The Team at Southernhay

Our team of dedicated experts have the knowledge and experience you’re looking for. Why not contact us today?

RICHARD WHEELER

Director & Independent Financial Adviser

Richard Wheeler was educated at the City of London Freemen’s School in Ashtead Park, Surrey. He joined Lloyds Banking Group in 1987, working in their retail banking division in the South East before relocating to the South West in 1989. He worked in in a variety of roles within the Lloyds Group in the South West, including as Senior Branch Manager with responsibilities for staff in up to 15 branches. Upon leaving Lloyds Banking Group in 2007, Richard set up his own Independent Financial Advisory Practice which now has clients based throughout the South West & East of England and London. The Practice has grown substantially during this time and the main office is now based in Southernhay, Exeter, which is in 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. The Practice can offer advice across all areas of financial planning including investment & pensions advice, estate planning, mortgage and protection planning. Where appropriate, clients will benefit from regular financial reviews to ensure that their financial plans remain on track to achieve their objectives and they can be sure that they will benefit from bespoke financial solutions tailored to their individual requirements.

CLAIRE TAYLOR

Director & Independent Financial Adviser

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 and her colleagues at Southernhay Financial Planning Ltd pride themselves in building and maintaining long standing relationships with clients, working with them to help them achieve their Financial Goals. Southernhay Financial Planning Ltd provides an exceptional service to both Retail and Corporate clients. The practice has carefully selected business partners to ensure clients can be offered a comprehensive approach covering all their financial planning needs.

PAUL BECKETT

Independent Mortgage Adviser

Paul started his financial services career back in 1995, having previously worked for British Gas. His first position was as a Sales Representative with Pearl Assurance and within 18 months was promoted to the position of Training & Compliance Manager. Following the demise of the Pearl, Paul became an Independent Financial Adviser with a local company, specialising in mortgages.

Paul joined SFP in 2015 as their specialist mortgage adviser, and has since developed business relationships with a number of IFAs and other professional firms to provide mortgage advice. Paul says “In financial services there isn’t a better feeling than seeing someone pick up the keys of their new house! With the “few” years experience I have the knowhow to make things happen, I’d like to think I can give quality advice to anyone who already has a mortgage, or wants a mortgage.” On a personal note, Paul is married to Sue and has four children and six grandchildren that keeps both him and Sue very busy and very poor! Paul and Sue like their holidays, especially to Nerja in Spain and also now to America where their daughter and two grandchildren now live.

ROBERT GRAY

Client Relationship Manager

Rob has over 25 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 Ltd Practice in 2012, then in more recent years, expanding on his experience and knowledge, deciding to specialise on 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.

CHRIS EDMONDS

Operations Manager

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.  From there, he set up his own financial services business in Crediton, before joining Richard at Southernhay Financial Planning Ltd in Exeter.

Chris now supports the business with his wealth of compliance experience.  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.