From an individual paraplanner, to a team of over 30 experts, Para-Sols has grown steadily over the years, evolving as a business and developing the latest services to support the financial planning industry.
As the saying goes, ‘from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow’. We’re proud of our history and take great pleasure in sharing our journey so far.
2009
Para-Sols was created on 1st June 2009 by Founder & Director, Cathi Harrison. She believed the industry would benefit from an outsourced solution – one where advisers had access to much needed paraplanning support on a flexible basis and without the long-term commitment.
2010
Cathi was twice hailed for her bravery in sacrificing a secure job in the midst of a recession to go it alone and was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at both the Women into the Network Awards (WIN) and Shell LiveWIRE – her first two of many more awards which now fill our trophy cabinet.
2010
2011
As the reputation of Para-Sols begins to grow and demand takes off, Para-Sols first full time, permanent employee, Jo Campbell joins, to help take the business to the next level. Jo is now a Director at Para-Sols, overseeing every part of operations and ensuring that original service remains in operation today.
2012
Now qualified as a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner, Cathi was awarded her first industry related award – Paraplanner of the Year at the Professional Adviser Awards.
2012
2013
With an ever-increasing client list, we embraced our company value of ‘Innovation’ and designed and built our own bespoke case management system. Rise was launched, improving our efficiency and giving our clients full transparency on their projects and their account status.
2014
Cathi is appointed to the board of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) which marks the first ever Paraplanner representation to the board and Cathi’s first official role outside of the company. She later finishes her term in 2017.
2014
2015
We’re advocates of creating a company culture which both works hard and plays hard, so we opened our first ‘Para-Pub’, which we later name ‘The Tunstall Arms’ after a dear friend and colleague who sadly passed away.
2016
Continuing to build up the trophy cabinet, Jo Campbell wins Paraplanner of the Year at the Money Marketing awards.
2016
2017
We overcame our own, and industry-wide, recruitment challenges by launching the first paraplanning specific graduate training programme – The Grad Scheme – designed and delivered by our Leadership Team. In the first half of the year, our team increases to 17 members of staff and we move to new premises to accommodate yet more planned growth.
2018
More awards, with both Jo (Highly Commended Team Leader of the Year) and Cathi (Woman of the Year, Adviser Support Services and Most Inspiring Returner) being recognised at the Professional Adviser Women in Finance Awards.
2018
2019
Para-Sols turns 10.. and has great fun celebrating it! Plus Grant Callaghan wins Paraplanner of the Year and Cheryl Lunn wins Administrator of the Year.
2020
Following the COVID-19 crisis, the Para-Sols team worked hard to innovate, rebuilding not only the way we do our suitability reports, but the services we offer, including full virtual paraplanning. See more on our Solutions page.
2020