A Tyneside-based financial advice company is set to create a dozen new jobs in 2021 having moved to a larger purpose-built HQ in Gateshead.
Seven Bridges IM has started the New Year by confirming the launch of its new base in Team Valley – which is twice the size of its former home – as the company continues to realise its scale-up potential in the face of COVID-19. The firm hopes to use its old site – also on the Team Valley – as a training facility for the new recruits it expects to bring into the company in the months ahead.
Seven Bridges, founded by Managing Director Ryan Parker, has also today announced the arrival of five members of staff who will join the company with immediate effect, in a bid to help expand its client reach in the New Year.
This follows the news in the summer of last year that the firm had acquired the North East IFA Pension Matters, bringing with it 600 new clients and £110m in assets under management. Despite the onslaught of the global pandemic, Seven Bridges has said it wants to help reach as many people as possible next year who are worried about how to best manage their wealth as the world recovers from a gruelling pandemic.
Speaking about the firm’s latest recruits and headquarters, Managing Director, Ryan Parker, said: “The business has grown steadily over the past few years, and I think both the acquisition and the impact of COVID-19 has put us in touch with many more people who want to navigate their finances professionally.
“It was time to relocate to a more ambitious premises to bring all existing employees back to the workplace safely and within a COVID secure environment. “We still felt there was a requirement for further members of the team to assist with the growing business enquiries. All of our recruits have exuded positivity and a strong willingness to learn and grow within the firm.
“We firmly believe that the team at Seven Bridges operates as a mini family and we immediately felt our new team members would bring innovative ideas and would strengthen our client offering. “Our new facility means we can remain in our native Gateshead but we can now provide our clients with COVID secure meeting rooms on the ground floor. I feel the new office provides Seven Bridges with a concrete stepping stone to the next stage of our growth plans and can remain our ‘new home’ for many more years.”
Seven Bridges’ new administrative assistant, the 25-year-old Anelia Sheytanova from London, continues: “I’ve moved to Newcastle from the City to work for a dynamic and driven company with a clear vision. I decided to join Seven Bridges because I understand it to be a company that is going places and I’m confident working here will help my personal development and will allow me to grow as a person.
“I’m impressed with the professionalism and the work culture within the company and saw it as a place to learn from industry experts as well as work alongside friendly and helpful individuals.” Anelia is joined by Bianca Chibanda (Junior Paraplanner), Lauren Philpot (Administrator), Kris Cousins (wealth manager) and Michael Davidson (wealth manager). Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Ryan Parker believes the company will continue to expand its team and service reach while remaining flexible and agile to the demands that COVID-19 may place on the company.
He added: “Over the next 12 months it is likely we will bring at least three new members to the team. We want to expand our Paraplanning department and will be focusing on extensive training; something we are very keen to explore as we move through next year. “Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19, 2020 was a struggle for most businesses and Seven Bridges is certainly not an exception to this.
“The first half of the year brought with it many unknowns; and it proved paramount to dig deep and adapt. We’re looking forward to a more stable financial year for everyone going forward and we’re pleased to be at the forefront of wealth management in the North East of England.”
Seven Bridges is a fully independent investment management company providing its clients with a broad range of products and services, including tax planning, investment advice, protection needs and retirement planning. It offers expert advice and personalised solutions to both private and corporate clients in Newcastle and nationwide.
