WATTERSON FINANCIAL PLANNING - Key Persons
I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2011, having obtained a bachelor's degree in Philosophy. For ten years I pursued a career in legal services. Whilst working full time, I completed my law degree and Legal Practice Course. I worked at both national and regional law firms and specialised in property law. After being made redundant for the third time, I decided to change direction and pursue a career in financial planning.
I completed the Diploma in Financial Planning through the Personal Finance Society and am now working towards the Advanced Diploma and Chartered status. I joined Watterson Financial Planning in 2023 after working as a paraplanner for a large national Chartered wealth management firm.
In January 2023, I became father to twin girls, Lily and Rose, so spare time is fast becoming a distant memory! I do enjoy taking the girls out in the Peak District, and thankfully they are on their best behaviour when on a good walk!
I started working in financial services 14 years ago with Watterson Wealth Management, and that is where I first met and worked with Craig.
During this time, I have obtained numerous industry qualifications and a wealth of knowledge and experience within the sector.
I was the Office Manager for Watterson Wealth Management and responsible for 24 members of staff until its acquisition in 2008. I continued in that role until recently, both for Bluefin and Towry.
However, I could not pass up the opportunity to join Watterson Financial Planning. Throughout my career within financial services, I have enjoyed the varied challenges and responsibilities it brings.
Following my graduation from Edge Hill University with a Degree in History and Sports Studies, I have spent my working life in financial services, starting out in the Life Assurance business with Aviva and then a small Life Insurance broker.
In 2007, following the completion of several industry qualifications, I was delighted to get the opportunity to join the administration team at Watterson Wealth Management.
I have since built up a wealth of knowledge and experience within that role and continued this until recently with both Bluefin and Towry.
I spent my early years qualifying and studying to be a Mechanical Design Engineer. However, in my early twenties I decided that engineering was not for me and I wanted to follow a career in financial services.
Following my graduation from UMIST in 2001 where I studied Chemistry and Management, my interest in finance and numbers led me into a career in Financial Planning.
I joined an Adviser Graduate Scheme in Bath with the national firm, Chase de Vere, before relocating to Cheshire in 2005 to join the team at Watterson Wealth Management. The business was subsequently sold to Bluefin (a subsidiary of AXA) in 2008 and then to Towry in 2013.
My father was a financial adviser for over 35 years and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
I graduated University in Cardiff (2012) and pursued a career in finance, starting my own businesses helping people navigate pension changes. From there I worked in multiple advisory offices whilst achieving my qualifications.
I have now been advising for 8 years and helped establish a new advice firm in 2017 which went on to be one of the best performing in Manchester. My experience has therefore been fast tracked, working with high net worth individuals and business owners to assist with every aspect of wealth management.
In 2023, I was offered the role with Watterson Financial Planning and grabbed it with both hands. The company's attention to detail and fantastic service proposition I found to be particularly impressive. To be part of such a reputable, successful company with fantastic support is a rare opportunity and I look forward to advising new and existing clients for years to come.