CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net
DESIGN EDITOR
Abigail Jones BA (Hons) editor@oracle.uk.net
EDITORIAL
Abigail Jones BA (Hons) editor@oracle.uk.net
ACCOUNTS
Emma-Jane Corry BS (Hons) emma@oracle.uk.net
SALES MANAGERS
Myles Lockwood
Tyler Cussen sales@oracle.uk.net
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Abigail Jones BA (Hons)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Front Cover - South West SUP
Pixabay | Pexels | Freepik
SISTER MAGAZINE
OM Plymouth www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk IF
chools are back, the evenings are drawing in and leaves are beginning to turn. On top of that, we have a new edition of OM! In this edition, we have two business profiles, lots of interesting editorials and some delicious recipes.
We had the honour of speaking to Excaliber Associates and we have the inspiring story of where it all began with Stella Goodman and the bright and exciting future with Calum Levy.
We share some a customer’s story who’s had a kitchen from KF KItchens and we also have some financial tips and advice for UK Savers Week.
We also have some delicious wholesome recipes to try this September.
Thank you to The Black Cat Surf Club Cafe for their generous £50 competition prize (pg 23) voucher for one lucky winner!
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy all this issue brings!
for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.
Imagine waking up every day to a kitchen that puts a smile on your face! That’s how Jessica Randall feels each morning, after she and her husband Steve asked Plymouth company KF Kitchens to create a new living space for the downstairs of their home in Hartley: “I come down every morning and smile,” said Jessica. “I have to pinch myself that this is our home. It has completely transformed the way we live in the house.”
And what a transformation! Before, the space comprised three separate rooms: a small kitchen at the back, a breakfast room where the family dined, and a rear lounge that was underused as the house also has a front lounge.
Initially, Jessica and Steve had the idea of making the kitchen bigger by knocking down the wall between the kitchen and breakfast room: “But we were keen to have someone else come and have a look at it and discuss ideas,” said Jessica. “KF Kitchens had been recommended to us, so we made an appointment to see them.”
The couple met the firm’s owners, Nathan and Derinda Damarell, at their Faraday Mill showroom, where they talked through the process and the likely cost. Steve said: “As soon as we talked to Nathan, we felt reassured and that we were in good hands. He told us that we didn’t have to decide on everything all at once, we could think about things like colours, handles and flooring, later. Compartmentalising everything like that made the process easier. And because they use their own team of tradesmen, it meant they would coordinate the whole project. Again, that took away any anxiety about having to do that ourselves.”
The conundrum over how best to utilise the downstairs space was solved the moment Nathan stepped into their home at the site visit: “His vision was almost immediate, and so clever,” said Jessica. “He suggested that the kitchen should be where the rear lounge was, and that the old kitchen could become a utility.”
It meant removing the wall separating the rear lounge and the breakfast room, as well as a pillar and a fireplace. Not only would this design provide a spacious kitchen, but it would also connect with the garden through new patio doors and open up the views to Dartmoor.
Jessica and Steve chose a Nolte kitchen in lava and blueberry, and an island with a hob. Jessica said: “I do a lot of cooking, and this is the perfect place for the hob. I can see out to the garden, and it’s more sociable because I’m facing towards everyone else while I’m cooking. I knew I wanted a mostly grey kitchen, and Nathan came up with the blue pop of colour, which was brilliant.”
She added: “Opening it all up like this has given us more room, and we’ve got so much preparation and storage space now. A lot of thought went into the layout, and that was something we did together with Nathan and Derinda.”
All the integrated appliances are by Neff: single oven, combined microwave and oven, two fridge freezers, a dishwasher, and an induction hob with extractor. The Caesarstone worktops are by Plymouth firm Mayflower Stone and the flooring is Karndean. For the new utility, the couple chose the British brand, Burbidge.
KF Kitchens managed the entire project – the building work, all elements of the installation including electrics and plumbing, decorating, flooring and regular waste removal which meant there was no need for a skip: “The tradesmen were all excellent,” said Steve. “If anything needed solving, they said they’d solve it, and they did solve it. They took pride in their work.”
Steve has no hesitation in recommending KF Kitchens: “The management of the process was exceptional, together with the quality of the product and the quality of the team. Nathan and Derinda offer great ideas. They’re professional, but also very approachable and helpful – and patient. And Nathan’s costings were pretty much spot on.”
