After canapés, everyone moved on to the private dining room, which was decorated in the Harding colours, complete with Harding branded balloons and cake. It looked magical, and in no time the waiters were busily topping up the glasses, and guests were tucking into their starters. Even Stanley got into the spirit of things as he quietly gnawed through the plastic opening of the food pouch that was thoughtfully left for him in a bowl for later; much to the horror of the panicked waiter who was a little startled at the mess Stan was making over the plush carpet! Despite fuel shortages and childcare issues, almost the entire team were there, and there was an excited buzz in the air as team members caught up after not seeing each other for quite some time, due to COVID-19 and home working.

Alex began his speech after the starters, and anyone who knows Alex, knows how he loves a PowerPoint presentation, and this occasion was no exception. It was brilliant to hear the journey of how Harding started, and to see pictures of the first modest office space at Sandford House in 2012, followed on two years later by pictures of PM House in 2014, which was prone to the occasional flood! Fast forward to 2016, when our Associate Director, Gemma, and her husband Phil were having a walk in Shalford and they spotted the early stages of the Estate Yard under construction. And the rest is history as they say, since Harding moved into the Estate Yard later that year and have been happily resident there ever since.

It was amazing to hear how Alex had the vision to start Harding Financial in 2011, joined shortly afterwards by Gemma in 2012, and to hear about how the firm has grown over the past ten years to a total of nineteen people today. Alex’s passion for Harding Financial was palpable throughout his speech, and it was inspirational to see how he has remained true to his ethos of providing honest, transparent financial advice, ensuring that the client’s needs are always at the core of everything he or his team does.

Not only has the team grown in the past ten years, but it was amazing to hear about how the services Harding offers its clients has also grown. From corporate benefits, long term care, mortgages to Define Benefit pension advice, and most recently adding Tax returns to the list of services. Harding certainly has been busy the past decade staying ahead of the curve in an attempt to offer the best value they can to their clients. It was especially interesting to hear about past acquisitions’ that assisted in the growth of the business, and about the exciting opportunities for the future growth through Corporate Business.

After the speech, mains were served and there was much excitement for the infamous Four Seasons Beef Wellington, which certainly did not disappoint. Everyone wondered whether they would have room for dessert, but needless to say the guests persevered, and were soon enjoying a selection of sticky toffee pudding, white rum chocolate log or traditional apple crumble.

As the lights dimmed and the drinks were now freely flowing, the music began and our very own Raph was the first to boldly made his way to the dance floor. He was quickly followed by the entire team who enjoyed a fun-filled night marking this important milestone.

What a magical evening it was! We can’t go into too much detail after this stage of the night, as that would be telling, but the antics included group singing, whilst doing a version of the Can Can, and ‘he who shall not be named’ amazed the onlookers with a spectacular backward somersault in the middle of the dance floor! Oh yes, at some point the guests were offered yet more food, as Alex handed out Harding branded biscuits, and everyone enjoyed a late-night birthday cake snack.