It is with a very heavy heart that we bid farewell to our wonderful tenants, Grainger Financial Planning, as they embark on an exciting new chapter.
Mike McGurrell and Paul Clough became part of the St Peter’s Gate business community in November 2011, starting out with a clear vision for their business. Their original plan was to manage around £30 million of client funds with a small team of just two people, with perhaps one additional member of staff in the future.
It didn’t take long for that vision to grow. Just 13 months after moving into their first office, Suite 410, they upgraded to a space twice the size to accommodate their expanding team. What began as a two-person operation quickly grew into a thriving business employing a further 3 people, managing approximately £120 million of client funds on behalf of around 300 clients.
Reflecting on their 14 years at St Peter’s Gate, Paul shared:
“Moving to St Peter’s Gate was the best thing we have ever done, and the company has grown beyond what we ever dreamt it could be.
Bearing in mind we named the company Grainger Financial Planning with the intention of moving into an office on Grainger Street in Newcastle, it just didn’t fit. After a couple of visits we experienced major traffic issues, and we decided the best option for both us and our clients was to locate the business somewhere closer to home with better transport infrastructure and ample free parking.
In Newcastle we would have been a little fish in a big pond, but in Sunderland we knew our competition. Very soon into our St Peter’s Gate journey we realised we were welcoming so many local people through the door, and those clients generated countless referrals. We also began working extensively with Unipres, managing employees’ pension funds, and that changed the business overnight.
Every member of the St Peter’s Gate team has been so supportive over the years, and Colleen and all the team are just phenomenal. It’s just been superb, and clients love coming in and always comment on all the improvements and refurbishments that have happened over the years. The free meeting rooms have been a godsend. We really can’t thank you all enough.”
Earlier this year, Grainger Financial Planning entered an exciting new phase when they became part of Fairstone, one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, headquartered at Doxford Park in Sunderland. The move reflects the incredible success Mike, Paul and the team have achieved over the years and presents fantastic opportunities for continued growth within a business that manages over £20 billion of client assets.
In early July, Mike, Paul, Cora, Lisa and Ozzy will relocate to Fairstone’s Sunderland headquarters to continue their journey together.
While we’re incredibly sad to see them leave, we couldn’t be prouder of everything they have accomplished during their time at St Peter’s Gate. Watching their business flourish from a two-person start-up into one of the region’s leading financial planning firms has been a privilege and they will always be an important part of our story.
From everyone at St Peter’s Gate, we would like to thank Mike, Paul, Cora, Lisa and Ozzy for 14 wonderful years. We wish you every continued success in your new home and look forward to watching Grainger Financial Planning’s legacy continue to thrive.
You’ll always be part of the St Peter’s Gate family, and you’ll be missed more than words can say.
