ABOUT OUR TEAM

Paul Beasley ACII

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of Richmond House, and is proud to have overseen its growth into one of Hertfordshire’s leading financial advice and investment management companies.

Paul has been spearheading the growth of Richmond House since its early days as a small team of independent financial advisers. Today, under his enthusiastic leadership and direction it has grown into a leading financial advice and investment management organisation that comprises a Chartered private client wealth management company, specialist adviser to corporates and their employees, and a discretionary investment management team. Richmond House has been based in Stevenage for over 50 years and supports the local community through the Stevenage Community Trust, a charity for which Paul is a trustee. Passionate about promoting professionalism, he sits on the financial adviser panel of the main trade association, PIMFA. Engaging with the FCA to promote proportionate regulation is one of Paul’s key initiatives. He also co-founded biz4Biz, which is now the leading business group representing SMEs in Hertfordshire. Paul lives in Henlow, is a member of John O’ Gaunt Golf Club and is a keen follower of Chelsea. He also follows his nose in the direction of a nice Burgundy.

John Maynard Dip PFS, Certs CII (MP&ER)

John Maynard has an indefatigable appetite to ensure clients receive the highest levels of professional advice and service.

As Business Development Director for the Group, his overarching goal is to develop our Milton Keynes operation through relationship-building with other professionals and through the organic growth of the business. He has vast experience having worked with major worldwide stock market quoted companies, family-owned businesses and private individuals some of whom have been clients for many years. He has also been involved for several years in charitable fund-raising activities for Willen Hospice and latterly in a new event for Age UK MK, and both enable him to incorporate his passion for golf. He is a past Director and Committee Member of his local club Aspley Guise, and Woburn Sands Golf Club. He is also a Past President of the Rotary Club of Bletchley. He has a lively interest in horse racing, and is a member of the largest racehorse ownership and breeding syndicate in the UK, Elite Racing. A keen family man, he lives in Aspley Guise. He enjoys travel, having visited South America, Australasia, South Africa and Europe. In business and relationship-building, John has an underlying motto, borrowed from a leading North American businessman, “You have to put water in the well to be able to drink from it.”

David Griffiths MLIFB, Dip FA

As head of Richmond House Wealth Management’s Advisory Services, David brings a wealth of experience to the company from a 28-year career in wealth management working in the City of London and Geneva.

He began his career in 1989 as an IFA specialising in Financial Planning for members of the legal profession before moving to the advisory arm of a major international bank. There, he built a successful career working with domestic and overseas high-net-worth clients before moving into the management side of wealth management. He has held many senior and director-level roles working with clients throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. A passionate believer in the benefits of true client-centric financial planning, he expects his team to be able to demonstrate clear added-value in their client relationships. He joined Richmond House in 2016 as part of the company’s plans to expand the advisory services whilst ensuring the company maintains the very highest levels of service that clients have come to expect. Away from work, David is an accomplished cook, enjoys sailing and time in the Suffolk countryside where he spends most of his weekends.

Mark Ireland ALIBF Adv Dip FA

Mark supports his clients, their families, company owners and their staff to achieve their financial goals by taking time to create well-balanced and thoroughly-considered financial solutions.

Mark holds the coveted title of Chartered Associate of The London Institute of Banking & Finance, a level 6 qualification, equivalent to a Bachelors’ Degree with First Class Honours. With over 25 years’ experience he advises private individuals, company directors, trustees and corporate clients on all areas of financial planning, from cradle to grave, from start-up to exit, many of whom he has advised for over 15 years. Following twelve years as an adviser within two firms of Accountants, in central and north London, he enjoys working on the often-complex financial planning needs of his clients. Mark comments: “I pride myself upon client-focused advice, a common-sense approach and a 'keep it simple' philosophy, saving my clients money, reducing their personal or corporate taxes, helping them achieve their individual financial goals.” Since joining in 2013, he has developed a financial planning service for the clients of one of their key professional connections, a significant accountancy firm with branches in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. He also supports solicitors and their clients, especially those that work in the field of wills and probate, trusts, family law and divorce. He is a recognised pension specialist, authorised to provide pension transfer advice. Outside of work, Mark enjoys playing hockey for Letchworth Hockey Club and spending time with his family whilst making full use of their very own place in the sun.

