Punter Southall Aspire has expanded its team of Financial Planners with the appointment of Richard Cole, as director of Financial Planning in its Bedford office.

Th appointment is Punter Southall Aspire’s first new hire since it acquired three IFA businesses in the past year, which included Bedford-based Chartered Financial Planning firm, JDP Financial Services.
 
Mr Cole joined from Hargreaves Lansdown, where he spent seven years working as a financial adviser, focusing on investment, estate and retirement planning. 

Prior to this, he worked at NatWest Bank for 10 years as a private Financial Planning manager providing planning reviews and advice to clients, and later as a senior private investment manager working with high net worth individuals.
 
He will work with the Bedford Financial Planning team providing financial advice to clients, as well as with professional introducers such as accountants, who recommend individuals looking for financial advice and will also support Punter Southall Aspire’s DC consultants, providing advice to clients.

Mr Cole said: “Punter Southall Aspire is ambitious, innovative and fast growing and there are many opportunities to support its future growth and expansion.

“This new role will allow me to build close relationships with our clients and gain a thorough understanding of their financial needs and situations so I can help them achieve their financial goals.”
 
Peter Selby, managing director, retail advice, Punter Southall Aspire, said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Richard’s calibre join the team and he will be a great asset to the business.

“We anticipate major growth over the coming years in the financial advice market as more individuals recognise the need for sound financial advice.”
 
“We are well placed to serve this market and help people who lack confidence when it comes to decisions about their finances.

“Our Financial Planners offer expertise and guidance on many financial matters, from retirement planning to tax and wealth planning, providing personal and tailored financial advice.”
 
Mr Cole is based at the former JDP Financial Services offices in Bedford and joins a team of three other financial advisers, several admin and Paraplanning staff, led by John Cleverley, former managing director of JDP Financial Services.
 
He holds a BA (Hons) 2.1 Politics with Economics, is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.