Hessle-based Informed Financial Planning (IFP) has been recognised as Best Financial Advisers to Work For, for the ninth year running, highlighting its commitment to long-term career development, professional qualifications and employee ownership.
The firm’s culture of internal progression is exemplified by the career journey of Lewis Atkinson, who has moved from an entry‑level role into a Chartered financial planning pathway.
Lewis joined IFP as a Compliance Assistant during the firm’s 2017 recruitment drive and gained paraplanning experience within his first 6 months, with IFP fully funding his CII Diploma, achieved in 2019. He then became Compliance Manager in 2023, achieving Chartered Financial Planner status, along the way.
In early 2026, after expressing his desire to move into client‑facing financial planning, Lewis was fast‑tracked into a trainee financial planner role, supported by IFP’s structured development pathways and culture of internal progression.
Lewis Atkinson said: “From day one, IFP has given me the tools to develop my career. Training for my first role in the firm as a Compliance Assistant was tailored to ensure I learnt the technical side of the industry first through Paraplanning. That same individualised training and support has carried me through various roles at different levels in the company. IFP really does reward and recognise effort and commitment.”
Managing Director Josh Richardson commented: “Lewis exemplifies our passion for career growth. From hands‑on learning to leadership, we back driven individuals with paid exams, mentoring and clear progression – ideal for experienced paraplanners eyeing advising. Being named Best Financial Adviser to Work For is really a reflection of stories like Lewis’s happening across the business.”
IFP’s employee‑owned model underpins this long‑term approach, with all financial planners achieving Chartered status through in‑house development, supported by continuous professional development and clearly defined routes for advancement. The firm’s mission – “You’re in this for the long term, and so are we” – shapes how careers are built, from first role to senior adviser.
IFP is currently recruiting experienced paraplanners (with remote options possible) who want to build expertise or fast‑track into financial planning, as well as individuals keen to establish a long‑term career within an employee‑owned, Chartered firm.
Vacancies and further information are available at informedfinancialplanning.co.uk or by emailing enquiries@informedfinancialplanning.co.uk.