August Talk with Ana Badhan

August is upon us, and the weather has been hot! It’s the month of holidays, summer fun and time off for many people. So how are small business owners coping with the month often known as ‘silly season’?
Today we’re talking to Ana Badhan, Head of Operations at Future Planning based in Old Town, Swindon, who help people make smarter financial decisions. Future planning work in areas such as pensions, investments, tax planning, mortgages and many other services.

How is August looking in your business? Does this month hold any special significance in your business? Anniversary, milestone, accreditation, new premises? New staff?
We are celebrating 3 years of being in our new office in Old Town this month. It was exciting re-locating from the town centre to Old Town and we have been really active in the local community. Since moving here, we’ve become part of the Old Town Business Association (and Old Town friends by offering discounts to local residents), headline sponsored a local music festival in aid of Prospect Hospice, sponsor Westlecot Bowls Club and volunteer at the Oak & Furrows charity. Also, one of our advisers Anil has become chartered, which is a fantastic achievement. We enjoy being part of the community and supporting other local businesses.

What are your personal plans for this month? Can you give us a ‘tip’ for places to visit during this summer month?
My husband and I have recently joined a local Sailing Club so will be enjoying the weather on the lakes this month

August 20 was World Photo Day – can you share a photo which means something to you this year so far?
Everyone that was available from Future Planning pulled together as a team on the day of the festival and had a great time in the sunshine engaging with familiar and new faces.

Did you know August 21 was World Entrepreneurs Day? What does this word mean to you and do you apply it to yourself?
Entrepreneurship to me is always striving for innovation and being better. There is always room for improvement and growth. This is big part of my role, focusing on efficiency and better ways of delivering a better experience for our clients, aiming for excellence.

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too? Who has gone the extra mile for you recently?
A big shoutout to Vital Electrics who has helped us massively, no job too big or small for them. Also Funky Grilla, a great new business based in Regent Circus. We have also partnered with them this month to give away a meal for two, get in touch to find out how to win.

We are in a cost of living crisis at the moment. Is that impacting you at all in life or business? Do you have any money-saving tips you can share?
Now, more than ever, we are really seeing the benefits of having a robust, detailed financial plan, that can withstand any market crash or financial crisis, both for our clients as well as personally. Having one is the best financial tip because you are ready for change and can adapt to different economic climates.

Have you got any events planned for the autumn you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
After a busy working summer, I’m looking forward to going to a friend’s wedding in Italy in September.

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
We are offering free mortgage reviews and free pension reviews. In the current climate of rising costs, people can have peace of mind when speaking with us that it will not cost them anything to find out whether they actually need advice.

And finally, August 16 was National Tell a Joke Day? Can you tell us a joke and raise a laugh?
Did you hear about the crab in financial difficulty?
It was starting to feel the pinch!

To find out more visit https://futureplanningwm.co.uk/