Nigel Taylor Cert PFS, Dip FA

Nigel advises private individuals and businesses owners about the creation and preservation of wealth, including succession planning.

Nigel has been a Director of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, as well as a firm of city stockbrokers. He joined Richmond House in July 2011 and brought with him 45 years of in-depth professional financial experience gained both in the city and in our local area. He has extensive knowledge of global stock markets, and the expertise and market insight he gained as a London city stockbroker advising trustees of corporate pension schemes, and UK charities on direct investments, has greatly benefited our clients. He rightly prides himself on being able to make complicated subjects accessible and simple to understand. He is particularly skilled at building long-term relationships with his many clients, helping them make the right decisions about their wealth, and enabling them to achieve their lifelong personal financial objectives. Away from the office, as well as enjoying time spent with his family, he is a very keen golfer playing off 13, and an enthusiastic gardener.

Wendy Devlin Dip CII, CIFA, CeMAP, MP&ER

Wendy advises private clients, specialising in long-term care and pension planning, and has helped many businesses achieve their long-term goals whilst keeping them compliant with workplace pensions.

Wendy is a highly experienced and qualified adviser who has worked in the corporate sector for over 10 years, and is currently close to obtaining Chartered status. In the two years since joining Richmond House she has qualified in the specialist area of long-term care advice. She also has a great deal of experience working with business owners in both protecting their wealth and extracting it tax-efficiently. She lives in Clifton and is actively involved with her local hockey club as Ladies club captain. Although she no longer plays, she now has time to watch her son play who is far better than she was!

Neil Dainton Dip PFS

Neil helps clients to understand the perceived complexities of pensions and investments so that investors can feel comfortable about their future.

After having worked in financial services for over 25 years, Neil’s belief in putting the client first and caring about what he accomplishes for them transcends everything he does every day. This philosophy has resulted in him adapting, evolving and constantly learning new niche areas of advice so that he is well able to meet client needs. Final salary pension scheme transfers are a prime example, a complex area where most advisers fear to tread. He works with accountants on small self-administered pension schemes, and lawyers in relation to investment advice on divorce and pension sharing orders. He once resolved a client pension issue between two pension providers and HMRC! He has found over the years that there are a lot of areas that people ‘pull the shutters down on’ as they are perceived as ‘too complex’. He uses plain English and de-mystifies topics in a very user-friendly way. Outside of work, Neil is keen on golf (although he’s never sure that golf is that keen on him!) and enjoys an active social life.

Julian Kaye Dip PFS

Julian provides a professional and highly-personalised financial advisory service designed to create and preserve wealth for private individuals and business owners.

Julian is an experienced professional adviser who has built an enviable reputation for helping clients identify and achieve their goals while maintaining the highest standards of personal service. He will shortly join the elite group of Chartered Financial Planners. He has over thirty years of experience working within the financial services profession and specialises in the areas of investment, retirement and estate planning. Cutting through the complexities and jargon, he helps clients to put in place strategies and make informed decisions designed to help them achieve their personal objectives. Outside of work, Julian enjoys hiking, swimming, eating out and watching his beloved Arsenal football club.

Kristina Bailey DipFA CeMAP

Kristina Bailey is a Financial Planning Consultant who is proud to be working for Richmond House Wealth Management, and who offers independent advice across a range of financial needs, keeping the client at the heart of everything she does.

Kristina has worked in financial services for the last 23 years, mainly specialising in working with private clients. She has a wealth of experience in financial planning, and provides a holistic range of solutions, including pensions, tax-efficient investments and protection plans. She offers a simple approach to often complicated situations, priding herself on her work ethic and her professionalism. Her passions are varied, from regular Zumba classes to running and equestrian activities. In addition, she loves to cook for her friends and family, although feels that her culinary skills could be improved.

