Sunderland firm is Planning 100 Choice jobs for the Future

A fast-growing Sunderland business has announced plans to create more than 100 jobs by April next year and more than double its workforce by the end of 2016.
(from left) Coun Harry Trueman with Choice Future Planning directors  Adrian Holland and Kayleigh Johnson(from left) Coun Harry Trueman with Choice Future Planning directors  Adrian Holland and Kayleigh Johnson
(from left) Coun Harry Trueman with Choice Future Planning directors Adrian Holland and Kayleigh Johnson

Choice Future Planning, which provides financial products for the over 50s, moved from Shildon in County Durham to West Quay Business Village in Sunderland as part of its expansion.

It received support and advice from Sunderland City Council to find its new head office and successfully applied for a £400,000 grant from the Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund to support the creation of 104 new jobs.

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The firm added 20 new staff last month, bringing its headcount to 53, and aims to take on a further 20 people in April and again in September. Between January and April next year, it plans to create 40 more jobs.

Director Adrian Holland said: “We specialise in later life planning – financial planning for people who are 50-plus. This is a large part of the population who have some very specific financial challenges.

“We are expanding and need more good customer relationship managers. These are premium, well paid careers that offer a good salary and structured progression. We also offer a pension scheme, free gym membership and discounts with retailers. We really want to look after our staff.”

Choice Future Planning was established in 2014 as spin-off from Adrian’s financial services business Kudos Wealth Management, and moved its headquarters to Sunderland in January last year.

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Adrian Holland said: “We really needed somewhere larger and more central. Sunderland has a great workforce and a good transport infrastructure.

“We received great support from the City Council. The business investment team were excellent. They worked really hard with us to find the right premises and assisted in negotiating the move.”

Sundelrand City Council also signposted Choice Future Planning to the Regional Growth Fund’s Let’s Grow Fund, which is providing the company with financial support for its job creation programme.

Councillor Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted that Choice Future Planning is bringing new jobs to the city and are pleased to have played a part in the company’s expansion by helping it to find the base for its future growth.

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“Sunderland is a can-do city and we have a great track record in supporting new and expanding business working here, and, as Choice Future Planning demonstrates, those seeking to relocate.

“We wish the business all the best in its new headquarters and look forward to continuing to support its growth in the years to come.”

Let’s Grow project advisor Phil Sly believes the firm will provide a major boost to the city.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to assist Choice Future Planning to create the 104 jobs in Sunderland. The project offered excelled value for money in terms of the number of jobs against the amount of grant given to the company.”