Regional Financial Planner Cooper Parry Wealth has appointed David Kendrick as its new MD after current CEO Stephen Jones decided to retire after 20 years building the business.

Mr Kendrick joined Derby-based Cooper Parry in October 2024, when he was CEO of UHY Hacker Young Manchester and a leading figure in the deal that saw the two businesses join forces.

Cooper Parry Wealth provides Financial Planning to 900 families and has more than 73 staff. It has £1.5bn in Assets Under Management.

The firm took a decision in 2010 to focus on Financial Planning rather than general wealth management.

Mr Kendrick will move steadily into his new role as managing director this summer, pending regulatory approval.

Mr Jones, a well known figure in Financial Planning circles, will provide a detailed handover to Mr Kendrick.

Mr Jones said: “I’m incredibly proud of the business we’ve built. From 7 people in the team managing around £50m of assets when I joined in 2005, to 70+ people looking after well over £1.5bn of assets today.”

“I’m really pleased we took some brave decisions in that time. Transforming the business from transactional, low-quality IFA to what I believe is one of – if not the best – proper Financial Planning businesses in the UK.

“Our strapline has always been ‘Make Life Count’, and on top of the growth we’ve had, the awards we’ve won and the great client feedback we’ve had over the years, I’ve loved hearing stories of how our clients have been able to use the team’s advice to change their lives for the better and truly Make Life Count.”

“The growth journey we’ve been on, particularly over the last few years, has also allowed people in the business to build exceptional careers for themselves. We have multiple people who arrived at CPW as their first job out of university, now running significant parts of the business. That’s testament to the culture the team has created, the way we care for and support each other, and how that feeds into an exceptional service and life-changing impacts for our clients.”

“After 20 years, the time feels right to retire now. I’ve swallowed a bit of my own Financial Planning medicine as both a client and the leader of the team. They’ve let me know I can retire now if I want to, and with the huge plans the business has, it will benefit from fresh leadership, ambition and energy.”

Mr Kendrick said: “I’m very excited for this new challenge. The business and legacy that Stephen and the team have built over the last 20 years are nothing short of incredible. Going forward, our goal remains crystal-clear: to build the #1 wealth management offering in the UK, and we’ll be embracing and utilising technology to deliver additional efficiencies and client benefits, and of course, develop our already amazing team.”