Cheshire-based Equilibrium Asset Management has unveiled a recruitment website and training academy to further grow and develop talent both within and outside the company.
Being based in the north west of England and working in an industry mainly centred in London, the firm wants to showcase what its culture looks like for people looking to join, Sarah Warburton, head of culture, told International Adviser.
“It is becomingly more difficult to hire the best talent within financial services and I’d argue there is now greater competition between firms for the right people.
“And London is still a draw for a lot of talent, which can make things difficult for firms like us based in the north west.
“That is why we are approaching recruitment so proactively and I think other advisory firms will increasingly look at new ways to find talent,” she added.
Focusing on human skills
The firm is also looking to attract advisers-to-be, in addition to helping its staff progress through various training services.
“For aspiring advisers, the training includes things like relationship building, listening skills, objection handling and many other elements of human behaviour, which is crucial in being able to make clients feel comfortable and give them confidence,” Warburton told IA.
“There’s much more to the programme than just the technical element though, and we provide regular in-house training to support the whole team in gaining the relevant skills to deliver a first-class service.”
When the firm’s “Diploma Academy” launched in 2014, it was aimed at university graduates. But now it accept applications from anyone interested in a career in the financial services.
“We don’t just want to focus on people from a higher education background as there is much to be gained from the experience and knowledge that individuals have acquired through different avenues.
“Our founder, Colin Lawson, didn’t go to university and he’s not done too badly!”
