As Cortus Advisory Group continues to grow across the UK, we remain focused on protecting what makes us different: our people, our culture, and our values.

We caught up with Charlene Horan, who joined us in July as People Engagement Manager, to hear what drew her to Cortus, her first impressions, and what’s next as we continue to strengthen our people and culture foundations.

Q1. What first stood out to you about Cortus? The warmth and authenticity of Helen Johnson and Nicola Merritt immediately stood out. From my first conversation, I felt at ease – a reflection of their approachable, values-driven leadership. Their commitment to protecting the company’s culture as it grows was clear from the start.

Cortus had reached an exciting stage of growth, recognising the need to invest in HR and engagement to support its people. With so many great initiatives already in place and a strong ESG focus, it felt like a brilliant opportunity to build on solid foundations.

Q2. What made you want to join the team and help shape our people strategy? Cortus’ ability to grow quickly while staying true to its culture really resonated with me. Having female leaders who’ve broken barriers in a male-dominated industry was incredibly inspiring, and it was clear this was a business where people genuinely matter.

I’ve always loved working with agile, scaling firms but Cortus stood out for its trust, autonomy and authenticity. It felt like the perfect place to help shape a people strategy that attracts and develops the talent we need today and in the future.

Q3. What are the challenges and opportunities of maintaining culture during rapid growth? The challenge is balancing expansion with our “Doing Deals Differently” ethos. Growth can test communication, consistency and culture – but it also brings opportunity.

Welcoming people with diverse experiences strengthens us, while adopting new tools improves collaboration. By hiring thoughtfully and listening to our people, I believe we can keep Cortus a place where everyone feels valued and heard.

Q4. How would you describe the Cortus culture? Cortus is collaborative, agile and genuinely people-focused. Decisions are made transparently and quickly, and everyone is empowered to contribute.

There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork – both with clients and across our 6 offices – and a real commitment to feedback and continuous improvement. It’s a culture built on trust, expertise and integrity.

Q5. What are your priorities for the next 12 months? My focus is strengthening the foundations that support our people as we grow – from talent acquisition and learning opportunities to more data-driven systems that enhance how we work.

Continuous feedback and development will remain at the heart of everything we do, helping us maintain an environment where everyone can thrive.

Q6. As Cortus continues to grow, what’s most important to protect? Staying true to our core values: Collaboration, Expertise and Integrity. Those values underpin the supportive relationships that make Cortus special.

We’ll keep fostering psychological safety, open communication and a genuine listening culture so new joiners feel welcomed and everyone continues to grow together.

If you think Cortus Advisory Group sounds like the kind of place you would like to work please send your CV to Charlene Horan or Helen Johnson.