Relax – you’re in safe hands

Managing Director

Philip founded the Newell Palmer group in 1993, which became one of the largest Independent Financial Advisers in the UK.

In 2016 Financial Times-Adviser ranked the business in the top 50 largest Financial Adviser firms in the UK. Under Philip’s stewardship the business had a reputation for providing high quality, bespoke independent financial advice. The business was acquired by Ascot Lloyd in December 2018. 

Philip believes there is a better way to operate a modern socially responsible financial services advisory firm and that putting clients and staff at the heart of everything creates the foundation to build from. 

Independent Financial Adviser

Since founding WJFS with Philip, in addition to managing his own client portfolio, Matthew has built and leads, together with Philip, an expert team of highly qualified and experienced advisers providing advice and wealth management to over 500 business and personal clients. 

With over thirty years' experience in the financial advice sector, Matthew is focused on building honest and respectful long-term relationships and protecting wealth for his clients. His clients value his straightforward advice, trusting him to build value and security for their estate and overall wealth management.

Chartered Financial Planner

Hayley embarked on her financial services career in 2010, immediately after graduating from university. Having enjoyed working with several of the team before, she is delighted to have joined William James recently as an independent financial adviser.

As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Hayley has both the knowledge and expertise to provide comprehensive guidance across the whole range of financial planning matters. Her clients consistently commend Hayley for her natural ability to simplify complex financial concepts, making them accessible and easy to understand.

Independent Financial Adviser

Chris has been an IFA since 1992 and has many loyal clients that he has advised for 20 to 30 years, reflecting the quality of his advice and service. Chris specialises in providing technical advice to high net-worth clients in the areas of investment, pensions and inheritance tax planning.

Chris was previously a director and Investment Committee member at Newell Palmer, but the opportunity to join Philip and Matthew in building a boutique IFA practice that focuses on putting the client first in all that they do is one that he could not let him pass him by.

Independent Financial Adviser

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Jeremy has dedicated himself to helping individuals achieve their financial goals. Jeremy’s expertise lies in comprehensive financial planning and advising on investment solutions that meet his clients' needs. He prides himself on building long-term relationships with clients, having helped the vast majority for up to 20 years.

Jeremy believes in an all-round approach when providing advice, from protecting the family to tax planning. He also undertakes corporate work advising small businesses on pension planning.

Independent Financial Adviser

Aaron has been a professional in the financial services industry since 2018. Combined with a background in accounting, Aaron has a keen eye for detail and has gained extensive experience with managing financial matters.

Having joined us as an Independent Financial Adviser, Aaron works closely with clients, understanding their unique aspirations and creating personalised strategies to help them achieve their financial goals. Aaron enjoys the process of guiding clients through various financial options and helping them navigate the complex landscape of financial planning, so that they are well-informed to make sound financial decisions.

Independent Financial Adviser

Sam has been working in financial services since 2004 and as an IFA for the past 12 years.

He has experience in a wide range of financial planning areas; he particularly likes helping clients to achieve their retirement goals through planning to provide a tax efficient income at their target retirement age. 

Sam likes helping clients to understand complex financial issues so that they can make informed decisions on financial matters, such as how their funds are invested and the impact on their personal tax position.

Independent Financial Adviser

Jenny has worked with Philip since 1997 as an Independent Financial Adviser, initially providing specialised advice to small business, in particular around SSAS and SIPP pension schemes.

Currently Jenny enjoys advising in the corporate market and also provides advice on pensions, Inheritance Tax planning, family and business protection and wealth advice. She builds fabulous relationships with her clients, some of whom have been with her for many years and works to help them to identify their needs and plan to achieve their goals.

Paraplanner Team Leader

Amie has worked in the financial services sector since 2017 and has been a Paraplanner for five years. She enjoys the variety offered by the role and the opportunity to help clients meet their financial objectives, and ultimately make the most of their finances through careful planning and investment.

Amie has the Diploma for Financial Advisers, CII Certificate in Paraplanning and is now working towards becoming CII Chartered.

Paraplanner - Operations

Angela has almost 20 years’ experience as a Paraplanner with a variety of organisations. This has given extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of financial planning as well as more specialised areas such as Trusts, Retirement Planning and SSAS/SIPP work. Angela enjoys working closely with Financial Advisers to find the optimal solution for a client’s needs and objectives.

Paraplanner

Lauren has worked in the financial services industry since 2010, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has recently achieved one of her career goals by stepping into a trainee Paraplanner role and is working towards becoming Diploma qualified. Lauren enjoys the varied nature of her role and prides herself on providing the best possible client service.

Paraplanner

Julie has worked in financial services since 2008, with experience as a paraplanner in two previous roles. She has extensive experience in many areas of financial planning.

Julie enjoys the variety offered by the role and working with financial planners to ensure the best outcome for clients.

Head of Operations

Thomas started his Financial Services career in Banking in 1989 and after several years working as a Financial Adviser he settled on a career within the Technical and Operational area.

He has held roles as Head of Operations for both a pension provider business as well as a Financial Advice business, giving him a broad experience of operating within a regulatory environment. 

Thomas has developed his technical and operational skills throughout his career and is keen to help build the operational and regulatory framework at William James. He sees that a blend of developing people, implementing process improvements and utilising the right technology will help the business grow and provide clients with an excellent and valued service.

Risk & Operations Manager

Zoe started her career in Financial Services career in 1990 working within the Personal Pensions, Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) and, since 2007, Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) sector. Zoe has focused her career in various specialised areas including SIPP Non-Standard Investment Administration, Monitoring & Due Diligence, Project Management Implementation & Oversight and Operations Management.

Zoe is a dedicated mentor, passionate about guiding others towards success. She has a keen interest in keeping up to date with regulatory developments and trends, using this information to reduce risk to both consumer and the business.

Financial Administration Team Leader

Shante has extensive experience gained from a career working with a number of financial services companies. She has joined us as a Financial Administrator, ensuring the smooth running of our client services.

Senior Financial Administrator

Laura has spent more than 15 years working in financial services. She is currently studying and has completed her RO1 and FA2 exams. Outside of work, Laura has a toddler who likes to keep her extremely busy!

Financial Administrator

Isabella has been working in Financial Services for more than three years. She especially enjoys liaising with clients and takes pride in ensuring their needs are met in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Financial Administrator

With a wealth of experience from his previous role as an administrator in the debt management department at RBS, Nick brings a strong foundation in financial services to his new role supporting our independent financial advisers. He enjoys the ever-evolving nature of the industry, priding himself on his flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Already holding the certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, Nick is now studying for the Diploma for Financial Planning.

Financial Administrator

Sandy has been in the financial services sector for more than 20 years, working with different companies in a range of roles. She enjoys the role of an administrator, as each day brings a different challenge and allows her to have a connection to the industry and our clients.

Client Care Adviser

Fenella has worked in Financial Services for a variety of organisations since 1997. She is focused on building excellent working relationships with clients by offering a much valued and personable appointment service, ensuring both client satisfaction and retention. Having worked with Philip and Matthew previously, she is delighted to have joined them again at William James as a Client Care Adviser.