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Our Story

The world of finance has continually evolved since we first opened our doors for business in 1971. Our story spans 45 fascinating years of growth and adaptation to an ever-changing economic climate. Here you’ll discover how technology, market changes, and key moments in history dramatically changed not only our working landscape but that of our clients!

1971-1979

The story begins

Our story begins in 1971 in a small office in Fremantle. Our founding fathers, Terry Cruickshank and Karel Nissen had just started Cruikshank, Nissen & Associates. Over the next eight years we experienced significant growth, which resulted in our relocation to a bigger office on Labouchere Road in South Perth in 1979. This initial growth would not have been possible without the dedicated team of experts assisting Terry and Karel.

During this initial growth phase Terry and Karel purchased a very exciting piece of equipment – the firm’s first photocopier! This may not seem like much of an achievement now, but in 1977 this photocopier was so advanced that it was the same price as Australia’s
bestselling car at the time – the Holden Commodore.

1980 -1989

Surf shops, printers and market crashes

The 80’s were an exciting time for the firm. Personal computers radically transformed from being toys for electronics hobbyists to industry staples. In 1980 Terry and Karl purchased the first ever computer for the firm, which quickly replaced the photocopier as the most
exciting item in the office.

1985 brought with it a Dot Matrix printer, and a new business venture in the form of a surf shop. Sadly within two years the ‘surf was up’ for this daring side venture. The shop was closed in 1987. Despite the closure, there were some highlights that year. The Australian economy was shaken up with introductions to both the Capital Gains Tax and Fringe Benefits Tax. This resulted in significant changes to how our clients operated their businesses.

1987 also brought with it the famous stock market crash. This tumultuous event rocked the financial world, sending the market into decline and pressured brokers into panic selling. Over 5 days this pressurised series of events culminated into the now infamous Black Monday.

The company dedicated much of its time to helping our clients recover lost wealth from this tragic occurrence. We nurtured many of these clients back into sustained, secure growth. Business continued to flourish, and was moved to a larger office on Stone Street in South Perth.

In 1987 Karel Nissen was also hilariously challenged by his first encounter with the humble mouse. It required the assistance of a junior employee called Steve Gava (now one of our Senior Directors) to overcome Karel’s frustration at always guiding the mouse off the edge of desk by informing him that the mouse could be lifted off the desk when being used.

1988 was a milestone year for our business. This was the year that we first started offering Self-Managed Superannuation services to our clients. We noticed that the demand for services of this nature was increasing amongst our client base and therefore wanted to set out a dedicated area within our business to assist clients. This was a natural step to achieving our vision of providing clients with a holistic approach to managing their financial affairs.

1990 -1999

Financial planning and the birth of NKH

Continuing along our evolutionary path the firm started providing Financial Planning Services in 1990. Similar to the introduction of Corporate Services and Self-Managed Super Services in the 80’s, this service was established as a new method of assisting our clients with the management of their financial affairs.

2000 – 2010

Floods, freak storms and the GST

2000 started off controversially with the introduction of the GST in July 2000.

At this point our group was diversified across four major areas. In June 2008 an overarching group brand was established to pull these brands together and give us a single presence in the marketplace. At this point we became the NKH Financial Services Group.

All group brands were refreshed in 2010 with each receiving a subtle new look and feel. The continuous line drawings were created to symbolise the journey that we have shared with our clients and staff.

2013

Continuous evolution

Over the years we have evolved from a small partnership to a boutique company, and so have the different brands within our group. Reflecting on these gives us insight into the journey we have taken. They demonstrate how we have effectively changed to adapt to our environment and the needs of our clients.

In mid-2013 we started Overwatch Asset Management as a new service available to our clients. Our research indicated that a number of our clients desired the opportunity to invest in a wider range of investment opportunities. Overwatch was implemented to address this requirement by offering clients access to investment opportunities usually reserved for professional investors.

2020

Standing the test of time

As of 2020, we have reconsolidated our businesses to form a strong, singular entity under the name Knight.

Knight contains all facets of our previous businesses:
● Self-Managed Super
● Financial advisers
● Business advisers and accountants

Despite our many different areas of specialty, we work as a team to deliver excellent
outcomes for our clients. That’s why we decided to consolidate. Teamwork has been constant theme throughout our entire history. Our client relationships are strong and stand the test of time. They are based on trust and most importantly, are founded on relationships built on trust. Our services are interconnected, always ensuring our clients are never more than a handshake away from a solution.

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