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

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 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 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.

CLAIRE TAYLOR

Business Development Manager

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. 

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 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.

JOHN HALLIDAY

Financial Planner & Head of Research

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

Financial Planner

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 WHEELER

Financial Administrator

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 WHEELER

Administrator and Social Media

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.