BSc, APFS Certs CII (MP&ER) – Director and Chartered Financial Planner
Background
I graduated in electrical and electronic engineering in 1984 and started my career in TV broadcasting where I met Peter Harris. I have held various engineering managerial roles and contributed to many high profile TV engineering projects including the recent UK Digital Switchover Project.
Having gained an engineering degree combined with a genuine interest in many financial topics such as examining a company’s profit and loss (P&L) account, its balance sheet, researching investments opportunities and sourcing the most appropriate pensions has allowed me to fulfil my lifetime ambition of becoming a highly qualified Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). I also have the privilege of holding the key position as a Pension Trustee Director for a large company’s final salary pension scheme. This provided me with an excellent insight into the mechanics and relationships between the pension scheme administrator, investment advisers, scheme actuary, the pension regulator and the trustees.
My keen interest in personal finance was further enhanced when I became a member of the CII, becoming a fully qualified and practicing IFA in 2006. I am now studying towards chartered status which should be achieved by March 2014 and a Fellow of the PFS by October 2014.
As an IFA my core values are based on my Christian faith which is very important to me. I see my IFA role as one to serve and advise on the most appropriate solution for the client. Financial areas can be complex but our aim is to make them straightforward and to the best of our ability jargon free.
I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and the challenge of helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations, to date our joint experience is considerable resolving many interesting and complex personal financial issues.
Professional Qualifications
BSc Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
Mortgage Professional (MP)
Equity Release (ER)
FPC – Financial Planning Certificate (including FP1, 2 and 3)
CF2 – Investment and Risk
CF6 – Mortgage Advice
CF7 – Lifetime Mortgage Activities
CF8 – Long Term Care Planning
CF9 – Pension Simplification
HR1 – Home reversion plans
J01 – Personal Tax
J04 – Pension Funding Options
J05 – Pension Income Options
J06 – Investment Principles, markets and environment
AF1 – Personal Tax and Trusts Planning
AF3 – Pension Planning
AF4 – Investment Planning
AF5 – Financial Planning Process
Personal
I am married to Cheryl and enjoy DIY, most sports, travelling, motor bikes, I am a committed Christian and a lay preacher.
Service Areas
Pre- and Post-Retirement planning and specialist pension transfer advice
Tax efficient investment planning
Inheritance Tax mitigation strategies
Mortgages
Comprehensive financial planning, including to high net worth individuals
Personal protection
Executive Benefits, planning and protection
Business Protection (debt, continuity & shareholder)