As 2024 draws to a close, we proudly reflect on a year dedicated to supporting the unique financial journeys of professional athletes and reinforcing our commitment to their long-term success. At Pro Sport, we understand the highs and lows of both sporting careers and financial planning – because our advisers have experienced both firsthand. As former professional athletes, our advisers bring invaluable experience to help clients navigate pivotal moments and secure lasting financial security.
2024 has been particularly special as it marks Pro Sport’s 15th anniversary. Over the past 15 years, we have been privileged to help countless clients navigate their financial paths, and this year, we have continued to build on that legacy by enhancing our services, deepening community connections, and celebrating the accomplishments of our talented team.
Join us as we take a look at the highlights of our Pro Sport year – a year filled with growth, accomplishments, and memorable moments.
We were recognised in the FTAdviser Top 10 and Citywire Top 100 Financial Advice Firms
One of our proudest accomplishments this year is being ranked in the Top 10 of the FTAdviser Top 100 Financial Advice Firms for 2024! This prestigious recognition celebrates the very best in the UK financial advisory sector.
The Financial Times, through its FTAdviser publication, evaluated Pro Sport, alongside our sister company, Rosebridge, against rigorous criteria. This included client retention, the expertise of our Chartered Financial Planners, and our exceptional growth over the past year.
2024 also marked the seventh consecutive year that Pro Sport, alongside Rosebridge, has been featured in the Citywire New Model Adviser Top 100 list. This accolade highlights the nation’s leading financial planning firms, with Citywire praising our commitment to client service, professional development, diversity, and community involvement – values that define who we are at Pro Sport.
Thank you to our clients for their continued trust and congratulations to our incredible team for their expertise and dedication. These achievements are a testament to all we have accomplished together!
We were active in the sporting community and beyond
Throughout 2024, our Pro Sport team have embraced opportunities to connect with the sporting world and support meaningful causes, reinforcing our ties to the athletic community.
In June, our Pro Sport Advisers were thrilled to participate in the Professional Players Federation (PPF) Golf Day at the Forest of Arden in Birmingham, and even more thrilled to narrowly take the top spot!
“Tom Kennedy and Andrew Lee played excellently, as did my former teammate Richard Jobson, who held his nerve for a par on the 18th which decided our position. The result was a bonus as the real benefit was spending time chatting with a great bunch of people from numerous sporting associations.” –Gareth Griffiths
Later that month, Andrew Lee joined the Woodcocks Haworth Nuttall (WHN) solicitors Charity Golf Day, raising funds for Rossendale Hospice.
“It was a privilege to attend Woodcock’s 16th Annual Charity Day at Rossendale Golf Club this year and raising money for Rossendale Hospice. The event was very well organised, and it was a bonus to win the longest drive competition!” – Andrew Lee
October brought further highlights, with Gareth Griffiths honoured to speak as a guest before the Rochdale vs. Southend United match, participating in a Q&A reflecting on his five years at the club.
Also in October, Gareth Griffiths spoke at the HNW Advisor Manchester Conference, joining an expert panel to discuss current trends in Sport and Media. The session focused on wealth planning strategies for high-earning athletes, with Gareth sharing his expertise alongside industry leaders. The discussions provided valuable insights into how financial professionals can better serve high-net-worth clients in a rapidly changing landscape.
“It was a fantastic event – insightful and engaging throughout. Attending the different sessions gave me great perspectives from leading experts in other sectors. It was also nice to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections. The discussions during our panel flowed naturally, making for a great exchange of ideas.” – Gareth Griffiths
On November 2nd, Tom Kennedy was delighted to appear as a guest at Rochdale’s FA Cup match against Bromley.
“I really enjoyed being invited back to Rochdale Association Football Club on Saturday as a special guest. A Great football club, great people and a top young manager. Definitely a club on the up playing some fantastic football. Up the dale!” – Tom Kennedy
Rounding off the year, Gareth Griffiths appeared as a guest in an episode of the hit finance podcast, Bang the Drum, published by Azets.
In conversation with host Emma Sheppard, Gareth was joined by Lee Stott, Tax Partner at Azets, to explore the intersection of finance and sport. They covered topics such as:
- Tax complexities in sport and player contracts
- Sponsorship strategies and their financial impact
- Financial challenges of international transfers
- Managing finances for athletes, clubs, and governing bodies
Please note, this podcast does not constitute individual financial advice and tax is subject to change.
These events highlight how Pro Sport remains actively engaged with the sporting community and beyond, continuing to build strong connections and giving back in meaningful ways.
Our team members achieved essential qualifications
As we reflect on the year, we cannot help but feel incredibly proud of the milestones our team members have achieved in their professional development.
In March, Chris Morley successfully earned his Diploma in Financial Planning. Chris, who joined Pro Sport in 2022 as a Client Relationship Manager, has quickly become a key contributor of our team, offering valuable assistance to advisers and making significant contributions to the success of our client relationships.
In November, Grace Parry successfully passed her J05 exam, having previously earned her Diploma in Financial Planning in 2022. Since joining Pro Sport in 2017, Grace has been an essential part of the team as a Client Services Administrator, offering crucial support to the advisers and helping to enhance the overall experience for our clients.
