Brendan Dixon
Founder and Independent Financial Adviser
Brendan started in Financial services in the City of London in 1982. These days he primarily looks after business owners, supporting them with their holistic financial and tax planning. Brendan's view of financial planning is very simple, it's about ensuring clients financial affairs are easy to understand and manage. Also, that clients enjoy the lifestyle they choose to lead and that their future remains financially secure - whatever happens. It's about discovering, how much is enough?
Outside of work Brendan enjoys, running, the outdoors, reading and socialising. He is a Board member of BITA (British and Irish Trade Alliance).
Peter Ellis
Director
Peter's early career was with three leading pension companies before joining Shipman Group in 1998. He became a Director in 2004 and was appointed Managing Director in 2005.
"My client work is predominately providing advice to wealthy families, charities and entrepreneurs, who typically require ongoing succession planning, investment management and a comprehensive understanding of the tax system we work in and the allowances available. The majority of my work is in conjunction with the client's accountant and legal advisers".
Peter is a Certified Financial Planner and has particular expertise in advising Family Business Enterprises. He is Co-Founder and Director of Shipman Investment Managers, a Guernsey based asset management company; and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). When time allows, Peter enjoys travelling with his family, playing tennis and cycling.
Lucy Ernest
Director
Lucy has worked within financial services since 2014. Previously Lucy worked as a Personal Banking Manager within the Retail Banking sector. Having obtained her Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisors in 2017, Lucy has progressed through multiple roles gaining exposure to all aspects of the business. Lucy was appointed a Director in early 2021. As a Director, Lucy oversees the operational aspects of the business.
Andy Walker
Specialist Mortgage and Protection Adviser
Andy has a wealth of experience in financial services, specializing in mortgage and protection advice, with over 30 years industry knowledge. He covers both residential and buy to let mortgages, and has personal contacts with the major high street lenders and more specialist lenders where appropriate. He also ensures that all client’s protection needs are fully catered for.
Andy strives to ensure that the correct solutions are easy to understand and are managed with the minimum amount of time and stress. Essentially, to make the process, from a client’s perspective, effortless.
Tara Dixon
Chartered Financial Planner
Tara provides holistic financial advice to her clients and works to maintain long-term relationships built on trust. She ensures her clients financial affairs are easy to understand so they have clarity and peace of mind on their position, also, Tara is highly qualified having received the CISI Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning.
Tara lives in the Surrey Hills where she can often be found running with her Cocker Spaniel Ernie. Tara is a Board member of BITA (British and Irish Trade Alliance) and a member of the Development Committee for the charity ICAP.
David Groves
Financial Adviser
David has worked within financial services since 1991 starting with several leading pension and investment companies and then becoming an independent financial adviser. He has worked with many different clients to help create and implement the right financial plan to meet their goals and aspirations. The ability to help clients reach their financial goals is paramount to David.
Outside of work David enjoys cycling, coastal walks with the dog and has an ambition to be a competent sailor.
Alexandra Cheal
Adviser Relationship Manager
Alexandra joined as a Paraplanner in October 2020, moving from a larger Independent Financial Advisors to develop her relationships with clients and further her ability to contribute to the industry.
Having established her career in retail banking, Alex moved to a smaller IFA, before finally transferring to a much larger wealth consolidation advice firm through an acquisition. Alex has achieved her Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, along with her certificate in Long Term Care and Pension Transfer Specialist qualifications. She continues to work towards a Chartered qualification, which she expects to achieve in 2021.
Outside the office, Alexandra enjoys the great outdoors and exploring both the Cornish coasts and the Scottish Highlands whenever she can. She is lucky enough to be a mother to two very active boys who enjoy a challenge, so she rarely has much time to spare.
Cathy Stevens
Client Care Manager
Cathy joined BKD Wealth Management in September 2015 as a Client Care Manager following a change of career from the fashion industry. Cathy focusses on the pensions and investments side of the business, supporting Brendan and the Paraplanners in these important aspects of the financial planning process.
Outside of work, Cathy’s young family keep her very busy. She also organises fund raisers for the school PTFA and enjoys yoga and running through the beautiful parks of Ealing.
Claire Martin
Mortgage Administrator
Claire joined BKD Wealth Management in 2008, having previously worked within the Finance Industry for 4 years. She has a built up a broad knowledge of our client base having worked closely with BKD’s mortgage advisors for many years, helping to ensure all clients receive a high level of service and excellent experience when dealing with the firm. She very much adopts a hands-on and can-do attitude.
Outside of work, Claire likes to spend time with her family, travelling, reading and socialising.