Personal profile

Richard has worked in financial services for 9 years, with 6 years as a fully qualified financial adviser.

Richard studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Manchester before undertaking his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Institute of Insurance. He has since undertaken Investment Management qualifications in Securities and Advice Dealing and Discretionary Fund Management prior to completing Chartered Status.

Richard has found through regularly updating his technical knowledge against the legislative backdrop that there is significant scope for planning outside of the standard financial solutions.

He believes in identifying personalised needs for clients to enable them to pursue strategic planning to achieve their aspirations.

Beyond work, Richard is into hockey and golf.

Personal profile

Originally from the north-west George started his career in various senior management positions before joining financial services 22 years ago. He has identified, through client relationship management, the real needs of clients when helping them achieve their financial goals and aspirations. Proper financial planning can help clients achieve so much more.

Specialism

George specialises in all areas of Pension advice, Investments and Protection.

Beyond work

George has lived and worked in London, Wiltshire and has lived in Hampshire for the last 20 years with his wife and two children. A keen tennis player who enjoys walking and keeping up to date with world affairs.

Qualifications

Dip PFS, Dip IAD, BA (Hons), Dip Soc Pol

Madeleine studied law, finance and real estate as Bachelors at University of Malmo before training and working as a Swedish Real Estate Broker for Erik Olsson Fastighetsförmedling and then for Våningen & Villan (now Croisette Real Estate Partner)

These roles were complex in they incorporated several UK professions.

While Madeleine would have to keep the seller’s best financial interests, she would also have to be an impartial intermediary between both buyer and seller. She also did the role of solicitor writing contracts and conveyancing, registering title deed with register, making alterations and taking the 10% deposits for the properties into her privately managed business account. She would then arrange the meeting at the bank for the remaining 90% transfer and final paperwork.

Since having been in the UK, she has formalised herself with the nuances between Swedish and UK property law in the residential and commercial spaces.

She facilitates all aspects of the property journey, liaising with solicitors and advisers where required.

In her spare time, she enjoys keeping fit, golf and looking after her pet cats Tingle and Lexi.

Personal profile

Chris has a Diploma in IT Management and a Diploma in Business Management with additional certificates obtained via the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) in financial services. Chris has a solid understanding of the financial sector and a wealth of computer technical skills and a passion for efficiency to provide great customer care.

Chris is our Office Manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of Better Financial Planning. Chris assists with the administration and paraplanning team and liaises directly with the advisers. Chris implements and maintains our internal software systems to ensure our business runs smoothly.

Outside of work Chris loves to read, play video games, and has a passion for astronomy and cars. Chris loves a good swim too. Chris is half Hungarian and is fluent in the Hungarian language. He likes to spend his free time with friends and family.

Personal profile

George has worked in financial services since leaving university with a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Management. He worked at NatWest as a Customer Adviser before becoming a Protection Consultant. George then gained experience in investments and pensions at Old Mutual Wealth (Quilter).

George provides support for Richard Bolton and George Copplestone by carrying out thorough research, analysing pensions and investments for new and existing clients. He prepares Financial Planning Reports, Annual Review Letters, ad-hoc Suitability Letters, as well as Cashflow Forecasts for clients.

Outside of work George got married in 2019, has a young daughter (plus a son on the way!), and enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes to play poker with his friends.

Personal profile

Helen started her career in civil engineering, which she enjoyed immensely. Working out on site with many great characters.

After a short break to start a family, Helen took bookkeeping exams and maintained accounts of local businesses from home, to work round the needs of small children.

Returning to work full time as they grew older.

Helen is also a fully qualified and experienced Yoga teacher. Since Covid, she has been working on researching and deepening her study into many aspects of Yoga.

Working at Better Financial Planning

Helen enjoys working with the whole team within her work. Alongside recording all the internal bookkeeping and maintaining records, she is also involved with some of the administration for clients with commercial property assets within their pensions.

Beyond work

Helen pursues many interests – Yoga, piano, swimming, art and craft and is very handy at DIY!

George is a dedicated administrator who has transitioned directly from secondary school into the business world. In his role, he focuses on monitoring new business top-ups and handling essential back-office work, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Currently, George has successfully passed the R01 and R02 exams and is actively working towards completing the remaining R0 qualifications, demonstrating his commitment to professional development in the financial services sector.

As an administrator, George plays an integral role in supporting the firm’s financial advisers by conducting detailed research on financial products and client portfolios. His goal is to advance within the industry, developing both his technical knowledge and his leadership skills.

George is passionate about cars and sports, reflecting his enthusiasm for both performance and teamwork. He brings a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic to the team, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.