September 2003

COMPANY GROWTH FUELS KEY APPOINTMENTS

Fast-growing Aberdeen firm Acumen Financial Planning has recently made two significant, but very different, appointments. Former Norwich Union regional manager Bill Saunders joins Acumen as a consultant, bringing over 20 years of financial services experience to the firm - much of that time being spent with two of the UK's leading insurance companies, Scottish Widows and Norwich Union. The second appointment is of University of Aberdeen graduate Rory Craig, who joins Acumen directly from completing a MSc degree in Finance and Investment and a Masters degree in Management.

With a proven track record in independent financial advice management, Bill brings a wealth of financial services experience and specialises in advising clients on investments, pensions and protection. Bill learnt his trade with small brokers before joining Scottish Widows in 1988 where he worked for nine years. He then joined Norwich Union in Aberdeen where he has spent the last six years working in both sales and managerial capacities.

Bill said: "Although I have experience dealing directly with customers, a great deal of my career has been spent working on a business-to-business basis, so joining Acumen presents me with a fresh challenge. During my time with Norwich Union, I dealt with many high net-worth clients looking at the complete area of retirement options, such as pension fund withdrawal, phased retirement and annuities. Going forward, I hope to use this experience to benefit Acumen's clients."

In addition to enhancing their current capabilities through the appointment of Bill Saunders, Acumen has demonstrated its commitment to investing in young, promising graduates. Rory Craig, from Hatton near Peterhead, joins Acumen as a trainee financial planner and, with the assistance of Acumen, will take high-level qualifications to become a certified financial advisor.

Acumen is currently the only firm north of Edinburgh where it is possible for a graduate to receive the full training required to complete the Institute's Fellowship of Financial Planners examinations - generally recognised as being the highest level of financial services qualifications in the UK. Directors Sandy Robertson and James Smith, who have attained the Institute's Fellowship qualifications, will provide the required supervision.

Managing Director of Acumen, Sandy Robertson, said: "The appointment of Bill highlights Acumen's ambition and commitment to being recognised as the leading financial planning company in the North-East of Scotland. Bill provides a wealth of experience and expertise that will help drive the company forward.

"Although Acumen Accountants has recruited graduates for many years, Rory is the first graduate to be appointed by Acumen Financial Planning. We look forward to supporting him through his professional qualifications and helping him develop into a top quality professional."