Your latest personal update from Macmillan Financial Planning
Rather than provide you with one of my usual articles related to a topical and relevant aspect of financial planning, I thought you would appreciate some more personal news this month.
So, this is a more personal bulletin than you’re used to reading here. You’ll find an update on my business, details of a new team member, and some planned business changes we have in the pipeline.
My sincere thanks to you
The first thing to say is a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” for all your support and warm words over the years.
These last two years, in particular, have been tumultuous, to say the least. When history books come to be written, the Covid pandemic of 2020/21 will get many chapters.
Its impact has been felt everywhere. From my own perspective, it’s meant changed working patterns with remote meetings and Zoom calls becoming the norm rather than a novelty. I still miss seeing you all in person, and while I can’t wait to get back to normal, wherever possible, I am still trying to keep everyone safe with virtual meetings.
I’ve been both impressed and grateful by the way that many of you have adapted to this new way of working – even those of you who have admitted that you aren’t particularly tech-savvy!
Your recommendations are a great endorsement of the work I do
As well as thanking you for the way you’ve adapted to new ways of communication, I’d also like to offer big thanks to those of you who have recommended me to your friends and colleagues.
There’s no better endorsement of someone’s professionalism and work than to recommend their services to someone else.
2021 has seen good progress for Macmillan Financial Planning and, given that the select number of new clients I’ve taken on have come through recommendations, much of the credit for that goes to you. I’m humbled, and very appreciative.
We’ll soon be on the move
My business aim has always been to provide the best possible service to a limited number of clients. I’d much rather do that than stretch myself too far and diminish the quality of planning you receive. As you will also know, my aim is to continue growing the business sustainably to provide a professional service long into the future. Macmillan Financial Planning is a local business, where you are the focus and centre of the planning process. And with no external shareholders, clients are the main stakeholders in the business. With your continuing support, I look forward to further improving the service and advice your receive and growing the business for your benefit over the coming years.
A major part of the development is a new office with more space. Rather than move too far, I will be building a garden office. With COP26 in Glasgow still very much in mind, I’m using highly insulated SIPs panels for maximum energy efficiency.
Once I’ve moved and settled in, you’ll be more than welcome to come and visit.
You’ll even get to meet Flint, our new blue-eyed boy! Flint is a blue merle border collie and is now 7 months. He is full of beans and makes sure I leave my desk for some fresh air each day.. Those of you who remember my previous dog, Loki (still sadly missed!), will recall the enthusiastic way he greeted visitors, and I’m sure Flint will be equally welcoming!
We’re also looking to take on a new staff member
One knock-on effect from a dedicated office is that it will give me the opportunity to take on a new member of staff in 2022.
I’m anticipating that they will provide office support services to help keep me organised. By taking on much of the day-to-day administration, they’ll allow me to focus on increasing the percentage of time I spend talking to clients, thereby adding even more value to our relationships.
I’ll continue to utilise the existing external support I use. This provides invaluable expertise and experience, especially when dealing with tricky providers.
I appreciate all your feedback
It’s a bit of a tired cliché, but there really is no such thing as “bad feedback”.
Clearly, I welcome and appreciate your positive feedback. But, at the same time, if there’s anything you think I should change or do better, please let me know. It means I can take steps to improve the service I provide for all my clients.
There are two particular bits of feedback I would appreciate:
1. By leaving a Google review, you can provide invaluable information for potential new clients about the services I offer. Just click here to leave a review – it only takes a couple of minutes!
2. Some kind words as testimonials to let others know how we help bring confidence and clarity to your finances. We use testimonials on our website and marketing materials to give enquirers an idea of how we help our clients. Just drop me an email at graeme@macfp.co.uk.
It would also be useful to hear your thoughts about my monthly newsletter – in particular the content of the articles I provide – I can ensure that what you read remains topical and relevant to your financial planning requirements.
Get in touch
If you have any feedback or comments about this update, please get in touch.
Email me at graeme@macfp.co.uk or call me on 01349 832849.