Quilter Cheviot Birmingham’s 30th Anniversary celebration
29th April 1994. Prince ruled the UK charts with 'The Most Beautiful Girl in the World'. Ray Liotta was captivating movie theatres with 'No Escape'. And Sir Norman Fowler was opening our Birmingham office doors for the very first time, marking the start of an exciting connection between Quilter Cheviot and the city.
Fast forward three decades and Quilter Cheviot’s Birmingham office has evolved from a modest setup at 39 Bennett’s Hill to a thriving hub at Two Snowhill, now home to over 40 dedicated Quilter Cheviot team members.
A lot has happened in those intervening 30 years. The dot.com bubble burst. Brexit. The global pandemic. And at a stock level, Vodafone’s acquisition of Germany’s Mannesmann in 1999 for US$183bn (that’s $335bn in today’s money when adjusting for inflation), which remains the largest takeover in history.
A front-row seat
Locally, the Birmingham office has had a front-row seat to the city’s transformation. The opening of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The redevelopment of both the Bullring and the city’s library. The 2022 Commonwealth Games. And the ongoing development of the first intercity terminus train station to be built in Britain since the 19th century – Curzon Street Station, to name a few.
Over those three decades, it was essential that we were not mere bystanders; we wanted to (and still do) fully engage in Birmingham’s community. It is why following the closure of Birmingham’s stock exchange in 1986, Quilter Cheviot have been an active member of the Birmingham Stock Exchange Association, honouring the city’s financial heritage while supporting local charities and exceptional new talent.
It has also always been important that we cultivate Birmingham talent, not just cherry-pick established industry professionals. It’s why we developed an internship programme that offers the first steps on a pathway to a Level 3 qualification from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), regardless of educational background. This programme provides interns with comprehensive exposure to the business, equipping them with essential skills and connections.
Dedicated to empowering women in the world of finance
We are equally dedicated to empowering women in the world of finance. Our Women in Investing initiative aims to address common issues and obstacles faced by female investors. Through events including the International Women's Month webinar series and the Female Financial View podcast, we provide a platform for women to engage in meaningful conversations about their financial journeys.
But our focus doesn’t solely stay within our industry. The Quilter Local Community Fund – which focuses on developing local communities – has raised over £20,000 for important causes in Birmingham: including The University Hospital Birmingham, to help those between the ages of 16-25 battling cancer. And the UK Sepsis Trust, to improve education in schools and provide practical clinical tools to health professionals.
As we reflect on our shared journey, a heartfelt expression of gratitude resonates deeply. It is this profound appreciation for our collective endeavours that we hold so dearly. In this tribute to the people that embraced us so warmly, we extend a simple yet sincere message:
THANK YOU
Thank you to all our clients we have served and continue to serve. The everlasting bonds we have forged with our Birmingham clientele are truly extraordinary and cherished.
Thank you to all the advisers we have had the pleasure to work alongside. Together, we have crafted financial solutions that have made a significant difference in numerous lives. Your invaluable contributions have been the cornerstone of this success.
And finally, thank you to the wider Birmingham community. You have welcomed us into your home with open arms – so much so that we ourselves now feel like part of the furniture. Our business is built on helping individuals and families in securing their futures for generations. In return for your generous hospitality, we similarly promise to contribute to the flourishing of this city, now and for the future.
As we look to the future, Quilter Cheviot remains as committed as ever to its regional office footprint, with a steadfast focus on the people that truly matter: our clients. Even as the world continues to change around us (the global population reached 8bn in November 2022!), delivering an exceptional, personal service to each and every one of our clients will forever be a Quilter Cheviot constant.
With an ever-growing Birmingham office staffed by financial market professionals, we are poised to offer bespoke investment solutions tailored to your unique needs. And should you ever wish to connect with your Birmingham team, rest assured, we are just a stone’s throw away!
Here’s to celebrating the next 30 years of growth, triumphs, and active participation, not just for Quilter Cheviot, but for the entirety of the West Midlands.
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