Equilibrium is continuing its ambitious growth plans following a raft of new hires and another employer of the year award win.

The wealth management company’s headcount is now 72 and comes after Equilibrium became a £7 million turnover outfit at the end of its last fiscal year in 2017.

Equilibrium landed ‘Employer of the Year’ at Friday’s Greater Manchester Business Awards in Manchester city centre and has announced new recruits including former infantry officer in the British Army Daniel Morgan, Rachel Lee, who has returned to Equilibrium having left the company in 2015, and ex-teacher turned Client Manager Belinda White.

Six other new employees who have joined the Wilmslow-based company are Client Manager Jonathon Molloy, Australian Jason Mountford, who has spent 10 years in the financial industry, experienced financial adviser Rachael Settle, Wildlife Biology graduate Josie Corfield, Michelle Manley who has joined full time after project managing the recent fund launch and Administrator Deborah Start.

With Equilibrium named as the fifth best small company to work for by The Sunday Times in 2017 Managing Partner Gaynor Rigby said: “Last year was a momentous one for Equilibrium and our long list of clients. We continue to manage clients with expertise, warmth and knowledge which we know is reflected in us having landed more than £100m of new assets under management in 2017.

“It’s no secret that we recruit talent for all the right reasons and also make them feel welcome when they arrive for their first day.

“Among the many benefits of working at Equilibrium are 33 days holiday plus bank holidays and the fact we provide breakfast every working day for all 72 members of staff. This along with other policies and initiatives is the reason we continue to be recognised for being a great employer. Winning Employer of the Year at Friday’s Greater Manchester Business Awards was another brilliant achievement for Equilibrium.”

She added: “Both I and Sarah Warburton, our Head of Culture, are delighted to have welcomed nine new recruits to various teams since the turn of the year.

“All are already showing just why we decided to offer them careers with us in the first place.”

Staff retention rates at Equilibrium have been strong for several years; in the past 12 months that figure is 87% whereas since September 2017 it is 94%.

Head of Culture Sarah Warburton said: “People need to feel like they’ve joined a great company so we ensure they feel comfortable from the moment they walk in the door.

“Firstly, new starters are allowed to turn up a bit later than other staff on their first day, but when they arrive they meet all the team and find a personalised mug on their desk as well as inspirational books that also link to their role.

“Following a welcome email from me – with all unavoidable forms and admin – they go out for lunch with their team.

“I also populate their diaries, so they can meet everyone properly in person. On top of there’s also a training plan that new staff receive so they can update it with their line managers as they progress.”

Sarah added: “We spend so much time at work which is why we believe it’s about what we give back to employees as an employer.

“Benefits, holidays, pension arrangements. We talk all that through and people find it very interesting as it’s about them and their journey and what they are going to get from us.

“I do absolutely believe that people get a very warm welcome. We also have a directory and a floor plan and circulate a photo of a new starter, so they can be recognised by members of staff.”

New Client Manager Daniel Morgan said: “Following five years in the British Army after graduating from Lancaster University, I identified that a career in financial planning suits my strengths and interests.

“As an infantry officer I gained experience in leadership and management, and by completing a degree in theoretical physics I developed excellent analytical and numerical skills. I am looking forward to applying these strengths while studying for the Level 4 Diploma and in my role as a client manager.

“Equilibrium stood out to me as an innovative and enterprising company who are constantly looking to improve the way that they conduct business in order to improve client experience. This is reflected in the array of awards that the company has received over the years. Since starting, the atmosphere has been professional, friendly and incredibly welcoming.”