Achieving these milestones means that Grace and Chris are one step closer to earning their Chartered Financial Adviser status, the “gold standard” in financial planning, symbolising expertise, ethical conduct, and a commitment to putting clients first. In total, seven Pro Sport team members are currently working their way towards achieving Chartered status. Learn more about Chartered status and its significance for our firm and clients.
These accomplishments are a testament to countless hours of dedication and hard work, showcasing the strength of our team – a group that thrives on collaboration, mutual support, and a shared commitment to growth. Together, we inspire one another to deliver the highest level of service to our clients. Here’s to many more successes ahead!
We continued to support charitable causes
Alongside supporting our clients and enhancing our services, we are dedicated to aiding charities that make a difference locally and beyond. This year, Pro Sport proudly backed various impactful causes.
The Professional Player’s Foundation (PPF)
Pro Sport were excited to strengthen our partnership with The Professional Player’s Federation (PPF).
The Professional Players Federation (PPF) was established in 1991 and has twelve-member player associations, representing more than 17,500 athletes across the United Kingdom. The PPF is dedicated to promoting, protecting and developing the collective interests of these players.
As a Chartered Independent advisory business, our long history of working with the PFA, alongside our experience as professional sportspeople ourselves, means we are well placed to help associations plan for financial security.
Starting Box charity ball
On 23rd November, Grace Parry and her Starting Box team hosted their first ever charity ball. The event was a night to remember, featuring an auction, raffle, live band, and entertainment.
Starting Box is a charity dedicated to providing practical and comforting items to patients undergoing chemotherapy on the Shooting Star Cancer Ward in Wrexham Maelor Hospital. In total, the ball raised a phenomenal £24,000.
“The ball was amazing, and we all had such a wonderful evening. We cannot thank everyone enough for their support leading up to the event and everyone who attended. Our guests made it a night full of laughter and dancing. We raised £24,000 which is an incredible amount. This means we can increase our content budget to £30 per box and upgrade the products we buy to better the overall quality.” – Grace Parry
Mission Christmas
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our wonderful clients and team, our Ramsbottom office has once again served as a drop-off point for Mission Christmas, a gift drive that helps bring the joy of Christmas to children in our community facing poverty.
Pro Sport matched the value of all donated gifts by way of a financial contribution, supporting Mission Christmas in purchasing presents for age groups that may receive fewer donations and to purchase specialist items for children with additional needs.
“Fantastic effort, team, and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and donated this year. Your generosity is truly valued and makes a meaningful difference.” – Gareth Griffiths
Chester Football Club’s appeal for West Cheshire Foodbank
Throughout December, Chester FC and the Community Trust are helping the West Cheshire Foodbank by collecting donations to assist people in the community facing hardship. Sadly, the demand for emergency food continues to rise, making this support more important than ever.
In the 12 months to 31st March 2024, West Cheshire Foodbank issued 15,668 three-day emergency food parcels, a 6% increase from the previous year and double the amount from five years ago. Additionally, 141,012 individual meals were provided, and 134,000 tonnes of food was distributed across the area.
This year, Pro Sport are pleased to once again gift a donation to support the vital work of the food bank, helping them continue to provide essential supplies to those in need.
Christmas jumper day for Save the Children
Our team were excited to don their favourite festive jumpers and join in the fun for Christmas Jumper Day in support of Save the Children. From classic reindeer designs to sparkling snowflakes, our team showcased some truly memorable festive attire!
Save the Children works to improve the lives of children worldwide by providing education, healthcare, and emergency aid, as well as advocating for their rights and protection.
Save the family
This year, we have been delighted to continue our support of Save the Family, a charity dedicated to providing residential housing and round-the-clock support to homeless and at-risk families who have multiple and complex needs.
Based on the outskirts of Chester, their modern, multi-purpose facility offers 26 self-contained residential units, ranging from one-bedroom studio apartments to three-bedroomed accommodation, providing a secure environment and essential care.
This festive season, Pro Sport sponsored their Christmas tree and attended their Christmas tree light switch on, with Gareth Griffiths doing the honours.
We built stronger relationships through engaging social events and team-building experiences
At Pro Sport, it hasn’t all been about hard work; we have also enjoyed social events and team-building days that have helped strengthen our connections.
In August, we hosted our annual terrace party for our team at our Ramsbottom office on a lovely summer evening. The night featured a lively pub quiz and karaoke, with plenty of laughs and friendly competition as everyone joined in the fun.
In October, we came together for a fantastic day of teambuilding at Catton Hall, diving into the activities of clay pigeon shooting and quad biking and enjoying a delicious BBQ.
For our Christmas party this year, we ventured into Manchester city centre for an afternoon of axe throwing at Whistle Punks, followed by pool, darts, and prosecco pong at Pong & Puck. To wrap up the celebrations, we enjoyed a festive feast at The Old Bank in Ramsbottom.
Contact Us
We want to express our sincere gratitude to all our clients for your continued support this year. It is truly rewarding to assist you in managing your wealth and helping you achieve the lifestyle you aspire to. We are excited to continue working with you for many years ahead.
Please note, our office will be closing at 1pm on Tuesday, 24th December, and will reopen on Thursday 2nd January. If you would like guidance on managing your wealth in 2025 and beyond, do not hesitate to get in touch today.
Email enquiries@prosportwealth.co.uk or call 01204 602 909 to speak to an experienced member of our team.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
