British people retiring to Europe need more than just Financial Planning help, according to James Roberts, CEO of specialist European Financial Planning firm Blevins Franks.
Commenting in the latest Financial Planning Today magazine, he says he believes that good advice firms should not just provide financial guidance but should also help expats integrate into the local community.
He said that means helping them with everything they need to move successfully and settle in a new country, such as foreign exchange, deposit services, general insurance, solicitors, accountants and private healthcare.
Mr Roberts said that when he became Blevins Franks CEO in 2024: “The team told me that it was not just the financial things clients needed but English-speaking doctors, vets, garages, property finders, schools and sport/social clubs that really counted for clients joining a new community. So advisers built this knowledge base as active members of the community they serve.”
He said expat clients tended to move abroad for a combination of lifestyle reasons, not always related to money, plus the, “lower capital taxes that can be achieved by following good advice appropriate to each country.”
Mr Roberts said: “We help those who are in Europe or moving there with planning, tax optimisation, investment; and surrounding them with a suite of financial and local services via our family office.”
The approach is working Mr Roberts said, with new business at the 50-year-old firm up nearly 50% this year over the same period in 2025, while turnover this year is on track to be circa £38.8m and profit will be around £5.8m.
The business operates through eight local offices in France, eight in Spain, three in Portugal plus Cyprus, Malta and Monaco. Its clients are often near or at retirement and typically of higher net worth.
A lot of UK expats also need help when they return to Britain, Mr Roberts added.
He said: “We have expanded our UK business as many expats return to the UK in their 80s and 90s and need planning continuity.”
• James Roberts, CEO of UK & European wealth business Blevins Franks, was talking to Financial Planning Today magazine for its ‘Inside My Business’ feature first published in the July-Aug issue. You can subscribe to the magazine and read comment by leading industry figures by registering for Financial Planning Today website and then checking subscription options in 'My Account.'