An outsourced Paraplanning firm run by a PFS director could be taking on as many as 13 new recruits this year.

Para-Sols in Darlington has already brought in one batch of three trainees, with two further intakes planned before 2017 ends. These could add between one and five more trainees each.

It is run as a rolling recruitment process, with no cut-off point, and the expectation is that on average there will be 3 new graduates from each intake, though there is no set target.

Para-Sols founder Cathi Harrison FPFS Chartered Financial Planner and PFS board member said it was about getting the right people, rather than the numbers.

She said: “We’re firm in recruiting only those that we think have the right attitude to learn so if that means 1 or 5, from each intake then so be it - we’ll take on whoever stands out to us as having what it takes.”

They will embark on a two-year training programme, with a goal to be Level 4 Diploma qualified by the finish. Company bosses believe this is a realistic timeframe whilst balancing a healthy work/life/study balance.

Ten candidates attended an assessment day in April to try to get a place on Para-Sols’ scheme.

Ms Harrison said: “Although our new trainees Sam, Holly & Johnny only started with us two short weeks ago, their hunger to learn is already massively evident.

“We’ve thrown them in the deep-end but I already feel assured that they're strong swimmers! Day one was spent inducting them and helping them settle in but by day two they were on the phones to providers and getting to grips with the nitty-gritty admin process.

“I’ve always said that attitude is paramount so as part of the recruitment process, we incorporate some personality profiling, and seeing how well all three of them have integrated with the existing team shows it works and is really humbling to see - they’re like old friends!”

She said: “My intention for Para-Sols this year is steady growth - the referrals keep coming which is great but ultimately we need a strong and capable team to successfully supply the demand. A steady stream of new blood means the head count increases at a rate where we can effectively manage individuals learning and development without overloading ourselves and compromising on the quality we pride ourselves on.”