Five minutes with...Celtic Financial Planning.

They are multi-award-winning Chartered Financial Advisers based in North Wales, with a regional hub in London, who specialise in pensions, investments and mortgages.

Grab a cuppa and read on to see how they have been living the Chartered Ethos.

How long has your firm been Chartered?

Since October 2023

Why is Chartered status important to your business?

From the very beginning, achieving Chartered status was a fundamental component of our business plan. We recognised early on the importance of distinguishing ourselves in a competitive industry.

Chartered status not only signifies our dedication to professionalism but also reflects our commitment to the highest standards of knowledge and ethical practice within financial planning. It communicates to our clients that we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement. Our team is inspired to attain and maintain this pinnacle of qualification, which in turn, assures our clients that they are receiving advice from among the best in the field.

What initiative has the organisation been involved in which has had a social impact/corporate social responsibility focus on?

Our firm is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. A key initiative that embodies this commitment is our 'Plant a Tree' program, where we plant a tree for every new ongoing client. This effort not only engages our clients in our environmental goals but also contributes directly to reforestation and biodiversity.

Additionally, our dedication to sustainability has led us to achieve a carbon positive status. We have implemented comprehensive measures to not only offset our carbon footprint but to actively contribute to carbon reduction, underscoring our leadership in ecological responsibility within the financial sector. These initiatives are part of a broader CSR policy that emphasises responsible business practices and community engagement.

How do you ensure your employees remain at the forefront of their profession?

At our firm, we believe that fostering an environment where our employees are motivated and engaged is key to maintaining their excellence and leadership in the financial planning industry. This starts with creating a workplace that the founders and all employees can be truly proud of. We continuously seek innovative ways to enhance our workplace and support our team's professional development.

In the past, we introduced a 4-day working week, which has significantly improved work-life balance and increased productivity, allowing our employees more time to stay abreast of industry developments and further their education. Additionally, we have implemented a staff profit-sharing scheme, which not only rewards our team for their hard work but also aligns their interests with the success of the business. These initiatives ensure that our team remains motivated and committed to providing the highest standard of service to our clients, keeping them at the forefront of the financial planning profession.

How have you implemented the CII Code of Ethics into your business?

Incorporating the CII Code of Ethics into our business operations has been a fundamental aspect of our firm's culture. We have methodically embedded these ethical standards across all levels of our operations, starting with comprehensive training programs for all new and existing staff members.

What advice would you give a firm who is considering applying to become Chartered?

Committing to this journey can significantly enhance your firm’s trust and service quality, making it a worthwhile endeavour for any ambitious firm.

If you would like to learn more about Corporate Chartered status, visit our dedicated page.