As the festive period approaches, we’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I have been reflecting on this year and would like to share a few of our exciting developments for 2023.
Despite some macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, I’m proud to say that we have been able to continue to grow our business through both additional funds being entrusted by existing clients and new investors coming on board. We would like to thank you for the latter, as over 80% of new members have come from your referrals, which we consider the highest praise of all.
We have also hired an experienced new adviser, Jordan, to head up our Mortgage & Protection department. This year alone, he has managed to help over 150 people either secure their dream homes or release money from their existing ones. We are pleased to announce that Jordan has just been awarded a place on the Equity Release Council, the leading accreditation in this field.
On the investment side, for those invested in Mazarin, we recently sent you a note to confirm the successful appointment of Titan Asset Management (TAM) to manage the Fund Range. We have been in constant communication with TAM, who have been able to bring the fund range to first and second-quartile rankings in the UK.
If you have had direct dealings with us over the past three months, you may have noticed that along with your dedicated Adviser, you have access to their newly appointed administrator which we hope will enable faster and more effective communications. So far, we have had very positive feedback on this from a number of clients and will continue to monitor this change moving forward to ensure that we maintain an excellent level of service.
Lastly, I would like to welcome Jo Hjalmas to the business as our new COO who comes with a huge amount of experience in Operations and is a great addition to the team.
Some 2022 Challenges
There is no hiding away from the fact that this has been a difficult year for us, and the overall markets. We have seen war return to Europe, inflation at its highest levels since the 1970s, and an increase in interest rates resulting in a cost-of-living crisis. All this has resulted in an increase in volatility, and a decline in portfolios globally. However, we are buoyant for the year to come. Inflation has started to taper off, global equity markets are starting to show real strength and depth, with countries increasing output and growing.
We believe that volatility is going to be a continued theme for the coming year, however, the current signs point to a year of returns.
The Year Ahead
Due to our successes in 2022, we can continue to grow our team. We will be hiring additional advisers and back-office employees to support you and your portfolio. Next year, we are introducing a quarterly email communication from our firm, to ensure that you are kept abreast of market and company updates.
As a company, we are driven towards supporting global sustainability efforts. During the new year, Tom, the Chairman of our Investment Committee, is creating a ‘Sustainable Suite’ of investment options. We will keep you updated about this.
We also plan on appointing a 2023 ‘Charity of the Year’, where our donations and fundraising initiatives will be directed.
The office will be closed over the Christmas period (24th December-3rd January) to give everyone a well-deserved break with their loved ones.
Last, but certainly not least, we wish to thank you. Without you, there would be no Baggette & Company. Your continued support throughout this difficult year has not been unnoticed, and we look forward to a successful and rewarding 2023.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Keith Baggette
Chairman
