line at debbie@eqllp.co.uk.

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (a limited liability partnership) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equilibrium Asset Management is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 452261. The FCA regulates advice which we provide on investment and insurance business; however it does not regulate advice which we provide purely in respect of taxation matters. Copyright Equilibrium Asset Management LLP. Not to be reproduced without permission

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2015

One of our youngest staff members Courage Ruwanza received a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in June of this year, just 12 months after starting here at Equilibrium and has made it on to the ‘wall of fame’, next challenge for Courage will be to achieve Chartered Status.

Paul Farrugia was awarded the FPFS accreditation (Fellow of the Personal Finance Society) which means that there are now 4 Equilibrium staff members who have Fellow status – Nilesh Patel, Ross Davies, Rob Ellis and now Paul. This is a brilliant achievement for the individuals and the company.

New Chester Office We are pleased to announce that we will soon be opening our brand new office in Chester. The office is located on the Chester Gates Business Park and will provide modern and more comfortable surroundings in which clients can meet with their advisers.

Congratulations to our receptionist Emma Gibbons who this month celebrates her 10th year at Equilibrium. Emma joined the firm just as we moved into our premises on Brooke Court and, as receptionist, she’s done a great job of making all our visitors feel welcome over the years. Indeed, one client recently commented that she ‘is a treasure’. Keep up the good work Emma!

Careers Fair Some of the EQ team went to The University of Manchester Graduate Careers Fair on 10th June to spread the word about our brand new two year training programme. The aim is to ensure all our staff have the right talents and skills to provide the brilliant service our clients all know so well. Trainee Michael Armstrong joined us in June to start the two year programme– read more about him on page 4.

New Arrival Investment Manager Mike Deverell was proud to announce the birth of his second son, Leo Benjamin Deverell, born on 16th June weighing a tiny 6lb 6oz. Both mother and baby are doing very well and Zac was very happy with the arrival of his little brother!

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (a limited liability partnership) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equilibrium Asset Management is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 452261. The FCA regulates advice which we provide on investment and insurance business; however it does not regulate advice which we provide purely in respect of taxation matters. Copyright Equilibrium Asset Management LLP. Not to be reproduced without permission

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2015

Jason Made It To Nice!

David Quinn ‘Le-jog’ Walk

As you probably saw in the last issue of Taking Stock, EQ Partner & Financial Planner Jason Lowe was training hard, getting ready to tackle a 350 mile bike ride travelling from Geneva to Nice to raise money for Reuben’s Retreat. Well, 4 days, 364 miles, a lot of tyre tread and aching muscles later, he completed the challenge! So far Jason has raised £4,001.88 which is to be matched by The Equilibrium Foundation and the donations are still coming in!

EQ client David Quinn embarked on the 1,100 mile LEJOG walk in April in order to raise money for Cancer Research UK. David was inspired by his friend Lissie, who unfortunately passed away whilst he was on the walk.

Despite this devastating news David commendably continued on the walk and has managed to raise an outstanding £3,246 so far for Cancer Research UK, again which will be matched by The Equilibrium Foundation.

Unfortunately, David had something of an accident just short of reaching John O’Groats which means he will be finishing the final 20 miles once he’s better. We wish David a speedy recovery and send our congratulations for his achievements so far.

If you would like to find out more about or donate to either of Jason’s or David’s chosen causes please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ EquilibriumFoundation

Where In The World Is Equilibruim?

Niall – America Laura – Morocco Lisa – Greece Claire – Glastonbury festival Debbie - Majorca Lucy - Algarve Jamie - Rhodes, Gran Canaria & Spain Anne - Toronto Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (a limited liability partnership) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equilibrium Asset Management is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 452261. The FCA regulates advice which we provide on investment and insurance business; however it does not regulate advice which we provide purely in respect of taxation matters. Copyright Equilibrium Asset Management LLP. Not to be reproduced without permission

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2015

Help Save One Of Poynton’s Treasures Charity, they say, begins at home and one of Poynton’s oldest and best-loved buildings is in desperate need of your help. Poynton Youth and Community Centre is an important part of Poynton’s heritage and one that belongs to the people of Poynton.

