About Us
Clifton Wealth Partnership is part of the Clifton Asset Management Ltd group and has been offering specialist financial services to business and individuals throughout the UK since 1986.
With this infrastructure in place Clifton Wealth Partnership was launched
As business owners and advisers you benefit from a robust network of in house products, support services and competitively priced investment portfolios thanks to existing relationships with firms such as Hymans Robertson Investment Management and Charles Stanley.
In addition, following significant investment in technology, you and your clients will have access to hi-tech solutions at low cost, such as MyViewpoint and Morgan Lloyd Invest.
Meet the team
Bristol Office
Rob Gilbert LLB (Hons), Dip FA 
Associate Director
Rob has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, starting his career with a large insurance company having qualified as a lawyer. He joined Clifton in 2002 as a financial adviser, specialising in advising business owners on areas such as business funding, tax planning, retirement and succession planning and protecting the business and its key employees.
For the last 8 years Rob has managed the team of Clifton advisers as well as help develop the Clifton offering and the overall client journey.
Outside of work Rob is a keen cyclist and will often be found on his road bike charging around the streets of Bath and the surrounding area.
Alan Crook Chartered ALIBF, DipFA, PETR
Chartered Adviser
About Alan - Alan has worked in financial services since 2007 and is in his tenth year with the Clifton Group. Originally from Oxford, Alan moved to Bristol to study at the University of the West of England, gaining a 2:1 in Modern History.
Areas of specialism - Alan’s advice covers areas such as retirement planning, financial protection and investment planning.
He also specialises in small self-administered pension schemes (SSASs) and self-invested personal pension schemes (SIPPs) as funding solutions for owners of small or medium-sized businesses.
Outside of work - Outside of work Alan has a keen interest in cooking and sports, particularly football, despite being a lifelong Spurs supporter.
Anna Spendley
Paraplanner
Anna moved to Bristol in 2016 from London where she previously worked for an investment bank, gaining over 10 years’ experience in investments and customer service.
Anna has worked at Clifton Asset Management since 2017 within the Adviser Support team and has enjoyed helping business owners fund their companies via Pension-led funding, as well as dealing with other aspects of financial planning, including investments and case management.
Now based in the paraplanning team she holds a Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) qualification.
Anna has built up good client relationships in the past and is now looking forward to working with both new and existing clients, as well as helping Clifton to grow during these exciting times.
Anthony Malcolm Chartered Financial Adviser, BA (Hons), PFA, AwPETR
Chartered Adviser
Anthony graduated from Loughborough University in 1999 and began working in financial services.
For the first 6 years of his career, Anthony worked in trustee services, working for several pension companies and specialising in SSAS and SIPP client management.
In 2006, he made the leap into the financial advisory sphere and joined the Clifton team. Anthony is now a chartered adviser.
During his time at Clifton, he has gained significant experience, particularly in the provision of bespoke corporate advice to the SME community. His time is now divided between servicing a large portfolio of existing clients and presenting the Clifton proposition to a range of prospective customers.
Outside working hours, Anthony has a keen interest in sport (notably athletics and rugby) and endeavours to exercise regularly, as often as family life allows!
Carly Starkie
Adviser Support Administrator
About Carly - Carly has been in her current role, working with James Brown directly, for a couple of years now. She manages reviews, new submissions, client contact, and report preparation.
Carly previously worked within a financial adviser specialising in NHS Pensions. She has 5 years' experience from the beginning of auto-enrolment helping employers work through the early stages of it, up to and including every day running.
Carly is aiming to become a qualified paraplanner and has already passed one of the parts for this (R01).
Outside of work - Carly is a gamer, fantasy reader, D&D novice and has been enjoying going to see live music in the last year or so.
Carla House
Adviser Support Administrator
About Carla - Carla has been in the financial industry for a number of years, having worked at Lloyds and Stroud & Swindon head office, before joining Noble James Associates and then Clifton. She works on the adviser support team and has recently passed her R05 in financial protection with the goal of getting her Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning.
Outside of work - Carla enjoys spending time with her family, going to the theatre, and a good pub quiz!
Conor Murphy DipPFS
Financial Adviser
About Conor - Conor studied at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2015. Following a ski season in France, he joined Hargreaves Lansdown in August 2016, helping to shape and deliver their investment and advice products and services. Conor joined Clifton in August 2023 as a member of the client services team.
Conor holds a level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and a degree in Medical Sciences, as well as completing other financial services exams.
Areas of specialism - Conor is passionate about working closely with clients to help identify their needs and objectives, as well as finding solutions to help them achieve the best possible outcomes with these in mind.
Outside of work - Outside of work, Conor plays golf, tries to keep fit in the gym, and skies when he can. He also loves watching any and all sport, particularly F1, Rugby, Football, Golf and Cricket. Conor is also an avid reader.