John Merrifield Dip PFS, Cert CII (MP)

John is a Financial Planning Consultant at Richmond House, and is proud to work for one of Hertfordshire’s leading financial advice and investment management companies.

John has over 28 years’ experience in the financial planning profession and has previously worked for some of the largest organisations in the field. During that time, he has specialised in tax efficient investment strategies, utilising the full range of solutions available. Inheritance Tax planning is a particular focus of his, helping clients to pass wealth down to the next generation rather than to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is passionate about providing his clients with an excellent ongoing service and building long-term relationships with his clients and their family members. John is an avid motorsport/Formula 1 fan and a member of Goodwood Road Racing Club, where he combines his love for period racing whilst providing advice to some well-known retired racing drivers. John also supports two charities, the PSP Association and more locally, The Watford New Hope Trust.

Emma Wilkinson MCSI

Emma is Investment Management Director and is responsible for the ongoing success of the Discretionary Investment proposition at Richmond House Investment Management.

Emma started her career in financial services in 1999. With a passion for the world of finance and investment markets, Emma pursued various industry-related exams. Her most recent qualifications being the Investment Management Certificate through the CFA and the PCIAM through the CISI. She joined Richmond House in 2005, and has since progressed to the role of Investment Management Director. She has been instrumental in the development of the Richmond House discretionary proposition since launch. Outside of work, Emma’s sporting interest lies mainly within equestrianism. Whilst she used to compete at international-level eventing her time now is spent watching the action rather than taking part, and keeping her event horse in comfortable retirement.

Tom Broadhurst ACA, CFA

Tom is an investment manager working alongside Emma Wilkinson on the management of the Richmond House Group risk-targeted multi-manager fund range.

Tom has nearly 20 years’ experience of financial markets, progressing from audit and accounting to middle office oversight, fund manager research and portfolio construction. He has a broad knowledge of the fund management industry, gained from eight years of selecting and meeting fund managers at Legal & General for various portfolios and panels. Aside from investing, he is a keen runner and rugby fan. He enjoys walking Skippon, his black Labrador, and trips to the pub. Of course, sometimes, there is the opportunity to indulge both pastimes at the same time.

Ian Jenkins Chartered Financial Planner

Ian is Corporate Services Director of Richmond House and is responsible for the development of our enhanced services to companies and their employees.

Having worked in Financial Services since 1987, Ian has a wealth of experience working at both provider and adviser level. After a successful transition from an office-based role to adviser, he has worked with both companies and individuals to provide a wide range of advice. He joined the main board in 2012, and now plays a key part in developing overall strategy for Richmond House. Ian was responsible for devising Richmond House’s successful workplace pensions (automatic enrolment) solution which was designed to provide a simple way for companies to meet their legal obligations. He is now leading the team in delivering our expanded range of corporate services that are designed to increase understanding, provide options and add value for employers and their employees. Ian lives in Stevenage and is a keen follower of Stevenage FC. He has a passion for travel and is on a quest to see as many countries as he can.

Peter Murphy Dip PFS

Peter advises employers on providing value-for-money benefits packages that help recruit and retain high-quality staff, as well as ensuring staff are aware of the schemes they benefit from, and appreciate the investment being made by their employer in them.

An independent financial adviser for nearly 25 years, Peter cut his teeth with two (now defunct) insurance companies between 1984 and 1992, then moved to the role of adviser and gravitated towards providing corporate financial advice. He advises companies small to large on staff benefits including pension schemes, group life insurance and group income protection. Peter appreciates that no two companies are the same, and that employee benefits packages must be tailored to the needs of both employer and employee. A part of his role involves dealing with the staff of these companies, ensuring they know how to make the best use of the schemes available to them. He also helps companies mitigate their risks by introducing them to keyperson insurance and shareholder protection policies. When not at work, Peter can be found cycling the highways and byways of Buckinghamshire and adjoining counties, and oscillating between delight and frustration at the ups and downs of Warwickshire and England cricket.