Background
I began my career serving with the British military, where I developed discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. After leaving the forces, I joined a well-established insurance company, spending approximately eight years building a solid foundation in the financial services industry. This period provided invaluable knowledge and experience, equipping me with the skills needed to progress within the profession.
I later moved to a high-street bank, where I further broadened my expertise, developed new skills, and enhanced my professional profile by working with a diverse range of clients and financial needs.
Throughout my career, I have always had a strong desire to become a business owner. While working within both the insurance company and the banking sector, it became clear that I wanted the independence to provide advice in a way that truly aligned with my values and my clients’ best interests.
Study
I committed to extensive self-education over a ten-year period, studying part-time alongside full-time employment was very challenging. I completed a wide range of professional financial qualifications, which include:
- The Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice,
- Certificate in Regulated Equity Release,
- Diploma for Financial Advisers,
- Certificate in Long-Term Care and Later Life Planning,
- Financial Planning in Retirement
- Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Financial Advice, enabling me to attain Chartered status.
Social
Away from work, I value spending quality time with family and friends and believe strongly in maintaining a healthy work–life balance. My role as a financial Planner can be very demanding, so I make a conscious effort to switch off and recharge outside of work. Exercise plays an important part in this, helping me to clear my mind and stay focused.
I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, running, and mountain biking. I’m fortunate to live near a local nature reserve, which offers great views and provides the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the changing seasons. Getting outdoors, often with music and a couple of uninterrupted hours, helps me return to work refreshed and focused.
At home, I enjoy getting involved in DIY projects. I like researching how to tackle a job properly and then putting that knowledge into practice, which I find both rewarding and practical.
I also place great importance on staying up to date within the financial services industry. I regularly read industry reports, keep informed of government and regulatory changes, and follow developments within my financial network (Quilter). I attend seminars and workshops on a monthly basis and enjoy contributing where possible, particularly when it helps others better understand their financial options and opportunities.
When time allows, I enjoy travelling, with New York and Dubai high on my list of destinations over the next few years. One of my main hobbies is golf—while the winter months limit how often I can play, I make the most of good weather and especially enjoy getting out on the course during the summer.
Finally, I share my home with my nine-year-old cat, Molly, who very much has free rein of the house. She’s also known to make the occasional appearance during Teams calls, much to the amusement of my clients.
Aspirations
My goals for the future are centered on continuing to build strong, long-term relationships with existing clients, while also developing new relationships with individuals and business owners seeking trusted financial advice. I am committed to helping clients achieve lasting financial security and confidence at every stage of their lives by simplifying complex financial matters and empowering them to make informed decisions.
I strive to be a trusted adviser not only to my clients, but also to their families across generations. Maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards is fundamental to my approach, and I am committed to remaining at the forefront of regulatory and technical developments to ensure my advice is always robust, compliant, and relevant.
I continue to develop my expertise in complex areas of financial planning, including later-life and retirement planning, trusts, pensions, investments, protection, business asset disposal relief, and inheritance tax planning. As a business owner, my aim is to grow a sustainable, client-focused practice that prioritises quality of advice over volume, allowing the time and space needed for meaningful client relationships and thoughtful, tailored solutions.
I am continually seeking to improve systems and processes that enhance both the client experience and the way I work. Education is also a key priority for me, and I am passionate about improving financial awareness and understanding among clients and within the wider community, helping people feel confident, informed, and in control of their financial futures.
Alongside professional development, I believe strongly in maintaining a healthy work–life balance, ensuring my career remains both professionally fulfilling and personally sustainable. I aim to continue enjoying the profession while adapting to evolving client needs and changes within the industry, and to leave a positive and lasting impact on everyone I work with, building a reputation for integrity, reliability, and thoughtful financial planning.
