April 2007
EMPLOYEES AT THE ACUMEN GROUP LEAD THE WAY IN SCOTLAND
The Acumen Group has become one of the most qualified financial planning companies in Scotland after four employees attained the internationally-recognised certified financial planner (CFP) licence.
Bill Saunders, Alan Ball, Tom Hyslop and Keith Mackie have each achieved CFP status by undergoing the rigorous Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) fast track programme. Already holding the CFP status at Acumen are managing director, Sandy Robertson, compliance manager Brian Munro and financial planner Angus McKenzie. In Scotland, there are currently 31 CFP licencees, seven of whom are now employed by The Acumen Group which makes it one of the most qualified companies of its kind in the country. Nick Cann, ACIB, CFP, Chief Executive, Institute of Financial Planning, says: "To see growth like this in any business is exciting but when it is a Financial Planning business built on such strong professional principles it is particularly so. Acumen has always been a strong supporter of the IFP and been core to the growth of the profession in Scotland. The fact that we are able to run a CFP fast track programme in Aberdeen shows the commitment and flexibility of the IFP to bring the training to the profession. With 7 Certified Financial Planner professionals this places Acumen in the top 10 of companies in the UK with this level of qualifications."
The CFP licence is more than a qualification. Individuals certified by the IFP have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the meticulous licence process, which includes demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements.
It is widely believed that this combination of professional and ethical standards makes the CFP practitioner the benchmark for financial planning professionals worldwide and a key indicator for consumers looking for qualified personal financial planning services.
Bill Saunders, head of financial planning, said the week-long fast track program was both one of the most demanding and rewarding of his career: "The week involved writing a complete and very detailed financial plan based around a case study. It is therefore all about putting technical knowledge and experience into practice."
"The standards are set at a deliberately high level and the fast track course was one of the most demanding weeks of my professional life. Having said that, it was also very rewarding and it is great to obtain this internationally-recognised award."
At the end of 2006, The Acumen Group's financial planning team had £80 million of clients' funds under advice. The growth in the team means it now has ten financial planners, seven of whom are CFP qualified, a specialist mortgage consultant and 10 support staff. The number of financial planners operating in the central belt is also set to increase as the company moves closer to securing premises in Edinburgh.
Only last month, The Acumen Group announced the creation of more than 26 jobs by expanding and refurbishing its Riverside Drive premises. Recruitment opportunities are expected to increase further by 10% over the next quarter due to the group’s expansion, which has just been completed, and a significant increase in turnover.
The Acumen Group also recently announced two accountancy appointments. Chartered accountant, Steven McKenzie, has joined as an associate and will mainly be based in the Edinburgh office.
Andrew Bell joins the Acumen Group at its Aberdeen office as the assistant tax manager, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience in the taxation and finance areas.
The Acumen Group consists of Acumen Financial Planning, Acumen Accountants and Advisors, Acumen IT Consultancy and Freelance Euro Contracting. The group's headquarters are based on Aberdeen's Riverside Drive and it also has an office in Peterhead with satellites in Edinburgh and Norwich.
