Independent advice gives you access to recommendations shaped around your needs rather than limited product ranges. We focus on clear, objective guidance that helps you make informed decisions with confidence, based on what is right for your circumstances.
Saving is about creating choice, resilience, and future security. Whether you are planning for retirement, building family wealth, or preparing for major life decisions, we help you put the right strategy in place so your money works harder over time.
Pensions are one of the most effective long term planning tools available, but they can also be complex. We help simplify the options, guide you through key decisions, and structure a pension strategy that supports your future lifestyle and objectives.
Protection planning helps create financial security when life takes an unexpected turn. We advise on solutions that can help safeguard your family, income, property, and wider financial position, giving you reassurance that the important things are protected.
Choosing the right mortgage can make a significant difference over time. We help you navigate the market, understand the available options, and select an approach that suits your goals, whether you are purchasing, refinancing, or planning ahead.
Employee benefits are not one-size-fits-all. We help you design and manage the right mix of pensions, healthcare, and protection solutions by navigating the full market, aligning every decision with your business goals, and ensuring long-term value for both your company and your employees.
Could you please pass on our thanks for Paul Beckett for all the work he put into sorting out the mortgage for our Daughter and our Son-in-Law to be able purchase the house next door to us.
It was a long road for him with plenty of problems to be solved! Maybe you could give him a “well done” pat on the back?!! We will certainly put his name forward to any future mortgage/loans we hear about being needed by anyone we know. Kindest regards and thanks
I have referred clients to Claire Taylor for the past 10 years. Claire provides a high quality, client focused and pro-active financial advisory service and develops excellent long term client relationships.
Her level of knowledge and expertise in the financial services sector is first class and I would not hesitate in recommending clients to her and her company.
I can not recommend high enough the first class service I have had from Paul and his team dealing in all aspects for my family and friends.
After the sudden death of my husband of 42 years, I was left to make sense of our investments and savings. Claire came to my house and helped me plan my financial future. She took care to explain my options. Her professionalism and knowledge is impressive. I can pick up the phone to her at any time.
I feel extremely confident in the hands of Claire and the team. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Claire arranges regular consultations and takes time to explain anything that I may not understand, answering any questions and researching product information to provide the very best advice. All in all a great service that I would highly recommend.
Paul from Southernhay arrived at our hour of need, like anyone self-employed we are always classed as odd! Well after he parked his white charger he came in took some details and went off to see what he could do. A day or so later Paul had let us know he had spoken with our accountant and lender with an in principle decision, WOW! So with a little bit of form filling (all correct but relaxed and not pressurised which comes from Paul's experience) mortgage dealt with in weeks not months and cover in place. Job done! I would recommend Paul to anyone wanted to look at Mortgage finance, the transaction was a pleasure from start to finish!
I have an excellent working relationship with Richard, he has been dealing with my finance for the past few years and would recommend him to anyone who seeks financial advice.
I have known Richard for many years now, originally through Lloyds Bank negotiations and more recently as my financial advisor. I consider it an honour to be taken on as one of his private clients and would thoroughly recommend him to anyone seeking advice about financial matters. Richard is a very astute and friendly person. His dealings on my behalf are extremely well prepared and thoroughly researched. He is most patient and tolerant when I need clarification on any point and I am always treated as if I am Richard's only client. In these uncertain times he is always someone on whom I can rely and am very grateful for all his help and advice.
We have known Richard for a number of years and are therefore confident that the advice he gives can be relied on to be carefully considered for our financial requirements and resources through his professional knowledge and personal interviews. He reviews our financial planning at regular intervals and is always available to discuss any matters promptly and gives straight forward explanations of our investments in a friendly and informative manner.
Could you please pass on our thanks for Paul Beckett for all the work he put into sorting out the mortgage for our Daughter and our Son-in-Law to be able purchase the house next door to us.
It was a long road for him with plenty of problems to be solved! Maybe you could give him a “well done” pat on the back?!! We will certainly put his name forward to any future mortgage/loans we hear about being needed by anyone we know. Kindest regards and thanks
I have referred clients to Claire Taylor for the past 10 years. Claire provides a high quality, client focused and pro-active financial advisory service and develops excellent long term client relationships.
