BRISTOL START-UP THRIVES DESPITE PANDEMIC UNCERTAINTY

A Bristol business launched just 10-weeks before the first lockdown in 2020 has reported significant growth despite the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Advantage Financial Solutions (Advantage FS) was started around the kitchen table by former colleagues Tom Collier, Steven Morris and Dan Light and now boasts a 13-strong team, based in Bridgeyate, Bristol.

With an already impressive client base, the team recently celebrated achieving more than 200 5* reviews on Google, more than any other independent broker in Bristol and the South West.

All three directors advised and managed at Which? Financial Services and it was there that they committed to setting up a far-reaching mortgage and protection service. The ex-colleagues now have their sights set on becoming one of the UK’s most trusted brokers.

Founder and advising director Tom Collier said: “January 2020 was probably one of the worst times imaginable to start a new business, particularly one which relies on the stability of the property market, but we worked around the clock from Dan’s kitchen table and now just over 18 months on we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved.

“Our aim was to create a brand known for doing good. We pride ourselves on ‘never saying no’ and have helped people achieve their dream homes, who had been told elsewhere it wouldn’t be possible to even get a mortgage. We’ve heard from first time buyers who were confused and nervous to get their foot on the property ladder and people who have been mis-advised previously and had lost all confidence in mortgage advisers.

“For us, the proof is in the pudding. We are immensely proud of our testimonials from happy clients, some which are lengthy, detailed and tear-jerking.

“Hearing that people are happy with the service we’ve provided and that we have helped them during a huge milestone in their life is so rewarding and makes all the hard work and long hours worth it.

“Eighteen months later, we now have a team of 11 advisers, all of whom are ex-Which? colleagues that we previously recruited and trained ourselves. Thankfully, this has made our growth to date straight-forward as we are already familiar with everyone and we know that we are bringing the very best on board.”

Advantage FS recently rebranded and launched a new website with a dedicated client area filled with useful links and a portal to keep all important documents in one place. They have also been shortlisted for several industry awards.

The firm is also a registered B1G1 Business for Good ‘micro-giving’ movement, which means every time they celebrate a success, they also give to a good cause, making a positive difference around the world.

Tom continued: “Helping people is integral to what we do and will always be the focus of the business.

“The short term plan is to continue to grow our team, albeit at a slightly slower rate, and we know that many advisers we have worked with previously are impressed with the culture we have created here.

“We are also planning to begin working with more estate agents in the area as the estate agency business model changes in the coming years.

“The ultimate aim is to become the ‘go-to’ broker for quality mortgage advice in Bristol and Bath, and in fact, the whole of the UK.”

For more information about Advantage FS visit www.advantagefs.co.uk

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