David Bentley Chartered ALIBF
Chartered Financial Planner
David graduated from university in 2005 and began working in financial services in 2006.
He started training in financial advice from 2007 and completed his first set of certified exams by 2010, before completing his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by 2012.
After working in various personal financial advice roles, David decided to focus on corporate financial planning and joined Clifton in July 2013. After passing the LIBF Pension Transfers (PETR) exam, he has also achieved Chartered status. During David’s time at Clifton, he has gained significant experience in offering bespoke funding solutions via SSASs and SIPPs, as well as offering sound personal financial planning for clients’ retirement goals.
Outside of Clifton, the majority of David’s time is spent with his young children, as well as refurbishing a property his family have recently moved into.
Elaine Sharman
Paraplanner
Elaine joined Clifton in 2012, initially working in the Client Services team as adviser support. Since joining Clifton, Elaine has passed the R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning exam, and also gained her Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning. She is now working as a paraplanner, supporting David Bentley.
In her spare time, Elaine enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters.
Heather Harding
Paraplanner
Heather is a committed, business-focused, self-motivated career-orientated individual with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong client focus.
Heather is adaptable and responsive to organisational change, with a track record of having a flexible and mature attitude.
Heather has a significant level of experience and is level 4 diploma-qualified. Over the last 25 years in the financial services sector, Heather has worked in target-driven sales, paraplanning, adviser support administration, management and experience of regulatory requirements imposed by the FCA within a compliance focused environment.
Outside of work Heather is committed to spending time with her partner and 7 year old daughter, and enjoys time at the gym to unwind and keep fit.
James Copeland
Trainee Financial Adviser
About James - James started on the administration team and then the adviser support team before moving into his current role as trainee financial adviser. He assists the other advisers on the client services team with annual review meetings and carrying out fact find meetings.
James is currently working towards his level 4 diploma in financial advising.
Outside of work - James is a keen cricket player and captains Claverham CC 1st XI. In the winter he enjoys rugby and plays for Nailsea and Backwell RFC 1st XI. He also enjoys running, going to the gym, and long dog walks.
Lewis Metcalfe BSc, DipFA
Senior Financial Adviser
Originating from the Northwest but now living in Bristol, Lewis has been with Clifton since 2011 and is now a senior financial adviser, providing both corporate and personal financial planning to clients across the UK. Lewis’ key strengths are working with business owners to manage their overall net wealth from as early as start-up, to exit, and then long term retirement.
Lewis is a key advocate of cash flow modelling, a process which helps clients better understand how current investment strategies may impact their retirement objectives, thus providing robust, suitable advice on all aspects of their wealth.
Outside of work, Lewis has a young family which occupies most of his time, but when he has a spare moment he is a keen (but not very good) golfer and lifelong Liverpool FC supporter.
Lily-Rose Smith
Adviser Support
About Lily-Rose - Lily-Rose has been at Clifton since 2019, starting in the Valuations Team, and then moving into the Admin Team. She has recently come back full time to her current role as Adviser Support, which she did prior to having her daughter in 2021. Lily-Rose currently works alongside three client services advisers.
Outside of work - Lily-Rose loves spending time with her partner and toddler, and going on long dog walks with their 1 year old cockapoo.
Luke Powell Chartered ALIBF, CertLTCP, CeMAP
Chartered Financial Planner
About Luke - Luke has been in the financial services industry for almost 10 years, working primarily as a Financial Planner. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work with some well-known names in the industry, including RBC Brewin Dolphin and St. James’s Place Wealth Management. His experience has provided him with a solid foundation in offering clients tailored financial advice, helping them achieve their goals and navigate their financial futures with confidence.
Areas of specialism - As a Chartered Financial Planner, Luke’s role involves providing personalised financial advice to help clients achieve their long-term goals and live life on their terms. He focuses on understanding each client’s unique situation to create tailored strategies that meet their needs. Recently, Luke took over an existing client bank, making him responsible for maintaining and growing these relationships while continuing to deliver the same high standard of financial planning that clients have come to expect.
Outside of work - Luke is a huge sports fan with a soft spot for Wolverhampton Wanderers. When he’s not following football, you’ll likely find him on the golf course or keeping up with the latest in the NBA. Staying active is a big part of his life - he enjoys going to the gym, doing yoga, and going for walks with his fiancée, Kate. Luke is also a firm believer in seeing the world, aiming to squeeze in 3-4 trips a year. Whether it’s cheering on his favourite teams or exploring new places, he likes to keep things exciting!
Michael Turner DipFA
Financial Adviser
Michael has worked at Clifton for over 15 years.
Fresh-faced straight from school, Mike joined Clifton in 2003 as a general administrator. He worked his way up to adviser in 2014 via team leader and various financial roles in between.
Mike holds the Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA).
