As the festive season approaches, it’s natural to reflect on the year gone by. And what a year it’s been…
Due to the nature of our services – a good year for a financial planning firm can often be solely judged on external factors, i.e. the particular phase of the macroeconomic cycle we find ourselves in and the resultant returns from “the market”. In turn, this can sometimes be the prism clients view and judge us on, which, in terms of service and the “why” people want to work with us, is perfectly natural.
However, as a company and as individuals – and just like everyone else – we want to experience satisfaction in the work we do and the great planning outcomes we are helping to achieve. As we see our business grow; we see our support reaching out to more families, with ambitions of financial stability and freedom.
At Becketts, 2024 has been a period of unprecedented growth —in particular in our head count (starting 2024 with eight, and ending with 17!). None of which would have been possible without our dedicated team, engaged clients, and professional partners.
From new team members and fresh beginnings, to award wins and community milestones, we’re proud of how far we’ve come together. Here are just a few highlights from our year:
All the way back in February, we welcomed Nick Gregson (Trainee Adviser) to our Becketts Connect team – shortly followed by Tom Dodd (Paraplanner) in April.
In July, Adam Heyes (Client Services) as good as walked out of his last exam at Lancaster University and sat straight next to Dominic, as his first steps into the world of professional work…
At the same time, Andrew Young (Chartered Financial Planner), was cutting the ribbon at our new Becketts Yorkshire office in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire. Andrew was joined by Debbie King (Senior Financial Administrator) at the start of September as they settled into their new surroundings at Empire House.
Back at Beckett House, Alex Street (Financial Administrator) joined, shortly followed by Hannah Makinson (Senior Financial Administrator), Keith Pressler (Chartered Financial Planner) and Jason Street (Chartered Financial Planner) at the start of October.
These new faces have brought fresh energy, insight, and client-centric thinking into every part of our business. It’s a joy to see them settle into the Becketts way, embracing our core values of diligent service and continuous improvement.
This year, we were thrilled to once again be crowned Adviser Firm of the Year – North West at the Professional Adviser Awards. It’s now three wins in four years for this title—proof that our approach to continuous improvement and technical excellence is being recognised not just by clients, but also by our industry peers.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our team. This year alone, we’ve worked out that there have been 14 exam passes this year across the team Congratulations to all!
In and amongst the recruiting, 2024 marked 20 years since the incorporation of Becketts FS Ltd, and we took a moment to raise a glass in the office to celebrate the journey so far. From a small, family-run firm to an award-winning, next-generation advice firm, it’s a milestone we’re very proud of.
This year, as with other recent years, market volatility has at times tested the investor’s resolve, however we believe our message of staying patient and remaining focused on guiding our clients through uncertainty – is the optimum way to help clients feel secure and confident.
We also expanded Becketts Connect, our industry-first, hybrid advice service. Combining human-led advice with technology efficiencies, Becketts Connect makes quality financial planning more accessible to those in the ‘advice gap’. This evolution reflects our belief that everyone should have access to sound, affordable financial advice.
As ever, our service excellence is measured not only by external awards but also by the feedback from our clients. Thanks to your ongoing support, we continue to hold a 4.9/5 rating on Google with more than 60 Google reviews, which we don’t take for granted.
As we look to the future, our goals remain clear: to deliver on being the best small financial planning firm in the country.
2025 will be about maintaining our high standards and continuing to refine our Becketts Connect service, invest in our team and grow our presence across Yorkshire and beyond.
As we sign off for this year, we’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you.
To our clients, thank you for trusting us with your financial journey.
To our professional network, thank you for your advocacy and belief in our approach.
And to our team—new and old—thank you for your dedication, energy, and pursuit of excellence every day.
As a small Christmas gift and for reading this far, please check this link for a FREE complimentary subscription to the Lancashire Magazine!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Becketts. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and continued prosperity for you and your loved ones.
With best festive wishes,
Dominic McLoughney & James Thompson
Directors, Becketts
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