York-based chartered financial planners Penlife has turned 40.

Since starting on Bishopthorpe Road, the company has grown, winning accolades along the way, including Corporate Chartered Financial planner status in 2009.

In 2021, Julie Wilson, Andrew Richardson and Phil Mutter, the firm’s then directors, stepped back and the company became an Employee-Owned Trust.

The company says this transition was a clear reflection of their confidence in the firm’s future, the team’s capabilities, and the belief that the employee-owned structure would preserve PenLife’s culture, values, and client-first philosophy.

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The move allowed the team to have a greater stake in the company’s success, aligning everyone’s goals and vision while ensuring long-term stability and continuity for clients.

Today, PenLife has a team of 26 headed up by Directors, Deb Jacobs, Tom Hughes and Nina Wright.

This includes nine Financial Planners, seven of whom have earned the coveted Chartered status, while two have attained Fellow status, one of the highest distinctions within the profession. Support is provided by an eighteen strong team of administrative, marketing, and client care personnel.

Director, Tom Hughes, commented, “Celebrating 40 years is a significant milestone for us and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our clients for their unwavering support over the years.

"This landmark is testament to the dedication, hard work, and values that have guided PenLife from the very beginning. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives.

“As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue our journey as an employee-owned firm, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional financial advice and service. Here’s to the next 40 years!”