Mike is a member of the Client Servicing team at Clifton. He provides advisory services to Clifton's existing client base and completes annual reviews of all accounts requiring ongoing advice, specifically in relation to Pension-led funding, investments, and retirement planning.
Outside of work, Mike is a keen golfer and enjoys spending time with his young family.
Naomi Turnock
Paraplanner Assistant
Naomi holds a degree from Falmouth University and began her career at Clifton in September 2019, having previously worked in a letting’s role based in Bristol.
She started on the Administration team and was completely new to the financial services industry.
Since then, she has been interested in expanding her knowledge and is now in her new role on the Adviser Support Team, working closely with two of our Wealth Advisers.
Naomi started this role when she lived in Bristol but has since started working remotely and has moved back to her hometown in Devon to be closer to her friends and family.
In her spare time, Naomi enjoys going to the gym, walks with her dog and music events with friends.
Peter Harvey DipFA, Adv DipFA, AwPETR
Senior Financial Adviser
Peter has worked in financial services for over 20 years and at Clifton since 2011.
Peter’s advice covers a number of areas including retirement planning, financial protection, workplace pensions and investment planning.
Outside of work Peter enjoys playing squash, cooking and watching films.
Ria Debney
Paraplanner
Ria joined Clifton in 2021 to join the paraplanning team. With nearly 10 years’ experience in financial services, and personal wealth in particular, she now supports our advisers to provide the personalised planning to you, your families and businesses. Ria is Level 4 Diploma Qualified, and highly client focused.
In her spare time, Ria enjoys trying new baking recipes, and exploring National Trust locations with her partner and rescue dog.
Tom Pardoe DipPFS, DipFA
Financial Adviser
About Tom - Tom studied at The University of South Wales between 2010 – 2013 before moving to Lloyds Private Banking until 2021. He then moved to Schroders Personal Wealth as a personal wealth adviser; he has now joined the client services team as a financial adviser.
Areas of specialism - Tom is experienced in conducting financial reviews, establishing financial needs and delivering investment, pension, protection and estate planning advice. Tom is passionate about working closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals and build long-lasting relationships.
Tom holds a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, a Level 4 Diploma in Financial Advice, and a degree in Business with Economics.
Outside of work - Tom is a keen sportsperson, captaining Ponthir Cricket Club’s 1st XI in the summer. In the winter he plays rugby for Caerleon 1st XV. He also plays golf when time allows. Tom now lives in South Wales with his partner Kate, they both enjoy walking and last year completed the Welsh 3 peaks to raise money for the British Legion’s Poppy appeal. Originally from Worcestershire Tom is a big Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, previously having a season ticket before moving to Wales.
Aberdeen Office
Doug Blanchard DipPFS, Cert CII (MP)
Financial Adviser
About Doug - Doug Blanchard brings a wealth of experience to Clifton Wealth Partnership. He began his career in the banking sector, spending 10 years advising customers on various financial products and services. Since 2005, Doug has worked for accountancy and solicitor practices as a financial adviser dealing with personal clients and business owners alike, particularly in the oil and gas sector. His extensive knowledge in protection, pensions, and investments makes him a valuable asset to Clifton. Doug's commitment to helping clients build and protect their financial wealth aligns perfectly with Clifton's mission and values.
Areas of specialism -
- Protection
- Pensions
- Savings & Investments
- Inheritance Tax Planning
Outside of work - Doug enjoys playing sports such as football and golf, and spending time with his family.
Portishead Office
Adrian James DipPFS
Financial Planner and Pension Specialist
Adrian has worked in financial services for over 30 years. His career began with NatWest Bank in 1988 before leaving in 1999 to join Legal & General as a business development manager supporting independent financial advisers with their client planning requirements, mainly in the South East, South West & Wales regions.
He left Legal & General in 2010 to join Zurich Assurance, again as a business development manager, and then ran his own consultancy reviewing defined benefit (final salary) pension advice, which had been provided by advisers employed by HSBC.
The HSBC review lasted 3 years, following which, Adrian re-joined Legal & General as a regulated advice reviewer in their compliance department for 12 months before joining Aspira Corporate Solutions Limited in Aust, Bristol as their G60 pension transfer specialist.
In July 2017, Adrian joined Mulberry Wealth Management as a fully-independent financial adviser, specialising in retirement planning and holistic financial planning for clients taking into account all of their circumstances. Adrian has clients on both sides of the Severn Bridge, and he has built his community of clients mainly through his expertise in pensions, retirement planning and tax efficient investing advice.
Alison Davis ACII, APFS
Chartered Financial Adviser
Alison Davis has worked in Financial Services for her entire career, starting with Sun Alliance in 1992 before moving on to Standard Life in 1994, where her main role was supporting the independent financial adviser community in the Bristol and Bath area. She left Standard Life in 2006 after obtaining an excellent foundation knowledge in the mechanics of both insurance companies and advisory firms.