Jessica added: “When we moved here in 1996 with young children, we updated the existing kitchen but didn’t have the spare money to do any more than that. We always knew we wanted to make better use of the space, but never found the time until now. We’re so proud of ourselves that we’ve done it. We’re absolutely thrilled with it, there’s nothing I would have done differently.”
And if they had three words to describe their new kitchen, what would they be? “Wow, stunning, transformative.”
To transform your kitchen space, book a consultation in the KF Kitchens studio, by email (enquiries@kfkitchens.co.uk) or phone (01752 255022). You can also check out their website (www.kfkitchens.co.uk), and social media on Instagram (@kfkitchens) or Facebook.
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With big changes already taking place earlier this year, Stella Goodman and Calum Levy have worked tirelessly to break the mould and redefine the experience of seeking financial advice. With their new office, 5-star reviews and big plans for the future, Excaliber Associates is poised for an exciting journey in the years to come.
But first, we took a step back to 1987, a pivotal moment that set Stella Goodman on a path that would eventually lead her to her firm, Excaliber Associates. At the time, Stella was working shifts as a Police Matron, looking after female detainees at Charles Cross Police Station. But life took an unexpected turn when she went through a separation, forcing her to reconsider her career. With three young children to support and a mortgage to pay for, Stella attended a weeks course- called “Women Returning to Work,” organised by Plymouth City Council, which opened her eyes to the possibilities within the financial services industry.
Stella saw a profession where there were no limits imposed by gender—an industry where success was determined by merit rather than by barriers. She was drawn to the idea that through hard work and dedication, one could rise through the ranks, with each step supported by the qualifications gained through rigorous exams. For Stella, this career offered the perfect blend of intellectual challenge and personal interaction, two things she values deeply.
Recalling with a laugh, Stella remembered the days of finding a job meant scanning the newspaper’s classified section. It was during one of these searches that she came across an opportunity that would change her life—a position as a financial advisor with AMP (Australian Mutual Provident), a company later acquired by Pearl Insurance.
Determined to excel in this new field, Stella juggled a full-time job while pursuing her qualifications, studying in every spare moment she could find. She paid for her courses and exams out of her own pocket, all while managing the responsibilities of running a household on her own. Speaking of multitasking, Stella, to this day, still helps to organise the Plympton Christmas Light Switch On, as she’s one of the original founding members.
Stella Goodman’s journey to becoming an independent financial advisor began after three and a half years at AMP, which eventually became
Pearl Insurance. However, as time passed, Stella realised that Pearl’s values no longer aligned with her own. Seeking a better fit, she transitioned to a position at Canada Life. During her time there, a former colleague from Pearl, who had started his own company in Tavistock, invited Stella to join him. This opportunity marked the beginning of Stella’s career as an independent financial advisor.
But Stella wasn’t one to settle. She continued to search for the right environment where she could truly thrive. This search led her to a firm in Telford, where she met the individual who would become her business partner in Excaliber Partnerships, established in 2004. However, just two years later, her partner’s circumstances changed, and Stella found herself steering the ship solo. Undeterred, she transformed Excaliber into a limited company and, in 2007, took another significant step forward by securing her first official office in Plympton, located at the top of the Ridgeway. With a small team consisting of an administrator and a mortgage advisor, Excaliber began to grow.
Then, in 2008, the global recession hit, creating challenges that threatened many businesses, including Stella’s. Mortgages became difficult to secure, and public confidence in investments plummeted. Refusing to be a victim of circumstances, Stella adapted by enrolling in a week-long course in Will Writing and Estate Planning. This strategic diversification kept Excaliber afloat during tough times, allowing her to keep her staff employed and the business doors open. At the time she opened her office in 2007, there were ten financial firms on Ridgeway. Today, Excaliber is the only one independent financial adviser still standing.
Fast forward to March 2024, after nearly two years of searching for the perfect new location, Stella, Calum, and the Excaliber team downsized to a smaller, more modern office, still on the Ridgeway high street. This move has proven to be a brilliant business decision, fostering a better social atmosphere and attracting more walk-ins and enquiries. The new space breaks the stereotype of the stuffy, intimidating financial advisor’s office, offering potential clients a warm, welcoming environment where they can comfortably engage in an initial conversation with no jargon.
