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.
I have referred clients to Southernhay for the past 10 years. They provide a high quality, client focused and pro-active financial advisory service and develop excellent long term client relationships.
Their level of knowledge and expertise in the financial services sector is first class and I would not hesitate in recommending clients to them.
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.
I have referred clients to Southernhay for the past 10 years. They provide a high quality, client focused and pro-active financial advisory service and develop excellent long term client relationships.
Their level of knowledge and expertise in the financial services sector is first class and I would not hesitate in recommending clients to them.
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.
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 offices in Exeter, Sidmouth, Keynsham and London. 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. Richard now focusses on leading the Southernhay FP team and continuing to build the business via mergers and acquisitions and organic growth.
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 in Exeter. Chris now supports the business with his wealth of operational 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.
Martin graduated from University College London in 1981 and joined the Financial Services sector in 1985 as an Independent Financial Adviser, moving to Morgans in 1991. He is qualified up to Advanced Financial Planning Certificate (AFPC) level.
Martin has over 30 years’ experience of advising high net worth individuals and companies in pre- and post-retirement and investment planning. In 2005, Morgans established a specialist employee benefits division, Morgans Corporate Benefits, to look after existing and new corporate clients. In 2008, Morgans Corporate Benefits won the Advisor of the Year title from Corporate Advisor magazine. In 2009 Martin took over the position of Managing Director of this division, whilst continuing to look after a select group of private clients.
Martin is a frequent commentator and reviewer in industry magazines and has often been quoted in various national newspapers and magazines. He has a wealth of experience in complex, high level financial planning and has been used frequently by legal professionals as an expert witness in this field.
Outside work, he plays golf badly and is a frequent attendee of pretty much any sporting event he can get to. He also refuses to accept that he is too old to attend gigs and festivals, although grime and urban have passed him by.
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 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 the clients and 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 businesses 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 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.
Aneta has worked for Morgans since 2014 and is integral to our philosophy of providing excellent customer service. She has gained a broad knowledge of both the Financial Services industry and internal office procedures, and is largely responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the office and handling general client queries.
Outside work Aneta loves travelling, cooking and listening to music.
Sam started in Financial Services over 18 years ago, fresh out of university having completed a Business Studies degree. Since then, she has worked for two IFA firms, an Accountancy practice as well as a Law firm. She has gained a great deal of experience over these years and has worked with a variety of clients. Sam has been part of the team at Morgans since 2007 where she provides research and report writing services for the Directors.
During her time in the industry, Sam has completed several Financial Services exams and in 2015 achieved the Chartered Financial Planner qualification.
Outside of working life, Sam is married and is kept busy with her young son and two teenage stepchildren. In the event of having any spare time Sam likes to try and keep fit by running.
Charlotte started her career as a fees clerk at Magdalen Chambers in Exeter prior to moving to a career in financial services with TSB Bank in 2019. Charlotte worked primarily within personal banking, with much of her role spent meeting customers where she focussed on delivering excellent customer service, using her knowledge and expertise to assist customers with their finances. Having qualified with the CeMAP mortgage qualification, joining Southernhay FP felt like a natural route for progression for Charlotte to grow and expand her knowledge. During this time Charlotte has rapidly progressed to become the Operations Manager for the Southernhay FP Group. Outside of work Charlotte enjoys creating art, in particular drawing, and also enjoys long walks in the countryside.
Steve began his career at Morgans in 1996 when on a working holiday from his native Australia … and never left! Together with business partner Martin Dilke-Wing, Steve heads up Morgans Employee Benefits where they specialise in providing advice on Group Risk and Health Benefits. He was a member of the team that was awarded the Corporate Advisor of the Year title from Corporate Advisor magazine in 2008.
Married with two children, he takes a keen interest in many different sports including golf, cricket, rugby and football. He also loves his annual family summer holidays in his wife’s native Spain, particularly the region of Galicia. Although life now seems to revolve around his children’s various activities, walking the dog and making the most of his Arsenal season ticket!
James 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 and watches 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
