Financial Planner and retirement adviser Punter Southall Aspire has recruited James Kempson FPFS from Investec Wealth to be principal of its Bedford office and help boost expansion of the Chartered Financial Planning side of its business.

Mr Kempson, a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner, has worked in the profession for 26 years in Financial Planning, pensions and employee benefits advisory roles. 

He will lead a team of 13 at the Bedford office which includes four experienced Financial Planners. The team will focus on advice to high-net-worth individuals, trusts, charities, and corporate clients. He reports to Bryan Parkinson, managing director, Financial Planning, Punter Southall Aspire.

Punter Southall Aspire has expanded its Financial Planning business over the past four years through organic growth and acquisitions of regional Financial Planning firms including Focus Oxford LLP, JDP Financial Services in Bedford and Coleman Financial Services Limited in Dorset.

Mr Kempson previously worked at Investec Wealth & Investment UK where he was a senior Financial Planning director for almost six years. He has held senior roles at Killik & Co and Nascot Wealth Management, as well as working initially as a pensions consultant with SBJ Benefit Consultants.  

He is a Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Wealth Manager and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He is also a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS) and a Fellow of the Securities and Investment Institute (Chartered FCSI).

Mr Kempson said: “Punter Southall Aspire has always been on my radar and I was aware of its great reputation in the industry. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to take on a fresh challenge within an innovative and ambitious firm, combining my experience with both private clients and working closely with employee benefits experts. 

“My role is both client facing and managerial which is a good mix for me. I’m looking forward to developing strong client relationships and taking the business forward with its growth plans for the brand. Financial Planning and employee benefits expertise sit very well alongside each other, and we encourage individuals and local firms to get in touch if they want to review any aspect their Financial Planning or employee benefits provision post Covid.”

Mr Parkinson said: “We’re delighted to welcome James to the company. James brings a great deal of experience and expertise and will be a real asset as we continue growing and shaking up the market. We wish him the greatest success in his new role.”