Our 2022 year in review

8 December 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, we thought it would be nice to look back at all the happenings of the past 12 months, and cast our gaze ahead to what 2023 may hold.

This year has been challenging for everyone in financial services, and even more so for the individuals we work with. Before we delve into the highs and lows of this year, we’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to our clients who have trusted us with your wealth throughout this tumultuous time. 

Read on to find out our highlights of 2022, and what to expect from us at Depledge as 2023 approaches.

Our list of award recognitions grew in 2022

One of our highlights of 2022 was receiving and being shortlisted for a number of prestigious financial awards. Being considered for these accolades is hugely rewarding for the whole team, and exemplifies the high standards we hold ourselves to here at Depledge. 

This year, we were named as a finalist for the following three Money Marketing Awards:

• Best Retirement Advice Firm
• Best Investment Advice Firm
• Small Advice Firm of the Year (which named only five appointed representatives in the UK). 

In addition, we were shortlisted for the Greater Manchester Business Awards’ “Business of the Year”.

We were also highly commended by Moneyfacts for their Retirement Adviser of the Year accolade, and commended by the same awarding body for Tax and Estate Planner of the Year. 

Finally, we are proud to note that the head of our investment committee, Andrew Day, was named the Investment Advice Specialist of the Year at the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Awards 2022/23. 

We are thrilled to have our team headed up by Andrew, and in such a challenging year for markets, this award means the world to our entire firm.

You can read all about our previous award successes on our website. 

We welcomed 3 new team members to the fold

The festive season is a perfect time to reflect on those who matter most in your life. At our firm, our team lies at the heart of all our successes – and we are happy to have welcomed three new colleagues to the fold in 2022.

Meet our newest staff members: Sarah, Colin, and Kaya!

Sarah Rowson – Paraplanner 

Sarah began her career in financial services at RBS Group more than 15 years ago. She has gained her experience in wealth management through her time at Coutts Bank, specialising in ultra high net worth clients and in various roles within independent financial adviser (IFA) firms.

Sarah has more than six years’ experience as a paraplanner. Here at Depledge, she supports the financial planners in researching and analysing suitable products and investments, alongside producing calculations, suitability reports, and cashflow analysis.

Sarah is currently working towards completing her Level 4 Diploma in financial planning, and will hopefully be taking her final exam in the near future.

At home, Sarah enjoys spending her spare time with her two children, and as a hobby she likes to exercise, especially running long distances (only when the weather is nice!).

Colin Tomlinson – Head of Technical

Colin Tomlinson joined Depledge in July 2022. He has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, predominantly in consultative and business development roles. 

His role as head of technical is to provide oversight for our paraplanning team, helping colleagues provide efficient and accurate insights for both financial planners and clients.

Kaya Bowden – Paraplanning Administrator

Kaya joined Depledge in November 2022 following more than three years at the Court of Protection. In total, Kaya has seven years’ experience in the financial industry. 

She can also happily transfer her skills from her previous job as a barista, and makes an excellent coffee – much to the delight of the entire office!

Dan Gordon was promoted to financial consultant in 2022

In addition to adding three brilliant new individuals to the team, we have also promoted Dan Gordon to become our fourth financial consultant. 

Dan proudly attained certified financial planner status earlier this year and is now busy putting all his extensive knowledge to use in helping clients achieve their financial goals. Congratulations, Dan!

Earlier in 2022, we became a CISI Accredited firm

Back at the start of the year, Depledge became a CISI Accredited firm. 

Having been re-certified as both Chartered and British Standard (BS) 8577, the only British best practice framework that currently exists for financial planning and advice businesses, we are one of only three firms in the UK with all three standards that underpin the running of Depledge.

This is an immense achievement for our firm that demonstrates the rigorous nature of our work. Our clients benefit from our unparalleled risk management, years of experience, and goals-oriented approach that help turn their dreams into a reality.

We have monitored clients’ portfolios throughout this year’s ongoing market volatility 

2022 has proved very difficult for most investment asset classes with bonds and equities falling substantially. 

Many of our clients have been understandably worried about downturns their portfolios are experiencing. However, as we explored in our full guide to how we manage your investments, we spotted the signs of ensuing volatility in 2021, and made pre-emptive moves to mitigate the effects. 

While positive returns are never guaranteed, we work tirelessly to monitor your investments and strive towards the outcomes you desire. 

We plan to continue providing our second-to-none service, no matter what 2023 throws your way

2023 is bound to be another interesting year for financial services, as inflation stayed in the double figures in the year to October 2022, as inflation stayed in the double figures in the year to November 2022, and the Bank of England (BoE) raised interest to 3.5% in December too.

As usual, we will continue to provide our clients with a bespoke service, no matter what 2023 throws your way. 

Both in the financial sector at large, and in the personal lives of our treasured clients, storms may always be around the corner – and we’re here to help you steer the ship. 

Finally, we’d like to wish you a happy festive season and a prosperous new year. 

Get in touch

For a review of your financial circumstances as 2023 begins, email info@depledgeswm.com or call 0161 8080200.

Please note

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.