Her level of knowledge and expertise in the financial services sector is first class and I would not hesitate in recommending clients to her and her company.
I can not recommend high enough the first class service I have had from Paul and his team dealing in all aspects for my family and friends.
After the sudden death of my husband of 42 years, I was left to make sense of our investments and savings. Claire came to my house and helped me plan my financial future. She took care to explain my options. Her professionalism and knowledge is impressive. I can pick up the phone to her at any time.
I feel extremely confident in the hands of Claire and the team. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Claire arranges regular consultations and takes time to explain anything that I may not understand, answering any questions and researching product information to provide the very best advice. All in all a great service that I would highly recommend.
Paul from Southernhay arrived at our hour of need, like anyone self-employed we are always classed as odd! Well after he parked his white charger he came in took some details and went off to see what he could do. A day or so later Paul had let us know he had spoken with our accountant and lender with an in principle decision, WOW! So with a little bit of form filling (all correct but relaxed and not pressurised which comes from Paul's experience) mortgage dealt with in weeks not months and cover in place. Job done! I would recommend Paul to anyone wanted to look at Mortgage finance, the transaction was a pleasure from start to finish!
I have an excellent working relationship with Richard, he has been dealing with my finance for the past few years and would recommend him to anyone who seeks financial advice.
I have known Richard for many years now, originally through Lloyds Bank negotiations and more recently as my financial advisor. I consider it an honour to be taken on as one of his private clients and would thoroughly recommend him to anyone seeking advice about financial matters. Richard is a very astute and friendly person. His dealings on my behalf are extremely well prepared and thoroughly researched. He is most patient and tolerant when I need clarification on any point and I am always treated as if I am Richard's only client. In these uncertain times he is always someone on whom I can rely and am very grateful for all his help and advice.
We have known Richard for a number of years and are therefore confident that the advice he gives can be relied on to be carefully considered for our financial requirements and resources through his professional knowledge and personal interviews. He reviews our financial planning at regular intervals and is always available to discuss any matters promptly and gives straight forward explanations of our investments in a friendly and informative manner.
Southernhay Financial Planning is pleased to announce the acquisition of Morgans Independent Financial Advisers Ltd, further strengthening our expertise in private client advice, employee benefits, and long-term financial planning. This partnership reflects our continued growth and commitment to delivering trusted, personal advice to more clients across the UK.
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Southernhay Financial Planning is pleased to announce the acquisition of Chris Wheatley IFA, further strengthening our presence in the South West and expanding our expertise across pensions, investments, estate planning, and long-term financial advice. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to trusted relationships, personal service, and sustainable growth for clients and communities alike.
Southernhay Financial Planning is pleased to announce that RFC is now part of the business, further expanding the support we provide to private clients and businesses. This marks a big step in our continued growth, combining trusted relationships with broader expertise and long-term financial planning solutions.
Richard joined the Lloyds Banking Group in 1987, working within their retail banking division in the South East before relocating to the South West in 1989. He worked in a variety of roles within the Lloyds Group in the South West, including Business Development and Area Management roles. Upon leaving Lloyds Banking Group in 2007, Richard set up his own Independent Financial Advisory Practice which has clients based throughout the South West & East of England and London. The Practice has grown substantially during this time with a Head Office based in Southernhay, Exeter, the heart of the city’s business and professional district. The Practice can call upon a number of associates with an array of different qualifications and specialist areas and is backed up by an exceptional administrative team.
Chris has 50 years experience working in financial services. After 34 years in banking, Chris joined a firm of independent financial advisers based in Plymouth in the role of Compliance Director. Â From there, he set up his own financial services business in Crediton, before joining Richard at Southernhay Financial Planning in Exeter. Chris now supports the business with his wealth of compliance experience. Â In addition to his lengthy career in finance, Chris also enjoys his role as a West Devon Borough Councillor using his people skills to good effect and helping local businesses to thrive in the local economy.
Claire started her career in Financial Services with HSBC Bank in 1999. Working closely with Branch and Business Managers Claire built successful relationships with individual and business clients. In 2005 Claire progressed her career as an Area Manager for Natwest Private Bank, taking responsibility for training and managing a team of Financial Advisers across the South West.
