Fast growing Scottish Chartered Financial Planning firm Acumen has added 16 new staff in 2023, it reported this week.

The Aberdeen-headquartered Acumen Financial Planning has also seen funds under management rise to over £900m this year.

The company, which has five offices across Scotland, has been in business for 21 years and now has 86 staff.

It has added 16 new staff this year including 13 in the past six months.

The 13 new staff members over the past six months include: Paul Gillen Financial Planner, Stewart Gunn Trainee Financial Planning Administrator, Layo Ewedemi Trainee Paraplanner, Donna Corkindale Trainee Paraplanner, Neil Burns Paraplanner, Ayesha Wilson Trainee Paraplanner, Jordan Paterson Trainee Paraplanner, Nida Khan Trainee Financial Planning Administrator, Kat Dawson Trainee Financial Planning Administrator, Cameron Moar Client Support Acumen Employee Benefits, Sarah McFarlane Receptionist, Andrew Ridell Trainee Financial Planning Administrator and Caitlin Forbes Marketing Executive. In addition the firm has welcomed Jayden Lumsden, Foundation Apprentice on placement from Kemnay Academy. 

The firm has also made two senior promotions with Rhian Morgan and Kevin MacKenzie appointed directors of Acumen Financial Planning. Both have been with the group for 32 years combined. 

Acumen expanded its Glasgow office this year with new hires and the acquisition of Loch Fyne Financial team and clients in November, boosting funds under management (FUM) to over £900m. 

The company has been partnering with Kemnay Academy since 2019 to help students finds careers in Financial Planning. It provides a variety of financial lessons to pupils between S4 to S6 years to help them understand their first payslips, budgeting, workplace and personal pensions.

Acumen also continues to work with other schools in the Aberdeen area, including Westhill Academy on careers fairs, presentations and mock interviews. 

Rhian Morgan, director at Acumen Financial Planning, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed director of Acumen Financial Planning alongside Kevin. I joined the support team in 2006, became a Financial Planner in 2011 and have not looked back.” 

Kevin MacKenzie, director at Acumen Financial Planning, said: “Our 21st year in business has been one to remember and we could not have done it without our fantastic team. I am thrilled to be working alongside Rhian, as a director at Acumen along with Keith Mackie, David Gow, and our managing director, Sandy Robertson.

“I look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for us, as we continue to develop a talented workforce that provides a high standard of service to a growing number of clients. I am privileged to join a board of directors that has a shared vision for our future.” 

The Acumen parent company the Financial Planning Group includes Acumen Financial Planning, Acumen Employee Benefits, SpringGen Advice Ltd, Medical & Dental and Enrich Tax Consultancy.