Squirrel Financial Planning has grown from a one-person mortgage and financial planning business to a team of seven in its first year as demand for mortgage advice continues to drive the firm’s expansion.
The Haslemere-based business, founded by managing director Rachel Lane, now supports more than 170 households after building its proposition around integrated mortgage and financial planning advice.
Alongside growing its team, the firm has continued to invest in professional qualifications and career development, while achieving Green Mark Level 1 accreditation and supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The business is marking its first anniversary after a year of growth, with ambitions to continue expanding while maintaining its focus on personalised advice and long-term client relationships.
ACTIVE MARKET
Rachel Lane (main picture, left), managing director of Squirrel Financial Planning, told Mortgage Soup: “The mortgage market remains incredibly active, and we’ve seen a growing number of people looking for professional advice to help them navigate affordability challenges, changing lender criteria and interest rate uncertainty.
“I’ve always operated as a mortgage broker alongside being an IFA and this is integral to how we approach our financial advice offering.
“As demand for mortgage advice has increased, so has the opportunity to build deeper relationships with clients, supporting not only their borrowing needs but also their wider financial planning goals.
“That demand for trusted, personalised advice has been a significant contributor to our growth, as more clients recognise the value of having an adviser who can guide them through major financial decisions with confidence.”
‘PROUD MILESTONE’
And she added: “Celebrating our first year in business is a proud milestone for everyone at Squirrel Financial Planning. What started as a vision to provide honest, approachable and truly personal financial advice to a small number of clients has grown into a trusted service built on strong relationships and real results.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our clients for placing their trust in us, but above all, I’m proud of the team we’ve built.
“Their dedication, professionalism and genuine care for our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and they’ve worked tirelessly to help make our first year such a success. This first year has laid a fantastic foundation, and we’re excited to continue growing together and helping more individuals and families plan confidently for their future.”
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Originally established as a sole-adviser business, Squirrel Financial Planning has grown into a seven-strong team over the past 12 months, providing mortgage and financial planning advice to clients across a broad range of borrowing, protection and wealth needs.
The firm said its continued investment in staff development through professional qualifications and industry examinations has been recognised through national industry award nominations, reflecting its commitment to developing talent alongside delivering high standards of client service.
Main picture: Left to right: MD Rachel Lane (with Quinn); mortgage administrator Mercedes Hamilos; relationship manager Niquita Edmonds (with Athena); operations manager Nicola Forgette (with Chip); trainee paraplanner Gulnaree Cunningham and client administrator Cheryl Plumridge.