This brings us to Calum Levy, the 25-year-old rising star and future face of Excaliber. Calum’s journey with the firm began in 2018 during his first year at university, where he was pursuing a Financial Economics degree. That summer, Santander
launched a UK-wide initiative offering two-week work experience placements funded by the bank, provided certain criteria were met. Preferring the personal touch over emails, Calum reached out directly to a few local firms, which led him to Stella’s door. She invited him into the office for a chat and offered him the chance to gain hands-on experience at Excaliber.
During those two weeks, Calum was thrown into the deep end, handling tasks like sending off reports to the FCA and manually working out commissions. Impressed by his initiative and enthusiasm, Stella kept in touch with Calum, who returned the following summer for more experience. By August 2020, after completing his degree and taking a well deserved month off after his studies, Calum had become a core member of the Excaliber team.
However, his path was different from what he had initially imagined. Like many recent graduates, Calum expected to start earning big right away, not realising that this side of the financial business required additional qualifications beyond his degree. Undeterred, he embarked on an apprenticeship in Mortgage Advice in August 2020, completing it within two years. In September 2022, Calum achieved a significant milestone by earning his diploma, to which he then became a full-time mortgage adviser working toward his competency which Calum got relatively quickly. The following year in October 2023, Calum began his studies for a Level 4 Diploma in Financial Advice and completed in July 2024, all completed in his spare time.
The past four years have been a period of steady progress for Calum, something he appreciates about the financial industry. He values the clear career path it offers and the diverse range of services he can provide, ensuring that no two clients have the same needs. What drives Calum most is his passion for helping people and the personal connections he builds along the way.
At Excaliber Associates, the client experience begins with a thoughtful, two-appointment process designed to ensure a perfect fit between the advisor and the client. The first appointment is free of charge, offering
www.excaliber-ifa.co.uk
an opportunity for both parties to explore what the firm can offer, discuss the client’s needs, and review potential fees. This initial meeting sets the stage for a collaborative relationship, ensuring that the client feels comfortable and confident moving forward. The second appointment dives deeper into the specifics, where the Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) presents the research they’ve conducted and outlines the options available to the client.
In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, pension advice has become the most sought-after service at Excaliber Associates. Whether clients are just starting their pension journey or reassessing existing plans, the constant evolution of legislation can make the process overwhelming. Clients often grapple with questions like: Is my pension performing well? Do I have the right plan? What do these new regulations mean for me? Recognising this complexity, Stella Goodman and Calum Levy prioritise staying ahead of the curve, continuously updating their knowledge and maintaining open lines of communication with their clients. Calum reflects on this dynamic, noting, “That’s the thing with this job—you’re always learning and finding new ways to tackle things.”
The importance of seeking financial advice cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to securing your financial future. At Excaliber Associates, financial planning is seen as the second most critical aspect of life after ensuring a stable living situation. There’s no age limit when it comes to financial planning; the firm even assists clients in setting up pensions for their grandchildren. Many of Excaliber’s clients come with a complex history of multiple jobs and varying pension schemes. The firm specialises in consolidating these disparate accounts, giving clients full control and easy access to their financial assets. Looking ahead, the next five years at Excaliber Associates promise to be a period of transition and growth. Stella, having poured her heart and soul into building the firm, envisions stepping back from day-to-day operations. She is confident, however, that the business will be in excellent hands. Since joining the team, Calum has demonstrated a remarkable work ethic, deep empathy for clients, and a genuine passion for the financial industry. Stella believes there is no one better suited to carry forward the legacy of Excaliber Associates, ensuring its continued success for years to come.
What’s one piece of advice you can offer our readers?
Calum: “Treat your savings and investments as a bill, pay yourself first.”
Stella: “Invest in your health, invest in your wealth.”
The Barbican & Sutton Harbour 14th - 15th September
Seafest Plymouth, will once again be celebrating the incredible sustainably caught fresh fish and seafood on offer in Britain’s Ocean City, as well as celebrating and informing visitors about our wonderful ocean, all across the waterfront.
tAyloR sWift cAme fRom the noughties PARty
Plymouth Argyle FC, Plymouth Friday 6th September
Featuring a live performance from Fearlessly Taylor one of the UK best Taylor Swift tribute acts, this event will take you on a nostalgic journey through her early years. Dress up in your best Taylorinspired outfit and come ready to dance the night away! This event is for over 18’s
bARbicAn ARts And cRAfts mARket
Pier Masters House, Plymouth Sunday 1st & 8th September
The Barbican Arts and Crafts Market returns for it’s fourth year, showcasing artists and crafters from across Devon and Cornwall. The market will be open between 11am-5pm.
uim PoWeR boAt WoRld chAmPionshiP finAls
Mount Batten Watersports & Activities Cetnre 6th - 8th September
UIM Pleasure Navigation Endurance World Championship Finals 2024. The series has toured since 2014 as Aqua Adrenaline –combining a number of aspects to provide fantastic on water entertainment for spectators.
