High Street Impact and Business in the Community entrant – GRN Financial Services
A financial services company committed to promoting the Staffordshire Moorlands town where it has a high street base has nearly doubled its turnover since 2021.
GRN Financial Services launched in Leek six years ago and has since helped hundreds of people find a home.
Owners Aga and Tom Gronkiewicz have a second mission, to promote their adopted town of Leek and the surrounding Staffordshire Moorlands countryside.
“We are based in the heart of Leek and the desire to serve the town has always been at the heart of our plans,” said Aga.
Husband and wife, Tom and Aga made Leek their home after arriving in England from their native Poland – and they fell in love with the Moorlands market town.
GRN is the only shop-front town centre business in Leek to purely specialise in mortgage and insurance protection services.
This is important to Aga and Tom, they believe people should have an opportunity to pop into their premises, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and be able to discuss their needs.
Aga and Tom are determined to remain committed to Leek and have plans to invest in larger premises in the town, as part of a strategy for growth.
Aga said: “We took a leap of faith to leave our home in Poland and come to England. Thankfully, we found Leek and we have been made to feel incredibly welcome. We want to pay that back in any way we can.
“I am delighted to have been elected as a member of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Staffordshire Moorlands Advisory Board and our business has this year become a member of Totally Locally, supporting business growth in Leek.
“We always signpost any visitors to Leek town centre shops where we can and think the little things are important, such as ordering in great coffee when people come into our office.
“Leek town centres is the heart of local business, and we want to collaborate with other companies to ensure it continues to thrive.
A careful bounce back strategy following Covid has left GRN in good shape. Turnover increased from £65,874 in 2021 to £119,415, and £123,354 in the current year.
Aga and Tom have introduced their older son, Filip, into the business and their growth plan is to employ two more case managers.
Aga and Tom each completed five years as financial advisers before founding GRN in 2018.
The company provides a wide range of mortgage, insurance and protection services, with Aga handling the mortgage business and Tom supporting clients with matters such as business and health insurance.
GRN Financial Services has entered the High Street Impact and Business in the Community categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.
GRN Financial Services Limited is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd. Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.