Whateley Wealth Management is one of the fastest-growing independent advice firms in the Midlands. The firm grew from £30m AUM in 2017 to £100m by the end of 2019. At the heart of this has been a savvy client acquisition strategy that has used networking, online directories, local accountancy connections and referrals from existing clients. The firm has seen a huge increase in referrals from existing clients over the last 12 months and all other lead sources have been consistent.

Managing director Nicola Whateley attributes this growth to a series of good hiring decisions. She noted in a recent article that ‘hiring the right people’ was the best decision she’s made as a business owner. The hires have included a full-time compliance officer, as well as a mortgage and protection officer. Whateley has since recruited two more mortgage and protection advisers to help keep up with the demand in mortgage advice and has assisted lots of first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder over the last 12 months.

Beyond this, Whateley has positioned staff training and development as a central part of Whateley Wealth Management’s strategic plan. The firm funds all relevant study and examination costs for staff.