Putting ethics above profit

Sharing Experience: Colin Low, Kingsfleet

Of course, a business has to keep its eye on the bottom line at all times. But at what cost? Short-term gain rarely becomes a long-term relationship without plenty of nurturing and giving the client the value they deserve.

Testament to these values, and something of which I am very proud, is that last year we joined a community of just over 1,300 UK businesses, when we attained B Corp status recognising our high standards of social and environmental performance and employee care.

Education at core

We started Kingsfleet 13 years ago, with the aim of providing financial advice on an ethical basis to help people in and around Suffolk achieve their wealth objectives.

Our approach is steered by a lifestyle financial planning model that looks at the ‘what’ rather than ‘how much’ – wider goals that go beyond simply targeting the greatest investment returns. It means we really strive to get under the skin of each client to find out exactly what they want their money to achieve.

I chose to name the company after my primary school, as education forms a key pillar in everything we do and is reflected in the business values driving our vision. Our expertise and commitment to these values in delivering tailored wealth management and independent advice designed to empower clients, has earned us recognition in several prestigious awards schemes.

We were a finalist in two categories in this year’s MoneyAge Awards. Once again, we were also a Tax and Estate Planner of the Year finalist in the distinguished Moneyfacts Investment Life & Pensions Awards, recognising our acumen in navigating complex financial landscapes, ensuring optimal tax efficiency, and crafting meticulous estate planning strategies.

Our commitment to excellence was demonstrated when we reached the final stages of the Customer Excellence and Small Business of the Year categories in the EADT Suffolk Business Awards.

Making a contribution

These nominations evidence Kingsfleet’s dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients and our significant contribution to supporting economic growth and innovation within Suffolk. They build on our previous achievements: Chartered Status, my MSc in Financial Planning, and certifications from reputable institutions like the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

I’m also incredibly proud of our charity work, supporting educational courses across the county through the Kingsfleet Community Fund, while providing support for children and young people in sport and play through the Gary Gladwell Fund, named in memory of our Financial Planner, Gary, who sadly passed away last year.

Nurturing our staff with knowledge and training, to continually raise standards for our clients and help the next generation learn, will always be part of the business plan for Kingsfleet.

Kingsfleet is a trading name of Kingsfleet Wealth Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company No. 07051136.

Photos taken by Simply C Photography