One of Britain's largest chartered financial-planning firms, Fairstone Group has been expanding its team and, in the past 18 months, has recruited more than 60 staff. It has also enlarged its apprenticeship scheme.

The company, which has its headquarters in Boldon, Tyne and Wear, offers independent financial advice, investment-management and estate-planning services. Staff are part of one of the most forward-thinking financial services organisations, while retaining ownership of client relationships and the direction of their company. The group oversees £13bn in funds under management on behalf of 40,000 wealth clients, and has more than 380 regulated advisers and 295 operational staff.

Fairstone has a culture centred around respect, equality and collaboration, which, along with its suite of employee benefits that include an enhanced pension scheme, a generous holiday package, a ride-to-work scheme and a day off for birthdays, demonstrates the company's commitment to ensuring the welfare of employees.

This approach has led to a 96% adviser retention, 100% principal retention and 98% client retention. Staff choose to stay, principals are retained and clients remain with the company, which it sees as an endorsement of its culture and values.

A flexible approach to working allows staff to amend their working hours to enhance their work-life balance. There are 61 working patterns across the group, designed to maintain employee wellbeing. The company also offers subsidised gym membership and has an employee-assistance programme that is available to staff round the clock.