A rapidly expanding financial services business has taken on three new people – doubling its workforce in less than 10 months.
The growth of 313 Financial – which only began trading from the spare bedroom of one of its directors just over three years ago – has been impressive.
With turnover more than doubling last year, plans to expand the scope of the business in negotiation and a move to larger premises on the horizon, Andy Lee, 38, from Durham, Ashleigh Wiseman, 32, from Easington and Beth Sanders, 29, from Sherburn Village, join at an exciting time – growing the 313 team to 14.
Established by directors Jordan Sanders, 31, from Belmont and Paul Gray, 31, from Hartlepool, in early 2016, 313 Financial offers a range of services to customers across the UK.
These include independent mortgage advice and organising applications, sourcing and arranging home, life and health insurance policies and helping individuals set up wills, trusts or powers of attorney.
A runner up at this year’s prestigious NatWest Local Hero Mortgage Awards, the business is attracting attention for its fresh and innovative approach, of which social media activity has been a huge part.
Jordan says: “Paul and I had good jobs and plenty of experience in the sector when we decided to start 313 Financial but felt that our customer focussed approach was something unique and that we could build a business and a reputation on.
“Social media has brought us so much new business and enabled us to get in front of potential customers via recommendations from their friends and families – rather than relying on referrals from a developer or estate agent, for example.”
“Our communication and level of customer care – and the fact that people have been happy with our services – have been instrumental to our success and growth. Our satisfaction rating of five stars out of five on Facebook is something we’re very proud of.”
New starter Andy, joins 313 as a Mortgage and Protection Advisor. With a number of years’ experience working in banking and financial services, he will support clients with their mortgage, re-mortgage, mortgage transfer and insurance needs.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining a thriving local business in the area where I grew up. As someone with a young family myself, I’m passionate about helping clients to not only save money where possible but to make the right mortgage and protection decisions for their families and their futures.”
Ashleigh has taken up the part time position of Mortgage Compliance Administrator – a role she will perform alongside her work as a primary school supply teacher.
Having previously worked at a financial advisors, she will cast a diligent eye over mortgage applications and documents, in support of the compliance team.
She said: “Having previous experience in financial services, it is good to be re-entering the sector alongside my teaching – a decision I made after being impressed with the ambitions and vision that Jordan and Paul have for the business.”
Beth, who is Jordan’s younger sister, is also using skills developed in a very different career, to support 313’s customer centred approach. Leaving a position managing a health and social care team, she has taken up the role of Completions Administrator with 313.
She says: “When customers apply for mortgages or are looking to move house, the waiting period after forms are submitted can be a stressful time. We want to alleviate some of this by keeping in contact, answering questions and supporting the process. This customer liaison will be the main part of my job.
“Watching Jordan and Paul’s progress from outside, it was clear to see that they were building something special. The excellent customer feedback and sustained growth of the business are testament to that and I’m delighted to now be a part of it.”
*Picture caption: New starters (L-R) Beth Sanders, Ashleigh Wiseman and Andy Lee*