A Delightful Decade at AAB Wealth

Vikki Venerus leads the operations of AAB Wealth and has been with the firm from the very beginning. With our 10 year Anniversary recently celebrated we asked Vikki to reflect on her time at AAB Wealth so far and to share with us her “Top 10” moments from the last 10 years (as difficult as it was for her to pick just 10!).

So, in no particular order…

1. Achieving Chartered Financial Planner Status

When I joined AAB Wealth as a Client Services Administrator, I quickly realised that I wanted to understand the technical side of our business. I wanted to know why I was carrying out a task, not just ‘how’ to process it. This created a real appetite for me to work through industry qualifications, starting with my first exam in 2012. It was pretty hard going back to studying, but after 5 years and 15 exams, I was delighted to achieve Chartered Financial Planner status in 2017.

2. Personal Growth

Throughout my journey with AAB Wealth, I have been fortunate to gain experience across all areas of the business. This has without a doubt contributed to my personal growth which goes way beyond accreditations.

This experience, has led to my role today. Becoming both a Director and a Shareholder of the business in 2020 was a really proud moment for me

3. Growth of the Firm

I have enjoyed seeing the business move through different phases of growth over the last 10 years. A particular highlight was the move to our purpose-built office in 2016.

4. Awards and Achievements

I have enjoyed representing the firm at national awards, where our team have been recognised for their hard work. I’ve also enjoyed seeing members of our team win individual awards for their outstanding achievements. Another stand out moment was when we placed on The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For List, firstly in 2016 but also every year since then. This is particularly special because the awards are based solely on employee feedback about the ins-and-outs of company life.

5. It’s all about our clients

Our purpose at AAB Wealth, is to look after our clients, so they can face their financial future with confidence, and it’s a real privilege to do so. We look after c. 400 families, and although we can’t meet face to face at the moment, each of these families remain our primary focus.

6. Collaboration with the AAB Family

The collaboration between AAB Wealth and the wider AAB firm is part of our unique approach. I personally have benefited greatly from the wider firm expertise and see first-hand the value this joined up approach adds for clients.

7. Team Development

Having ‘walked the walk’ myself, I know how important it is to provide opportunities for people in our team to learn and develop. It makes me really proud to play a part in developing the next generation in our industry, and see people transition to the next stage in their careers.

8. Our Team

Many of the best moments over the last 10 years have been the fun we’ve had in and outside of the office. We are a sociable bunch, and enjoy each other’s company, whether it be a nice meal, or a game of bingo! Like many others, we have missed the office and socialising, but look forward to a time when we can get together again.

9. Virtual Team

We may not be able to meet in person, but the team has worked hard to keep in touch since lockdown began. The weekly quizzes may have stopped (thankfully), but we have all worked hard to keep in touch with each other. Seeing how well our team and our clients have adapted and embraced virtual contact has really impressed me.

10. Being part of something special

With my youngest daughter 6 months away from starting school, I wasn’t sure the timing was right when the role at AAB Wealth came up 10 years ago. But, I knew this was my chance to be part of something really special, and I’m truly grateful that I was given this fantastic opportunity. Being part of the AAB Wealth story from day one makes me really proud, and it’s given me the opportunity to work with some inspirational colleagues and clients. Here’s to the next 10 years and beyond, and to celebrating properly when we can …