A family-run firm of financial planners is celebrating another exceptional career achievement for a member of their team.

Just one year after becoming an approved protection adviser, Sophie McMillan has now qualified as a mortgage adviser with Stan Sherlock Associates. She was awarded her CF6 qualification by the Personal Finance Society, part of the Chartered Insurance Institute Group.

This is the third financial advice qualification for Sophie during her six-year career with the firm. Sophie, who lives in Carlisle, studied for her mortgage adviser exams during the last national Covid-19 lockdown, while continuing to work full-time as a protection adviser and supervise the firm’s Yorkshire Building Society agency.

Sophie previously worked as a hairdresser before joining Stan Sherlock Associates as a receptionist in 2016. She quickly demonstrated an aptitude for financial services, and progressed her career supporting the firm’s advisers before becoming a general insurance specialist, and now mortgage adviser.

Stan Sherlock Associates has seen several members of their team achieve specialist financial advice qualifications this year, as well as successful business administration apprenticeships. The firm actively encourages their team to expand their skills and knowledge for personal benefit and to ensure their clients receive informed, holistic financial advice for life.

Bobby Sherlock, director and practice principal, said: “We’re delighted to see Sophie achieve another financial advice qualification. She’s worked extremely hard to study and pass the exams while working in a busy, client facing role. She’s gained a huge amount of experience in her general insurance and protection roles during her time with us and demonstrated a commitment to her own ongoing development. She has a very bright future in the financial services industry.”

Sophie said: “I love being busy and taking on new challenges. Each of my new mortgage clients has needed a personalised approach to enable them to achieve a mortgage offer. They’ve appreciated the fact that I can also offer them a full package of advice and ensure they have the right property insurance and life cover in place as their mortgage offer progresses, ultimately saving them time and money.”

For more information about Stan Sherlock Associates, contact the team on 01228 598821 or visit stansherlock.com