When advisers compare networks, recruitment support rarely tops the list. Compliance, technology and lead generation tend to receive more attention. Yet for many AR firms, finding the right people without losing weeks to recruitment and thousands in recruitment agency fees can have just as much impact on the bottom line.
Valuable recruitment support from a network help firms:
- Spend less time advertising roles and reviewing unsuitable applications
- Save thousands of pound on unnecessary recruitment agency fees
- Access a pre-screened pool of advisers and financial services specialists
- Save time having by doing checks covering qualifications, experience and cultural fit for them
- Manage the recruitment process on their behalf
- With continued support once a new adviser joins
The hidden cost of managing recruitment alone
Recruiting an adviser without support means writing the job description, advertising the role, reviewing CVs, checking qualifications, chasing candidates and arranging interviews around an already full diary.
No single task is especially difficult, but together they can take time away from advising customers and running the business. Each week a role remains open adds to the time-to-hire, while hours spent on unsuitable applicants increase the cost-per-hire through recruitment fees, lost production and diverted time.
Finding advisers who fit the business
A CV can confirm qualifications, regulatory status and experience. It cannot show how well someone will suit a firm’s culture, its customers or the way it works day to day.
Stonebridge’s in-house recruitment team takes time to understand the vacancy; the firm’s values and the type of adviser needed before beginning the search. The team can then draw on an established, pre-screened pool of advisers and financial services specialists.
This helps identify candidates who meet the technical requirements and are more likely to suit the business and the network requirements beyond what appears on paper.
Support throughout the recruitment process
Finding candidates is only the first stage. Screening applications and creating a strong shortlist takes time and judgement.
Stonebridge provides a dedicated recruitment consultant who manages sourcing and screening throughout the process. The firm retains full control of interviews and makes the final hiring decision, reducing the administrative burden without giving up control over who joins the business.
<h3>Why good onboarding matters</h3>
The right appointment can still fail if the first few months are not managed well. New advisers need structured onboarding, clear expectations and support through the relevant training and competence scheme.
Stonebridge stays involved after placement to help new starters settle into their roles. Support at this stage can help advisers reach full competency sooner and address any problems before they affect confidence or performance.
Better recruitment supports retention
Recruitment support continues to provide value after someone has been hired. Appointing the right person and managing their introduction well reduces the risk of losing them within the first year.
An early departure creates costs outside recruiting a replacement. It can disrupt the firm’s pipeline, put more pressure on colleagues, require customers to adjust to a new contact, and waste the time and money already invested in the adviser.
Growth requires a repeatable recruitment process
Firms with growth or succession plans need to recruit well more than once. Adding several advisers, replacing a retiring owner, or opening another location can quickly stretch the existing team without a reliable recruitment process.
Ongoing support gives firms a consistent way to find the right people as they grow. It also reduces the pressure to lower hiring standards because a vacancy has remained open too long.
What Stonebridge recruitment support includes
Recruitment support is provided to all Stonebridge members at no additional cost.
This includes:
- A dedicated consultant who manages the process and remains involved after placement
- Access to a pre-screened pool of advisers, specialists and other financial services professionals
- Sourcing and screening, with interviews and final decisions kept with the firm
- A search that continues and adjusts until a suitable candidate is found
Great businesses are built by great people. Our dedicated recruitment team helps member firms attract and secure the right talent, providing specialist support to make the hiring process simpler, faster and more effective. From sourcing candidates to finding the right fit, we help firms build strong teams and support their future growth.
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Stonebridge member and how our network could support your long-term ambitions. Complete our online form today to arrange a no-obligation conversation with our team.