Whilst her children were small, Alison established her own business supporting and supplying paraplanning and compliance assistance to small regional advisory firms. This role offered her the opportunity to transition into advice, and she became an employed adviser, completing her qualifications to become a Chartered Financial Planner in 2008.
Since 2008, Alison has worked successfully advising clients in all aspects of financial planning, both on an individual and a corporate basis. With a patient and meticulous approach, she has helped numerous clients successfully achieve their aims and objectives.
With a healthy community of clients and a trusted and ethical approach to financial planning, Alison is now working as part of the Clifton Wealth Partnership (Portishead) team, whose expertise and administrative support she is utilising to realise new opportunities in the Southwest. Alison works alongside local accountants and solicitors to ensure a fully holistic approach to goal-based financial planning.
Stroud Office
James Brown Dip CII, CeRER
Financial Adviser
James joined the industry in March 1993, when he worked for Prudential. He founded Noble James Associates as an IFA in 1999 and the business joined Clifton Wealth Partnership in 2022.
James has over 23 years' experience in advising clients.
Julian Law DipFA, CeMAP
Financial Adviser
Julian has worked in financial services since leaving school in 1989. He joined Lloyds Banking group and spent 23 years in local branches advising both retail and commercial customers.
Julian joined Noble James Associates Ltd in April 2013 and the business joined Clifton Wealth Partnership in 2022. In his spare time Julian enjoys playing golf, keeping fit through running and cycling and eating Italian food.
Martin Birch DipPFS
Financial Adviser
Martin has worked in financial services since 1988 serving as a personal financial adviser with Britannic Assurance followed by 17 years with Lloyds Banking group, advising both retail and commercial customers.
Martin joined Noble James Associates Ltd in October 2014 and the business joined Clifton Wealth Partnership in 2022. Martin is keen to assist both new and existing clients with their financial needs. Outside of work, Martin is a keen motorcyclist and enjoys spending time with his family, especially his young grandson.
Wombourne Office
Barry Hamblett Chartered Financial Planner
Chartered Financial Planner
Previously a qualified structural engineer although with a flair for music and finance, Barry joined the financial services industry in 1986 with a major UK life assurance company, specialising in life protection, pension and investment planning. Leaving to form GB Financial Services in 1990, this quickly became an established IFA business serving the community in and around the Wombourne office base.
As an IFA Barry soon gained the CII Level 6 Diploma with the accompanying status of ‘Chartered Financial Planner’ and subsequently GB Financial Services proudly became one of the first Chartered Financial Planning Companies in the UK.
Recently and in order to establish a quality sustainable advice service offering to their bank of very loyal clients, Barry along with co director Sally, were both very pleased to join the Clifton Group.
In his spare time, Barry enjoys listening to and creating music, along with indulging in a range of activities including golf, cycling, swimming, gym and camping.
Sally Mynett
Chartered Financial Planner
Sally has worked in Financial Services since 1989. In 1992 she set up her own business which merged into GB Financial Services in 1994 and which subsequently joined Clifton Wealth Partnership in 2023.
Sally is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute; the highest accreditation from that body.
Outside of work she loves many types of dance including tap dancing and Lindy Hop. She also loves reading, gardening, walking and generally being outdoors.
Partner Firms
Hunt Financial Planning
Chris Hunt BEng (Hons), DipPFS
Director & Financial Planner
Over 20 years in the financial services industry and considerable experience managing financial planning scenarios for private individuals and business owners. Chris focuses on portfolio & estate management for individuals and the relationship between businesses and their owners, working alongside professional practices in the accountancy & legal sectors. Bespoke financial planning solutions for large estates. Implementing advanced financial services tax planning solutions to manage income tax, capital gains tax corporation tax and inheritance tax.
Chris is an active trustee of Bristol Dementia Action Alliance.
The Management Team
Adam
Tavener
Founder and chairman of Clifton Asset Management Ltd.
Adam has been a CBI regional council member, and has advised BIS, The Treasury and The British Business Bank on the shape and implementation of bank referrals legislation.
Neil
Greenaway
More than 25 years' experience in providing financial advice and strategy to small and medium-sized business owners. Neil has been instrumental in the growth of Clifton Asset Management Ltd, driving much of the technological developments therein and developing the strategic plans for the future growth of the business.
Anthony
Carty
30 years of experience in the financial services industry and a Board Director of Clifton Asset Management Ltd.
Anthony has been a key contributor to the vision of Clifton Wealth and the services provided by the Clifton group. Anthony is a regular speaker at investment and financial services industry events and is highly regarded within the sector.
Ellis
Organ
After eight years in practice, Ellis moved into industry in 1993 as Finance Director of a group of training companies.
He joined the Clifton group in 1997 and is responsible for corporate governance and finance across the group. Ellis has a vast experience of operating businesses within a highly regulated environment.