Pensions, investments and financial planning experts, Fermoy-based, Oaktree Financial Services Ltd are celebrating 10 years in business. Much like 2020, it’s been a decade of change and challenge – all of which, directors, Adrian Godwin, his wife, Norma Fitzgibbon Godwin and their dedicated team have met head on.
NO DEVIATION FROM CORE PRINCIPLES
People, sometimes rightly, associate financial services and financial planning with complexity. In a highly regulated industry that sees almost annual change, the need for sound advice is critical.
The provision of jargon-free and concise advice on all aspects of pensions, investments, life cover and mortgages has been a core principle of Oaktree Financial from the start.
“People are more astute and better informed than ever when it comes to managing their money, therefore, the challenge for Oaktree Financial Services is to match the individual needs of clients with products that best suit their short, medium and long term financial requirements.
“To this end, we adopt a policy of providing clear and concise advice that leaves no room for ambiguity; from the initial consultation, clients fully understand the potential returns of any investment they undertake; there’s also an onus on us to detail the charging structures involved, once clients have this information, they’re better placed to make an informed decision” managing director and financial planner, Adrian told The Avondhu this week.
IN A GOOD PLACE
In a year that has seen more and more people work from home, Adrian and Norma remind us that Oaktree Financial Services started life in a modest dwelling adjacent to their home. For reasons related to expansion and necessity, they’ve operated from various locations since the company was founded.
During the summer of 2018, office space became available at 10 Pearse Square, Fermoy and the firm lost no time, relocating from its then Kent Street base. Allowing for the vagaries of Covid-19, the move was an inspired one – Adrian again.
“We’ve found the move to Pearse Square hugely beneficial; situated in the heart of Fermoy, the building has excellent frontage and our profile is much greater, we’re delighted with the location”.
IN GOOD HANDS
As active directors, Adrian and Norma are ‘hands on’ when it comes to the day-to-day running of the business. The duo are able assisted by senior financial consultant, Tracy Sumstad, whose extensive national and international knowledge of financial markets is invaluable, along with, Mortgages expert Denis Ahern, experienced accountant, Trish Hyland, able administrator, Ciara Tobin and the newest member of the team, Adrian Cullinane, who is responsible for marketing.
COPING WITH COVID
Few businesses have escaped the very considerable impact of Covid-19. An international pandemic, it has closed thousands of businesses throughout Ireland and greatly reduced the viability of many others. According to Adrian Godwin, Oaktree Financial Services Ltd has done its best to adapt.
“It’s been a considerable challenge but we’ve adapted, we’ve taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of our staff and clients, like most other businesses, we’ve embraced technologies such as Zoom and thanks to an updated website (www.oaktreefinancial.ie) potential clients have access to a range of useful information”. The company landline is 025-30588.
NOTHING BEATS PLANNING
As all the Oaktree Financial promotional literature tells us, it’s never too early to start planning your financial future. This is undoubtedly true and by acting early, the financial rewards are potentially much greater. As we move through life and our personal circumstances change, financial planning becomes even more important. Be it what you might consider modest savings or a larger lump sum, Oaktree Financial Services Ltd have a product for you.
ADRIAN’S EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY
The demands of being managing director of your own company doesn’t allow for a lot of down time for Adrian Godwin. Nevertheless, he continues to volunteer his services to Synergy Credit Union (formerly Fermoy Credit Union).
Another string to his community activism is his involvement with the Fermoy Christmas Lights committee.
“The Christmas lights committee are very grateful to The Avondhu for promoting the ‘won’t cancel Christmas’ message; in the current climate of uncertainty, it’s vital that we get this message our loud and clear” he says.