Regularly used by more than 20 local groups it’s a precious resource yet years of under-investment mean its future is now at a crossroads. A recent Health and Safety inspection and Fire Risk analysis highlighted serious problems in the electrical circuits and fire alarm systems plus water ingress through the roof so the Community Centre has been forced to close temporarily. The last remaining public building from the local mining heritage, the Centre started life as the village school in 1838 and was gifted to the people of Poynton in 1947. Close to the heart of the community, it holds many happy memories of music, ceilidhs and even wedding receptions.

involved with to help, including the Activities Open Day on 8 August and a Charity Benefit Concert on 12 September. The Equilibrium Foundation has pledged to match the money raised from both of these events. For more information, take a look at www.facebook.com/ poyntoncommunity.centre or www.poyntonlive.uk/ save-your-centre.htm.

Many of our clients come from Poynton and the local area, so please support the efforts to save this wonderful community asset and ensure that it enables its vibrant social scene to continue in the future. There are a number of activities and events that you can get

Chester Community Support Scheme 2nd Quarter Winners This quarter we broke our own rules once again and awarded two organisations with funding. The two successful applicants this time round were Chester Swimming Association and Wirral Theatre School. Both were granted maximum funding of £500 as we believed it would truly make a positive difference to their community.

Chester Swimming Association is a volunteer led organisation which runs at the city’s Victorian bath building. The money will go towards buying much needed 25m ropes for the two pools in order to keep the running of the training sessions for their competitive squads and their Learn to Swim scheme, which at its peak in 2013 had over 800 children involved.

Max Tackled Snowdon To Help 3 Families In Need!

Eight year old Max Rowlands recently took on the huge challenge that is climbing Mount Snowdon. The climb was in aid of Shelter, a charity which helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness. Max couldn’t stand the fact that some people don’t have homes, so he aimed to raise £1,000 which would help one family, however he managed to raise £1,574.67, which is to be matched by The Equilibrium Foundation.

The fantastic total of £3,149.34 means he has managed to help 3 families - Well done Max!

Wirral Theatre School provide a high level of dance, singing and acting training at a fraction of the costs of many theatre schools. They applied for funding to help towards the cost of items such as costumes, music equipment and a bursary which they offer to children with potential, but whose families may not be able to afford the further training and development.

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (a limited liability partnership) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equilibrium Asset Management is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 452261. The FCA regulates advice which we provide on investment and insurance business; however it does not regulate advice which we provide purely in respect of taxation matters. Copyright Equilibrium Asset Management LLP. Not to be reproduced without permission

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2015

60 Seconds with...

Mickey Armstrong What was it about the training programme that attracted you to Equilibrium?

The two year programme seemed well structured and thought out and the fact that you would be Diploma qualified within the two years seemed an amazing opportunity. The apparent working environment at Equilibrium was a big part of the attraction as well.

What have you most enjoyed about joining Equilibrium?

Getting to know new people and their expertise in the industry. Settling into a new culture of employment and learning the ways in which Equilibrium operate. The company makes me feel very optimistic about my future here as I know that hard work will be recognised. I’ve also been enjoying the free breakfast and table tennis on my lunch break!

Tell us a bit about your background: I was born and raised in North Wales before moving to Sheffield Hallam University to study International Finance & Banking on a sandwich course. In my gap year I spent a year in London working as a commercial assistant quantity surveyor for a civil engineering company. I then returned to Sheffield to complete my final year. I finished University in May of this year and started working for Equilibrium 3 weeks later.

What would you be if you weren’t a Client Manager?

I almost joined the Navy as an Aircrew Officer Pilot, but decided I preferred the stability of an office job!

And finally, tell us something we don’t know about you!

I once played a round of golf with footballing legend Bruce Grobbelaar as part of the Lee Sharpe golf day. I attended the event whilst on work experience at school. Upon arrival I was offered a set of clubs to play and was paired with the legend!

Events Managing Risk & Meeting Expectations 8th September

The Hunting Lodge, Adlington Hall, Adlington

16th September

The Mere, Mere, Knutsford

22 September

Doubletree Hilton, Hoole, Chester

nd

The Crash, The Recovery. Our Outlook 7th October

The Hunting Lodge, Adlington Hall, Adlington

13th October

The Mere, Mere, Knutsford

21st October

Doubletree Hilton, Hoole, Chester

Demand is expected to be high so RSVP as soon as possible to avoid disappointment by simply emailing rsvp@eqllp.co.uk or calling Emma on 0161 486 2250

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (a limited liability partnership) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Equilibrium Asset Management is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 452261. The FCA regulates advice which we provide on investment and insurance business; however it does not regulate advice which we provide purely in respect of taxation matters. Copyright Equilibrium Asset Management LLP. Not to be reproduced without permission