Derriford Hospital, Plymouth 14th - 15th September
Calling all fearless fundraisers! We invite you to participate in Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s hero challenge - a sponsored abseil to conquer the heights of Derriford hospital in support of your local NHS hospital! Tickets cost £25 to secure your space, and we recommend a minimum sponsorship of £75.
Royal William Yard, Plymouth Sunday 15th September
Board the Sailorette and join the plentiful crew, ‘The Old Time Sailors’, for a night of footstomping, dancing and singing! This is an immersive experience of traditional seafaring music. Fancy dress is encouraged, so pull out your best seafaring garments me hearties and join the festivities.
PumPkin festivAl At PennyWell fARm
Pennywell Farm, Plymouth 28th Sept - 3rd Nov
Even BIGGER and BETTER than last year, the 2024 Pumpkin Festival will include; Access to the Pumpkin Patch, Fabulously Fun Pumpkin Trail, Live music and much more! All tickets must be booked online.
sAltRAm RotARy clAssic cAR shoW
Lyneham Estate, Yealmpton Sunday 4th September
Enjoy a leisurly day at the Lyneham Estate with a Classic Car Show, food and musical entertainment.
Empowering Your Financial Future with Smart Saving Tips UK Savers Week 9th -15th September
As the cost of living continues to rise and financial pressures become more prevalent, saving money has become more critical than ever. Enter UK Savers Week—a nationwide initiative designed to empower individuals to take control of their finances, build a secure future, and develop smart saving habits. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of saving and offering practical tips to help you make the most of your money. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, UK Savers Week is the perfect time to focus on your financial well-being.
UK Savers Week is not just about putting money away; it’s about fostering a culture of financial responsibility and awareness. With the ever-increasing cost of living, many people find it challenging to save regularly. However, saving is essential for achieving financial stability, managing unexpected expenses, and securing a comfortable retirement. This initiative encourages everyone to take small steps towards a healthier financial future, no matter their current situation.
Saving money doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few practical strategies, you can make significant progress toward your financial goals. Here are some essential tips to get you started:
The Importance: Having clear goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Whether it’s saving for a vacation, a home deposit, or your retirement, knowing what you’re working towards keeps you motivated.
How to Start: Identify your short-term (e.g., holiday fund), medium-term (e.g., buying a car), and longterm (e.g., retirement savings) goals. Assign a specific amount to each and set a realistic timeline. This way, you can break down large financial targets into manageable steps.
Why It Works: A budget is the foundation of any effective saving strategy. It helps you track where your money is going, manage your expenses, and spot areas where you can cut back.
How to Budget: Begin by listing your monthly income and all expenses, from essentials like rent and groceries to discretionary spending on entertainment. Use budgeting tools or apps to help you categorize your spending and identify potential savings.
aUtoMate yoUr SavinGS
Why It’s Effective: Automation ensures that saving
becomes a priority, not something you do only if there’s money left over.
How to Do It: Set up a standing order to transfer a portion of your income into a savings account each payday. This “out of sight, out of mind” approach helps build your savings without the temptation to spend.
Maximizing Returns: Different savings accounts offer varying interest rates and benefits. Choosing the right one can significantly impact how much your savings grow over time.
What to Look For: Explore your options, including easy-access savings accounts, fixed-rate bonds, and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). ISAs are particularly advantageous in the UK as they allow you to earn interest tax-free, making them a smart choice for long-term savings.
Cutting Back: Everyday expenses can add up quickly, and often, we pay for things we don’t really need.
How to Identify Savings: Review your monthly subscriptions, such as streaming services, magazines, or gym memberships. Cancel any that you don’t use regularly. Also, consider reducing takeout meals or shopping for deals on groceries—these small l changes can free up money to put into your savings.
Long-Term Benefits: Compound interest can significantly grow your savings over time. The earlier you start, the more you benefit.
