THE DIRECTORS of Ardent Financial Planning both used to work within major financial corporations. When they came together, they shared the belief that they should do things differently.

Instead of increasingly soulless, long-distance approach to account management they focused on old-fashioned face-to-face customer service, while also embracing new technology.

The independent financial advisers have rolled out a digital platform, enabling clients to check the performance of their investments and other financial products as they wish, in a transparent way.

Funds under management have grown to £16 million in the business’s five years with large and small private and corporate clients.

Gary O’Brien, managing director, said: “Volatile economic conditions and fast-changing regulations mean it has never been more important, nor more challenging, for financial service providers to be on top of their brief.”

In the last year the Stillington-based business has merged its two divisions, Ardent Financial Services and Ardent IFA, to create Ardent Financial Planning. It also took on its first apprentice, who has become a fully fledged member of the team.

Ardent Financial Planning has entered Small Business Of The Year in The Press Business Awards 2012.