‘Financial Advice Firm of the Year’ reports rapid growth amid recruitment hike

Pensions, investment and mortgage experts, Almond Financial has reported rapid cumulative growth of 53% over the last 3 years following three acquisitions and a big recruitment drive.

The Lincoln-based firm, which was SME News Financial Advice Firm of the Year 2022, provides leading financial advice services nationwide.

Almond Financial has put its success down to ambitious acquisitions, allowing it to grow its portfolio across the country to over £115m assets under administration. 

The firm completed its first acquisition in 2022 and its second in September 2023, while a third acquisition was completed in October 2023. The Almond team are seeking to help advisers right across the country retire by actively seeking for further acquisition opportunities.

The company has grown significantly over the last three years at a cumulative rate of 53%; starting with strong growth of 21% in 2020-2021, followed by a 15% uplift in 2021-2022 and 17% uplift in 2022-2023, with further growth plans for this year on the horizon.

Almond Financial welcomes two additional Paraplanners and a Mortgage Protection Consultant to the team as part of a recruitment drive for the business.

Joshua Davis, (22) joins the business as a Paraplanner, having graduated with a first-class degree in Banking & Finance from the University of Lincoln. 

Ryan Sharpe, (35) also joins Almond Financial as a Level 4 Qualified Paraplanner having previously had a career as a research scientist with a PhD in Chemistry. Ryan joins the firm as he looks to redirect his passion to a career in financial services. 

Almond has also strengthened the Mortgage Advice arm of the business by hiring Mortgage Protection Consultant Joe Fleet-Chapman. With previous experience in Mortgages and Protection, Joe (27) specialises in securing property finance for his clients at Almond Financial.

Sam Robinson, Principal Financial Advisor at Almond Financial, said:

“It’s great to welcome new talent and fresh, relevant knowledge to the team with our Paraplanners, Joshua and Ryan. We’re also pleased to welcome our new Mortgage Protection Consultant, Joe, coming from his already experienced background in mortgages.

“We’re excited to be working with a growing number of clients nationwide every day. As a company, we look to make financial help accessible to everyone, which is why we’ve made this a priority as we’ve grown through acquiring business outside our previous scope and employing as needed.

“With around 50% of advisors expected to retire over the next 5 years, Almond Financial is well-positioned with a young but experienced team to acquire new business following the transition of market assets.

Almond Financial is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited, who provide the team with support with its expansion strategy.

Steve Fryett, MD of the Quilter Network, said:

“It’s a pleasure working with Sam and the team at Almond. 

“Their successful growth strategy can be attributed to building an efficient business with great customer service, and we look forward to continuing working with them to support their future growth plans.”

For more information about Almond Financial, please visit: https://www.almondfinancial.co.uk/