March team news

Published on March 14, 2025 by Blackstone

As we ease into spring, it’s a great time to take stock of the year so far—both professionally and personally. There’s been plenty going on, and I wanted to take a moment to share a few highlights.

Stepping onto the Big Stage

March brought an unexpected but exciting challenge when Gareth  was invited to speak at a Personal Finance Society event in London and also take part in a panel discussion. His session focused on the opportunities AI and automation bring to financial planning, helping firms improve efficiency and accuracy. Whilst he’s very used to delivering financial planning workshops and courses, standing in front of hundreds of fellow financial planners was a whole different experience. Gareth said “It was extremely daunting to be speaking in front of hundreds of fellow professionals. However it was a huge honour and a privilege to be asked, and I’ve had lovely feedback.”

Putting Miles in for a Great Cause

Meanwhile, closer to home, Bethan, Gareth’s eldest daughter, has been stepping up—quite literally! She’s committed to walking 62 miles this month to raise money for Refuge, a charity that supports vulnerable mothers and their children. She’s taken on the challenge with great enthusiasm, and what started as a fundraising effort has turned into something unexpectedly rewarding. Her daily two-mile walks have become a peaceful ritual, and she’s been surprised by how much she’s enjoyed the tranquillity of spending more time outdoors.

For anyone who’d like to support her, the fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bethan-chalk-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Looking Ahead

With the clocks changing soon and the first signs of spring appearing, it’s a reminder that fresh starts and new opportunities are always just around the corner. Whether that’s reviewing financial plans, getting investments in order before the end of the tax year, or simply making time for what matters, this season is all about renewal and progress.