In our last team update, we shared news about our time in lockdown.

Now, as we enter autumn, we are rotating staff, but the office is very much open for business, all in line with Covid-19 guidelines. We now have track and trace in operation alongside measures already in place and a recent council visitor was very pleased with the steps we have taken.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all our lives this year, but it hasn’t prevented Future Planning from continuing to provide ‘business as usual’, to the high standard that you expect from us.

This month, we have some colleague announcements to share. After three years with us, Business Administrator Hannah is embarking on the next stage of her career. Filling the gap left by Hannah, we are delighted to welcome Craig and Edi to the administration team.

We hear from all three below.

And finally, congratulations are in order. Future Planning’s own Sanjay and Ana got married last month. Keep reading to find out more about their special day.

Goodbye to Hannah

First off, after three years with the business, we’d like to wish Hannah all the best for her next adventure and thank her for the tireless work she’s put in as part of the Future Planning team.

Hannah started with us in October 2017 and as well as developing valuable work skills, she has also made friends for life.

When asked what she will miss the most, Hannah states: “Working with everyone here – my colleagues have been amazing – and meeting new clients.”

Hannah will be moving into an insurance-based role and we wish her well.

Hello to Craig and Edi

Filling the gap left by Hannah, we welcome Craig and Edi to the Future Planning family.

Both will be joining as part of our administration team. So, let’s meet them:

Edi says, “I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being in the great outdoors, walking my dogs.” He’s passionate about making a better life for himself and the people close to him. And on an ideal weekend, you would find him at the pub with his girlfriend and a couple of mates, catching up.

If Edi could invite any three guests to his perfect dinner party: “I would choose Martin Luther King Jr, Henry VIII, and David Attenborough.”

The best gift Edi ever received was his first car.

Excited to be joining the Future Planning team, Edi has most enjoyed meeting us all, learning new things every day, and meeting with clients.

Craig is a keen runner. You’ll often find him taking part in the local Park Run in Swindon, as well as other local events as part of his running club. Running helps him to keep his head in the game and – once the headphones go on – offers an escape.

When he’s not running, you’ll find Craig in the cinema or at the pub with a few mates.

Craig’s favourite holiday destination is Singapore. “Or at least it would have been if the Covid-19 outbreak hadn’t forced me to cancel my plans!”

If Craig could be any fictional character, he would be Agatha Christie’s Captain Hastings, working alongside Poirot and in the perfect position to see first-hand how the great detective’s mind works.

Craig’s perfect dinner party would include: “George Lucas: for creating one of the best film franchises in film history. Roger Moore: for being the best James Bond. And
either Russ Abbott or Victoria Wood: two of the best comedic minds in British comedy history.”

And finally, Craig’s favourite thing about his time with Future Planning so far? The variety of the working day, and the fact that no two days are the same.

We would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Edi and Craig to the team and look forward to working with them and watching them develop.

Congratulations to Sanjay and Ana

On 12 September, Sanjay and Ana tied the knot at the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, Wiltshire after several years together and a proposal last year in Lake Como, Italy.

Sanjay says: “We had to abide by Covid-19 restrictions, which meant only 30 people attending. Factoring in two registrars, a photographer, and the two of us, that left a maximum of 25 guests. It was very intimate, with only the closest friends and very immediate family.

“The venue (recommended by my sister) was truly lovely and only 40 minutes’ drive from where we live.

“We wouldn’t have considered it had it not been for the restrictions – it’s too small for the number of guests originally planned!

“We were their only wedding of the year to date and they were fantastic. They accommodated our dogs and paid attention to every detail: separating tables and chairs, setting up a private breakfast room, and walking the dogs throughout!

“All of our guests were able to stay with us for the whole weekend, which was really lovely. After a summer of lockdown, I think it gave them, as much as us, something to look forward to!

“In hindsight, other than some more people, we would not have changed anything. We’d fully recommend the Manor House Hotel and its team.”

With friends arriving from overseas, celebrations started early.

“The wedding weekend started on Friday,” says Sanjay. “Afternoon tea for the ladies and drinks for the gents.”

“The ceremony was at 2 pm Saturday, which meant a rare lie-in for me. My two best men, Steve and Anil, helped me get ready, and Ana’s maid-of-honour Dalila and two bridesmaids, Nayane and Luanna, helped her.

“The weather was really good, so we had an outdoor ceremony arranged on the pavilion by a waterfall, which was probably the longest walk ever!

“Because it was outdoors, we were able to have a harpist (not counted as part of the 30, being far enough away and in open space).

“After saying our vows, we had some photos and then a reception with canapes and drinks followed by the wedding breakfast and speeches. Our photographer was brilliant.

“The breakfast Sunday morning was fantastic too. The venue catered to everyone, including our vegan and gluten-intolerant guests.

“It was a shame it had to end, but it was perfect.

“We then spent a few days in Cornwall with the dogs before returning to work and our busy lives. We hope to have a party next year – subject to restrictions easing – where more friends and family will be able to enjoy the day with us.”

A big congratulations to you both from all at Future Planning!