How It Works: When you earn interest on your savings, that interest is added to your balance, and you begin to earn interest on the new total. Over time, this compounding effect can turn small, regular deposits into a substantial sum.
Stay On Track: Your financial situation and goals may change over time. Regular reviews ensure that your savings plan remains relevant and effective.
How to Adjust: Set aside time every few months to evaluate your budget and savings strategy. If you’ve received a raise, encountered unexpected expenses, or changed your financial goals, adjust your savings plan accordingly.
UK Savers Week is the perfect opportunity to reassess your financial habits and make positive changes. Throughout the week, take advantage of the resources available—workshops, webinars, and financial advice services are all designed to help you navigate the world of savings with confidence. Engaging with these tools can provide personalized insights and guidance, making it easier to develop a savings strategy that fits your unique circumstances.
Building a solid savings habit is one of the most empowering financial decisions you can make. By setting clear goals, creating a realistic budget, automating your savings, and regularly reviewing your progress, you can pave the way to financial security. UK Savers Week is a reminder that saving doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right approach, you can take control of your financial future—one step at a time.
Please mention The Plympton Community Magazine when responding to adverts
An experienced local team of experts, dedicated to guiding you through every aspect of Wills, Probate, Estate Planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We’re here to ensure your future is secure and your wishes are respected, giving you peace of mind if the unexpected were to happen.
At Howard & Over we pride ourselves on doing things differently. Our dedicated Private Client team has extensive experience in the intricate and sensitive matters of Wills, Probate, Estate Planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We know first-hand how important it is to get prepared and plan for the future, and as a result offer a more supportive legal service to ensure you are confident that every aspect of your personal affairs is taken care of, and your best interests are safeguarded.
For more information, please contact our specialist Private Client solicitors at Howard & Over. We are here to advise you on your needs and how we can help.
Tel: 01752 556606
We’re proud to be a chartered certified accounting firm who like to do things differently, being more than just ‘accountants’ whatever size or type of business you have
Soup-tember is here and we’ve got some warming recipes to enter the autumn with.
Serves - 4-6
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• ¼ tsp hot chilli powder
• 1 tbsp ras el hanout
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2cm pieces
• 100g red lentils
• 1L hot vegetable stock
• 1 small bunch coriander, leaves chopped, plus extra to serve
• dukkah (see tip) and natural yogurt, to serve
Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish or saucepan over a medium-high heat. Fry the onions with a pinch of salt for 7 mins, or until softened and just caramelised. Add the garlic, chilli and ras el hanout, and cook for 1 min more.
2
3
Stir in the squash and lentils. Pour over the stock and season to taste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 25 mins or until the squash is soft. Blitz the soup with a stick blender until smooth, then season to taste. To freeze, leave to cool completely and transfer to large freezerproof bags.
Stir in the coriander leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve topped with the dukkah, yogurt and extra coriander leaves.
Serves - 4
• 90g butter
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 500g mushrooms, finely chopped (chestnut or button mushrooms work well)
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1l hot chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 tbsp single cream
• small handful flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped, to serve (optional)
2
Heat the butter in a large saucepan and cook the onions and garlic until soft but not browned, about 8-10 mins.
Add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for another 3 mins until softened. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to the boil, then add the bay leaf and simmer for another 10 mins.
1 2
3
3
Remove and discard the bay leaf, then remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and blitz using a hand blender until smooth. Gently reheat the soup and stir through the cream (or, you could freeze the soup at this stage – simply stir through the cream when heating). Scatter over the parsley, if you like, and serve.
Serves - 2
• 900ml chicken or vegetable stock (or Miso soup mix)
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 175g)
• 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 50g rice or wheat noodles
• 2 tbsp sweetcorn
• 2-3 mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions, shredded
• 2 tsp soy sauce, plus extra for serving
• mint or basil leaves and a little shredded chilli to serve
Pour the stock into a pan and add the chicken breast, ginger and garlic. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, partly cover and simmer for 20 mins, until the chicken is tender.
Put the chicken on a board and shred into bite-size pieces using a couple of forks. Return the chicken to the stock with the noodles, sweetcorn, mushrooms, spring onion and soy sauce. Simmer for 3-4 mins until the noodles are tender.
Ladle into two bowls and scatter over the remaining spring onion, mint or basil leaves and chilli, if using. Serve with extra soy sauce.
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