How two buddies became business partners
Ever since starting off in a pension’s advice call centre over ten years ago, Luke Adams and Daniel Bowles have been virtually inseparable throughout their working lives. Today, they find themselves successful directors of a thriving business- a business that has changed their perspectives of why they launched it in the first place.
Rocky start for Adams & Bowles
By their own admission, the future business partners didn’t immediately see eye to eye. In fact, Luke told us ‘We couldn’t stand each other at the start!’. Working at a call centre selling pension advice, the pair were enrolled in the CeMAP training course, allowing them to provide regulated mortgage advice. From there, they moved on to complete the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA).
‘We started working together for a company in Dartford for six or seven years when we started thinking about setting up ourselves.’
It was at that point when St James’s Place, the largest wealth management practice in the UK, reached out to Luke and Daniel to become partners. Fast-forward three and a half years and close to four hundred clients later, the pair look to have made a wise decision.
Why set up on your own?
Capital Space have seen many businesses thrive over the past 20 years, but unfortunately, we have also seen some fail. We know setting up your own business isn’t for everyone, so we asked Luke and Daniel why they took the plunge.
‘To be honest, when we first came over to SJP we were attracted by the money earning potential and how that would impact future retirement plans. However, after things started to go well it became more about giving back.’
Giving back to the community
The pair have employed two staff members and have volunteered for several charities, including the SJP Charitable Foundation. One project within the Foundation that stood out for them is the World Child Garden project, which helps refurbish and maintain garden spaces for terminally ill children. Luke and Daniel both contribute towards funding and volunteer their time with the project.
A huge passion for the pair and Client Relationship Manager, Stacey Owen is financial education. The practice delivers free workshops to schools for children aged five all the way up to eighteen.
Opposites attract
Despite their differences early on, Luke and Daniel have built a strong working relationship over the last ten years. Stacey Owen feels their differing personalities are a huge asset to the business.
‘You get the opposite end of the spectrum with each of them! It’s great for our clients, as we can see their situation from different perspectives and provide well rounded advice.’
Churchill Square Business Centre is perfect for office space
Having looked at the suitability of office spaces in Kings Hill, an SJP member recommended Churchill Square Business Centre. Several of their advisers were already Capital Space customers and the location offers some key benefits for the pair.
‘We both like the Spitfire pub and both go to the David Lloyd gym- so ideal on a personal level! Professionally the square looks great, and the site has a lot of history.’
A feel-good business story for two impressive young men that both grew up on council estates and are determined to give back to the community. We hope to see the pair continue to grow their business and provide opportunities for the local area.
