Success has come in a relatively short time-frame of four years to Dartford financial advisers Edward Bond Wealth Management.

Employing 70 staff across the UK, the company specialises in pensions, mortgages, general insurance, protection and investments.

The firm’s mission statement stating it is ‘to provide clear, sound, jargon-free financial advice, leading to long term client relationships’, is supported by the enviable statistic that 75 per cent of new business comes from existing client referrals.

Operations manager Stephen Lawrence said: “Our CEO and managing director has lived and worked in the vicinity for the past 26 years, occupying our office in Thames Road, Dartford in excess of nine years.

“Our call centre specifically employs local people, especially mothers with school age children on shift patterns to fit in with the school run.

“The last year has been challenging for the industry as a whole with the retail distribution and mortgage market reviews bringing about many changes. The firm has ensured it is fully compliant by consistently reviewing its policies, procedures and through constant training and development.”

On staff employment Mr Lawrence said: “Edward Bond recruits at least 10 NVQ students a year. At the risk of breaking into song, we really do believe that children are our future.

“Of the 10 most recent apprentices, we have employed three on a permanent basis, with more in the pipeline. We invite anyone to call into our offices at any time unannounced. Whatever the time of the day you will see up to 10 apprentices working quietly and efficiently in a safe, well managed environment.

“We offer in-house training and take pride developing our young employees. We enjoy seeing our apprentices’ blossom and when appropriate, encourage them to progress by completing higher levels in their traineeships.”

Edward Bond Wealth Management is an entrant in the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards supported by the Messenger. Sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House and the University of Greenwich. The entry deadline has closed. The winner will be announced later this year.