I formally joined Acumen Financial Partnership Ltd in September 2018. I had the opportunity to start my career as an Associate – with the view to complete my qualifications via an apprenticeship scheme.
After completing the 24-month Diploma in Regulated Financial Advice apprenticeship scheme in 16 months – I set my sights on my Advanced Diploma and Chartered Financial Planning Status.
My enthusiasm and hard work didn’t go un-noticed and in 2020 I was awarded the Lancashire Business View Sub36 Apprentice of the Year award. I felt that this was an incredible achievement and a great step in the right direction.
As part of this competition – the overall prize was mentorship from a Lancashire business leader. I have been incredibly lucky to have Pauline Rigby, Managing Partner of Forbes Solicitors, be my mentor for the last few years.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I completed 1 exam every month until I had the 19 required – not only for Chartership but Fellowship. This included the 4 bachelor’s degree Level qualifications which focused on Investment Planning, Financial Planning, Retirement Income Planning and Senior Management.
I am proud to now call myself both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. When I first received my Fellowship – I was one of the youngest ever to do so, and the youngest in the country at the time.
My true passion in the industry is the investment side of things – therefore I decided to focus on this aspect of financial planning when selecting my speciality.
Since completing my Fellowship – I realigned my technical focus to a second Chartership – this time with the CISI and specialising in Chartered Wealth Management.
There are three units required to become a Chartered Wealth Manager, all of which are master’s level qualifications. So far, I have:
- Financial Markets – Passed with Merit.
- Portfolio Construction Theory – Passed with Distinction.
- Applied Wealth Management – currently studying for this, with the exam booked on the 30th of November 2023.
Once the above are completed, I will be Dual Chartered and, on the way, to having two Fellowships with some of the most well-respected institutions in financial services.
