By Jenni Lowden, Head of HR, Blacktower Group
When a business grows across borders, cultures and time zones, the greatest challenge is not scale — it is consistency. Consistency of values. Consistency of culture. And consistency of how people feel when they are part of the organisation.
At Blacktower Group, growth has always been a defining part of our story. From our early roots to becoming a truly international financial services business with a presence across Europe, the UK, the US and beyond, expansion has brought opportunity, complexity and responsibility in equal measure. As Head of HR, my role sits right at the intersection of that growth and the people who make it possible.
Our worldwide footprint means we employ colleagues from many different backgrounds, working under different regulatory frameworks and local employment cultures. Yet regardless of location, the principles that underpin our people strategy remain the same: integrity, professionalism, collaboration and long-term thinking. These are not just words on a page — they shape how we recruit, develop and support our teams across the Group.
Managing growth in a people-focused way requires structure, clarity and investment. As the business has expanded, so too has the need for robust HR frameworks that support both compliance and culture. From onboarding and training to performance management and leadership development, we have worked hard to ensure that our processes evolve in line with the business, while still allowing local teams the flexibility they need to thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been seeing how connected our teams remain, despite being geographically dispersed. Collaboration across offices is a real strength at Blacktower. Whether it’s sharing expertise, supporting new market entries or integrating new colleagues into the Group, there is a strong sense that we are working towards a common purpose.
As we continue to grow, managing change thoughtfully is essential. Growth brings new roles, new structures and new opportunities, but it also brings uncertainty if not handled carefully. Open communication, transparency and listening to our people are central to how we navigate these transitions. It’s important that colleagues understand not just what is changing, but why — and how they fit into the future of the business.
Celebrating Blacktower’s 40th anniversary is a powerful reminder that sustainable success is built over time, not overnight. The longevity of the Group is a reflection of the people who have chosen to build their careers here, many of whom have grown alongside the business itself. That continuity is something we value deeply.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on attracting, developing and retaining talented individuals who share our values and ambition. As our global footprint continues to evolve, so too will our people strategy — ensuring that growth is not just measured in numbers or locations, but in the strength, engagement and resilience of our teams.
Because at Blacktower, while our business may span the globe, it is our people who truly define who we are.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.