Andrew is a knowledgeable and experienced chartered financial planner, bringing a wealth of expertise in retirement planning, investment planning and later-life financial planning. Known for his clear, practical advice and client-focused approach, Andrew helps individuals and families to navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. As an associate director, Andrew works with the other board members to oversee the day to day running of the firm.
Key Services
Andrew is a chartered financial planner known for providing holistic financial planning for both individual and corporate clients. He assists clients in securing their financial future – ensuring their legacy is well managed, providing them with confidence and clarity for the years ahead.
Specialising in retirement, estate, and later life planning, Andrew reinforces this commitment as an accredited member of SOLLA (The Society of Late Life Advisers). SOLLA advisers must go through a rigorous accreditation process and this provides peace of mind that clients will receive advice from a trusted and qualified professional specialising in later life planning requirements.
As an associate director of the firm, Andrew is also part of the firm’s management team taking part in director’s meetings and working on the overall company strategy.
Career Profile
Since joining Active Chartered Financial Planners in 2007, Andrew has made significant progress. He became a chartered fellow in 2016 and in 2023 joined the firm’s management team as associate director.
Andrew joined the firm as an administrator with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) apprenticeship scheme. Completing the apprenticeship in just 6 months, Andrew continued to learn and was promoted to senior administrator in 2009. The following year, he gained his first financial qualification, Certificate in Mortgage Advice (CeMap).
In 2012 Andrew moved to the paraplanning team, where he worked closely with the firm’s advisers, researching products and options for clients. During this time, he continued to study, gaining the Diploma in Financial Planning. In 2013, Andrew began work as a financial adviser, while continuing to work as a paraplanner, being promoted to paraplanning manager (and overseeing a team of 3 people) in 2015. The same year, Andrew featured in the NECC’s book of Apprentice Greats, marking their 200th anniversary.
Continuing with his study while working full time and gaining a huge amount of technical knowledge, in 2016 Andrew became a chartered fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) – the highest level of qualification awarded in our industry.
In 2018 Andrew was recognised as one of the top 35 New Generation Advisers (in the UK) 2018 by CityWire & New Model Adviser.
In 2021, Andrew completed the Masters Degree (MBA) in Business Administration at Teesside University passing with distinction, and was also awarded chartered management status.
In 2024 Andrew completed the Society of Later Life Accreditation (SOLLA) accreditation. SOLLA is a non-profit organisation which aims to assist consumers and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.
Also in 2024, Andrew was appointed as a trustee for Daisy Chain – an award winning local charity that supports autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families.
Andrew is also very passionate about financial education and volunteers as an education officer with the Personal Finance Society (PFS) helping students to understand the importance of financial planning and the opportunities for a career in the industry. Andrew also regularly represents the firm at careers conventions and events at local schools and colleges, and has been involved with (local charity) High Tide Foundation’s finance week.
Client testimonial
“I have worked in financial services for over 35 years so I know that finding a truly knowledgeable IFA that you can really trust is not easy. Andrew, and Active Financial Planners, totally lived up to their promises and exceeded my very high expectations. I will not hesitate to return to Andrew if I need more advice and would definitely recommend him to friends”
Hobbies and interests
Outside of work Andrew’s favourite thing to do is spend time with partner, Sarah and their 4 children Olivia, Isaac, Rosie and Mollie and their (hyper!) labradoodle Hector.
A keen runner, Andrew has taken part in numerous marathons and has also completed an ultra marathon; running 47 miles none stop over the Yorkshire wolds (from Beverley in East Yorkshire to Malton, North Yorks). Not one to sit still (apart from on the bike) Andrew has also completed several triathlons, including (the ultimate triathlon) a full Ironman in 2022.
Qualifications
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (RQF Level 6) with the CII
- Society of Later Life Accreditation, SOLLA – (2024)
- MBA in Business Administration – (2021)
- CMI Chartered Manager – (2021)
