How old is Kate, anyway?

At the time of writing, I feel about 155 because my hip hurts, I’ve got a virus and I’m really quite grumpy.

Nonetheless, the authorities declare that I am, in fact, only 55 and whilst inside I mostly think I’m still about 22, I can understand why it’s becoming A Question.

And let’s be honest – it isn’t really a question about my age, is it? It’s a request for reassurance about the company you’re about to engage and trust with your money, your plans, and your hopes, fears and dreams for the future. Will I still be here in 10* years’ time? Will there be a new name over the door, some shiny new branding and a “nothing will change” letter?

To save you the wondering – No. Nothing is for sale here. Not now, not when I’m 65, not ever.

There were a few non negotiables when I set up FLP. The people first planning focus. Flat fees, rather than a percentage of your assets. And the decision that I would never sell my clients to a consolidator. It works for some firms – business owners always have decisions to make about how they exit – but that was never going to be the way the story ended for FLP.

Deciding it meant planning for it, and doing something about it early. The first part of that Something was Rebecca – she joined us nearly two years ago as Operations Director, and she’s building both the business and her stake in it, so the answer to “What happens when Kate isn’t around” is a person who’s fully invested, in every sense, in the company, our clients and the future of both.

She won’t be the only one – more plans are taking shape, but they’re safely tucked under our hats for now, until we can share them far and wide.

I’m intending to be around for a good while yet, and when I’m not, there will be a plan, made up of people you already know, who’ll make sure that before long you’ll forget I was ever here.

*I’ve been saying 10 years ever since Rebecca joined FLP. It drives her nuts, but it amuses me and that’s all that matters.