Taking stock - August 2016

Taking Stock Newsletter August 2016

The good ol’ British summer...

I can’t believe it is already August (although that might have more to do with the lack of sunshine we have seen so far this summer!). It has certainly been a busy few months for the EQ team after the UK’s momentous decision to leave the EU. The team have been working hard to make sure that we keep you updated and informed following the Brexit result, with a record number of clients attending our recent quarterly briefing in July.

Debbie Jukes Partner

The past few months have also seen us continue with our award winning streak. We were delighted to recently win Adviser Firm of the Year at the annual Money Marketing awards, recognising us as the best adviser firm in the country. We also featured in the FT Wealth Management Survey for the fifth consecutive year and we were proud to be in the top 5 firms over all timescales.

EQ reaches a key milestone this week as we officially turn 21. I am excited to see many of you at our 21st birthday celebration at Tatton Park this November. Our preparations are now in full swing and it is shaping up to be a night to remember! You might have also seen the 21st countdown calendar on our website. It has been fascinating to look back over the years and see how far we have come as a team – read on for my musings!

In the outside world, other than Brexit and the subsequent political turbulence, Rio 2016 has begun after a controversial build-up and the US presidential race is certainly heating up. For some more lighthearted reading I hope you enjoy this issue of Taking Stock where you can find out all of the latest news from the EQ community. If you have any feedback or comments please do just drop me a line at debbie.jukes@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 2016

It’s official…we are Adviser Firm of the Year!

We were delighted to be named Adviser Firm of the Year at the prestigious Money Marketing Awards. It was the second time we have triumphed at the awards, with us picking up the award for Best Wealth Manager in 2013.

We held off tough competition from adviser firms across the country to claim the award at the annual event which took place on the 8th June at the Old Billingsgate in London.

Speaking about the award Colin Lawson, Founder & Partner, said: “To be recognised as the best adviser firm in the country is fantastic. This is in no small part down to the dedication, commitment and expertise our team bring to our clients on a daily basis. It adds even more gloss to what is already a momentous year for Equilibrium as we celebrate our 21st anniversary.”

EQ community scheme winners In May we announced two more winners of our community scheme in Chester and Knutsford. Both organisations received a £500 grant to support their work in the local area.

Chester - Blacon youth club Catch22, was set up to support young people from Blacon aged 7-11 to develop confidence, social skills and positive friendships, whilst encouraging members to give back to the wider area through regular community projects such as gardening. The club, supported by volunteers, was in such dire need of funds that without funding it would have been forced to close its doors to the public in April.

David McKendrick with Blacon youth club Catch22

Knutsford – The volunteer group Friends of the Heath used their grant to fund a ‘Nature on the Heath’ event, which aimed to raise environmental awareness of the Heath in Knutsford as both a place for outdoor activity and as a nature reserve. Nature-based activities on the day included the opportunity for families to make bird feeders, nest boxes and model butterflies and hedgehogs, as well as a nature walk.

To find out more about our community support schemes, visit our website to view information on how organisations can apply.

Paul Farrugia presents Friends of the Heath with a £500 grant

Happy birthday to us…we’re 21!

On 10th August we officially turn 21. As part of our anniversary plans we ran a competition for budding young artists to design a commemorative birthday postcard.

Ella (aged 9) and Jake (aged 6) were our winners with their colourful designs.

We also ran a competition to invite all photography and art lovers to use their imagination to send us an image which best represents the number 21 to them. We received lots of brilliant entries and Mr Bowyer submitted the winning photograph.

Ella, aged 9 Jake, aged 6

Our winning birthday pictures by Ella (left) and Jake (right)

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 2016

Congratulations to Emma & Carl… …and Cleo & Andy!

Two Equilibrium team members recently tied the knot – both on 16th July! A huge congratulations to both couples and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

£3,828 and counting…

As many of you will already know, for our 21st anniversary we wanted to do something extra special for charity. We set ourselves the challenge to raise £21,000 for five chosen charities: Enthusiasm, Francis House Children’s Hospice, The Christie Charity, St Kentigern Hospice and The Alzheimer’s Society.

The team have been doing a variety of events and activities to fundraise across the year. We have made great progress so far with our target but we still have a long way to go! If you would like to find out more and sponsor the team, visit www.eqllp.co.uk/news/fundraising-21000/

60 seconds with… Debbie Jukes On our 21st anniversary, I reflect on my memories of Equilibrium over the years…

EQ Receptionist Emma and Carl

EQ Client Manager Cleo and Andy

Expanding the EQ team We recently welcomed two new additions to our client manager team.

Ryan Macdonald joins us with extensive experience in the financial services industry, having worked as a paraplanner at an IFA in Hale for a number of years. Chloe Higgins joins our expanding graduate programme, after having recently graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University.

We would like to extend them both a very warm welcome!

What is one of your first memories when you first joined EQ? The size – having worked for a large corporate organisation in Manchester previously, it was something of a culture shock joining a small enterprise in Handforth village.

What do you think has been your greatest success?

One of my proudest moments was receiving positive feedback about the way we run the business following what felt like a very gruelling interview with the regulator (the Financial Services Authority as it was then) – apart from the huge relief, it was a great achievement for the business as a whole.

What has been your biggest personal challenge?

Adapting to the changes, requirements and additional regulatory requirements that came from our direct authorisation (having formerly been part of an umbrella group). It was a very steep learning curve for me.

Your best memory from your time at EQ? Having been here for 15 years, it’s too hard to choose just one. There have been lots of funny moments but probably one of the most exciting was the purchase of our headquarters on Brooke Court because it felt like a huge leap forward for the firm.

Ryan Macdonald

Chloe Higgins

What do you hope to achieve in the coming year?

It’s been a while since I obtained the Chartered Financial Planning qualification so it’s high time I completed the final few exams to get me to Fellowship status.

As we continue to strive to make a positive difference to the local community in our 21st year of business, the EQ team will be doing some volunteering days with charities. If you know of any organisations that need volunteers to give time please get in touch with Fiona at fiona.bousfield@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.