A growing Wolverhampton company is celebrating after their young team passed their exams with absolutely flying colours.

Newstead Clark Financial Services say two of the team are the youngest they’ve known to be completing London Institute of Banking and Finance qualifications in mortgage advice and practice as well as equity release.

The family run business based on Wolverhampton Business Park was founded by Rob Clark in 2008, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry. The company specialises in delivering financial services and advice including mortgages, pensions and investments.

Both Rob’s son James Clark and his school friend Ashley Dougliss came to the firm on work experience when they were just 15 and joined the company full-time just a year after when they both left school.

James, who is 19 has just passed his exams with the London Institute of Banking and Finance, as has 20-year-old Ashley. It means James is now a qualified Mortgage Advisor and Ashley will be specialising in pensions and investment advice. Ashley has in fact just passed his Diploma of Financial Planning which is an amazing achievement at such a young age.

James and Ashley’s friend, 22-year-old Joshua Skyte has also recently joined the team and is studying, so he can follow in his friends’ successful footsteps.

Managing Director Rob said:
“I’m really pleased that James and Ashley have passed their exams. The CII qualification that Ashley has gained is a real achievement – he passed this all first time which I know even very experienced financial advisers have trouble passing! Both lads have worked so hard and to see how much they’ve learnt and grown in confidence since joining us after leaving school is something I’m really proud of.”

He added:
“It’s fantastic to have my son working with me, as well as Ashley and now Josh. I know James’ friends very well and it means I have a real team around me who I trust implicitly, and I know my clients will do too. It’s important for me to have a family run firm – my sister Julie works with us as well. I think that the family and friends’ bond, coupled with the expertise we have, has helped us become so successful. I’m looking forward to building the business further so that we as a team can go from strength to strength.”

James commented:
“I’m really enjoying it and love the challenge. My Dad keeps me busy so I must be doing something right and I’m looking forward to going out and about to meet new clients, now that lockdown is easing. I’ve got more exams to take and want to learn as much as I can. You never know one day I might take the firm over from my Dad – if he decides to retire.”

Ashley said:
“I really enjoyed coming here on work experience and decided it was a career I wanted to pursue. I’ve grown up with James and knew Rob well so I had no doubts I would be working with great people. I started out doing administrative tasks and then the more I learnt the more I’ve been able to take on. I’m really pleased to have passed my exams at such an early age and I’m looking forward to developing my role, as I can’t imagine doing anything else – it’s something I really enjoy.”

To find out more about the company please go to www.newsteadclark.co.uk