In 2008 Claire started her own Financial Advisory Business which has developed over time to a respected and successful practice with a dedicated and professional team. Claire has recently stepped back from the financial advice side of the business to concentrate on a new career as a professional counsellor and lecturer. Claire heads up the Business Development role within the Practice and takes a special interest in the financial well-being of clients and associates.
Rob has over 35 years experience working within the UK financial services industry, initially as a General Insurance Broker, and then in 1997 became a qualified Financial Adviser with the Co-operative Group, achieving the full Cll Financial Planning Certificate and the Cll Mortgage Advice Qualification, and in 2008 as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Positive Solutions Network. Rob began working with the Southernhay Financial Planning Practice in 2012 and, in more recent years, has expanded on his experience and knowledge specialising in the more technical aspects of the role. He now works closely with all the advisers within the practice providing essential technical and administrative support services across all aspects of the business.
Following his graduation from the University of South Wales in 2009, John joined his first Financial Services firm in 2010. During his early roles at two different business both based in the Southwest, John assisted in establishing and managing their respective client investment propositions. Following these early roles John was a member of both Investment Committee’s and headed up research for the latter business which would eventually be purchased in 2019. John now runs Southernhay Financial Planning’s investment Committee and heads up the business’s research team. John is also a big advocate of truly independent financial planning, where no restrictions or limitations are applied, ensuring the most suitable solutions available in the marketplace can be considered for all clients. Away from work John enjoys following most sports, now a keen golfer, he also enjoys reading and studying modern history.
David Liggins was educated at Exeter School and Exeter College and joined the Nat West Bank in 1983. He worked in a variety of branches across the South West and finally at the regional office where he trained to become a Financial Adviser. He left the bank in 1999 as he wished to become an Independent Financial Adviser and joined Foster Leighton in Exeter where he was subsequently appointed IT Director; He remained with the same company for a little over 22 years (though during this period, the business was sold to Coleman Financial Services and more recently Punter Southall).
David has worked as an adviser in the industry for 27 years and has joined SFP as he wishes to remain a fully independent financial adviser because he feels the only way he can be sure of providing the most appropriate solution is to have no restriction on the types of business, provider and investment you can consider.
David has a smallholding which occupies most of his spare time and is a keen supporter of local rugby and football teams. When time allows, David also enjoys woodworking and attending live music events; he has seen a wide variety of bands.
Charlotte started her career as a Fees Clerk at Magdalen Chambers in Exeter prior to moving to a career in the financial services industry when she joined TSB Bank in 2019. Charlotte primarily worked within personal banking, with much of her role spent meeting customers where she focused on delivering excellent customer service, using her knowledge and expertise to assist customers with their finances. Having recently qualified with the CeMAP mortgage qualification, joining Southernhay Financial Planning felt like a natural route for progression for Charlotte to grow and expand her knowledge. Outside of work Charlotte enjoys creating art, in particular drawing, and also enjoys long walks in the Cornish countryside where she lives.
James has recently graduated with a degree in Business & Management from Exeter University. James works part time for the Practice and specialises in Social Media engagement. James also runs his own online businesses specialising in such items as vintage football shirts from where his speciality in social media derives. In his spare time James enjoys playing football and has captained his local team in the last season.
Sally has recently joined Southernhay Financial Planning as a Trainee Financial Advisor, transitioning from a successful career as a biologist. She specialised in the welfare science of animals in zoos and aquariums, working with zoological organisations around the world to promote evidence-based best practices in animal welfare, human behaviour change, and professional capacity building.
Throughout her career, Sally has been an invited speaker at international conferences, a published author in the field of welfare science, and has delivered workshops and seminars on a global stage. She served as a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Ethics and Welfare Committee and has consulted on the development of international and EU-level protocols and standards for animal management.
Sally’s decision to retrain as a financial advisor is driven by a long-standing interest in personal finance and an enjoyment of working with people. She is motivated by the opportunity to support individuals in making informed financial decisions, and is excited to bring her strong communication skills, analytical mindset, and dedication to ethical practice into her new career in financial planning.
