In the family atmosphere of The Private Office, all colleagues are treated as equals. Everyone holds shares in the financial advisers business, awarded when they pass their probation period. More are awarded when a staff member adds significant value to the business, reviewed every year. Many people in its experienced team have worked together for more than 20 years, looking after more than 2,500 individual clients, businesses, charities and trusts, tailoring advice across a wide range of sectors.

Senior managers took a pay cut in the past year to protect cashflow and create a better pot for the annual salary review, so everyone could be awarded £500. All staff members have private health insurance and life assurance, regardless of their level in the company.

Established in Yorkshire in 2008, the business stands firm on its core values to deliver on promises, do the right thing, make a difference and embrace change – and during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been plenty of change to embrace!

CEO Stuart Phillips has hosted a coffee morning with 10 colleagues every other month where people can ask burning questions and he and his team are ready for a chat any time.

Aware that the pandemic brought significant risks to mental health, The Private Office brought in an external trainer to give 10 mental health first aiders insights into how to help colleagues cope in difficult times.