About Us
Established Mortgage Brokers Based in The West Country
If you need well-established Mortgage Brokers, you can rely on West Country Financial.
We are based in Tavistock and offer our services throughout the UK.
Established since 1998
West Country Financial has been established since 1998 and is one of the largest financial services companies in the West Country.
Our large team of Financial Advisors include a specialist corporate section and are spread throughout
Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
Our business strategy:
- We offer solutions to both existing and prospective clients
- We provide both choice and convenience
- We can come to your home or office
- Impartial and independent no-obligation advice
- We serve both individuals and businesses
- We possess the resources to match your needs
Cost effective
The prices we charge for our services are highly reasonable. At the same time, you can be sure of a professional and efficient service.
OUR TEAM
Mike James
(Principal)
Mike is the Principal of West Country Financial having been in the industry for more than 30 years including time with two major insurance companies and was a Senior Consultant covering the South West of England. Mike started West Country Financial in 1998 as he wanted a team of advisers with specialist knowledge covering every aspect of financial advice including Insurance, Investments, Pensions and Mortgages.
Mike is now supporting the Dementia Friendly Society and everyone at West Country Financial has received training in this area.
Vicki Swann FPFS, CII (MP&ER)
(Chartered Independent Financial Adviser)
Vicki is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.
This gives her clients the reassurance that they are being advised by someone who has a proven commitment to the ethical standards set by the industry and a genuine desire to ensure that clients receive comprehensive, quality solutions to meet their financial planning needs.
Vicki now specialises in Final Salary Transfers and Inheritance Tax Planning.
Before joining the IFA industry in 2008, Vicki’s background was in Finance and Accounts with experience working in both the public and private sectors including the MOD and Civil Service as well as small to medium sized businesses and multi-national companies. Vicki’s main experience was working for Not for Profit Organisations and Charities. This diverse background has given Vicki valuable insight when advising both personal clients and business owners.
This gives her clients the reassurance that they are being advised by someone who has a proven commitment to the ethical standards set by the industry and a genuine desire to ensure that clients receive comprehensive, quality solutions to meet their financial planning needs.
Vicki now specialises in Final Salary Transfers and Inheritance Tax Planning.
Before joining the IFA industry in 2008, Vicki’s background was in Finance and Accounts with experience working in both the public and private sectors including the MOD and Civil Service as well as small to medium sized businesses and multi-national companies. Vicki’s main experience was working for Not for Profit Organisations and Charities. This diverse background has given Vicki valuable insight when advising both personal clients and business owners.
John Stanbrook
(Independent Financial Adviser)
John spent 23 years in the Royal Navy before changing careers to financial services.
John joined Barclays Bank in 1992 where he became an Independent Financial Adviser and gained various qualifications including the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate, along with qualifications in Mortgages, Equity Release and
Long-Term Care.
John joined West Country Financial in 2009 where he specialises in Defined Benefit Pension transfers, Retirement Planning, Pensions Options at retirement, Estate Planning, Investment and Long-Term care.
John is a member of the PFS and holds a current Statement of Professional Standing.
John deals with both Corporate and Personal clients.
Mark German DipPFS (Independent Financial Adviser)
After working within the banking system for several years, Mark decided to transfer to the Financial Adviser world to give his clients the benefit of a whole of market approach. Mark's main areas of interest include, Protection, Investments, Pensions, Inheritance and Tax Planning.
Mark is Diploma qualified and is currently working towards Chartered Status.
Richard Green DipPFS, CertSMP (Independent Financial Adviser)
Richard has been in the financial services industry since 1994 with many satisfied clients and joined West Country Financial in 2011 having previously worked with two national IFA groups.
Whether your enquiry is on a personal or corporate basis Richard can fully understand that the major financial decisions you make will have significant and life-changing consequences to your future. This is why you should seek professional independent financial advice from people you can trust and he is always happy to have an initial meeting without obligation to see how he can help.
The main aim is to construct tailor-made strategies and solutions based on your individual needs and circumstances to ensure they meet your requirements and enhance your life.
Richard specialises in providing clients with advice in the following areas:
Wealth Management (Investments and Tax Planning), Retirement options (Annuities, Unsecured Pensions and Phased Retirement), Retirement Planning, Estate Planning (Inheritance Tax Mitigation), Mortgage Advice (first time buyers, home-movers, buy to let, let to buy and re-mortgages), Protection advice (Mortgage, Family, Business and Income), Equity Release and Commercial Loans / Mortgages.
Barry Goodman DipPFS (Independent Financial Adviser)
Barry joined West Country Financial in 2015 and has been a Financial Adviser for over 28 years having previously worked in the home service field, Bank and Building Society sectors.
He is a member of the Personal Finance Society and holds the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Diploma in Financial Planning.
Barry is a Holistic Financial Adviser and specialises in the key planning areas of Wealth Management, Inheritance Tax Planning, Taxation, Trusts, Personal and Business Insurance along with Retirement Planning. Barry believes that professional financial advice can add significant value to individuals and to businesses. It is because of this belief that he is able to offer a comprehensive ongoing service designed to create real value for his clients.
Barry is married to Amanda and they have two sons. During his spare time he enjoys most sports with a particular interest in following Exeter Chiefs, cycling and general fitness training.
Stephen Tripp BA(Hons) DipPFS (Independent Financial Adviser)
Steve is an experienced Independent Financial Adviser with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry for over 20 years. He specialises in retirement, investment and estate planning - including inheritance tax mitigation.
Having worked within financial services for 12 years with HSBC Bank, Steve gained a wealth of experience working as a Senior Financial Planning Officer.
Steve has been with West Country Financial since 2012 and is proud to be able to offer a bespoke whole of market service to clients based mainly in the South West.
Steve obtained the Diploma in Financial Services and has held his statement of professional standing since January 2012. He is currently working towards Chartered Status.
Steve has lived in Tavistock for 40 years, is married to Helen, with a daughter (Emily).
In his spare time he enjoys road biking and is captain of the 1st team at Tavistock Squash Club.
He is a fluent Spanish speaker and has had previous experience as a School Governor in a local school.
Alex Dunn DipPFS
(Independent Financial Adviser)
Alex joined West Country Financial in 2018 after previous experience within the same industry. Alex holds a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is working towards Chartered Status. He covers all aspects of financial advice including Investments, Pensions, Protection and Home Finance.
Outside of work Alex is a keen surfer and enjoys playing golf and squash.
Tim Blewitt
(Independent Financial Adviser)
Tim has lived in Devon since the early 1990's and first worked for TSB Bank as a Financial Adviser. He then spent some time with The Wesleyan but decided that his future would lie as an Independent Financial Adviser.
After spending some years linked to different IFA firms he opened an office in Exmouth where he now lives.
Having joined West Country Financial in 2021 Tim says "I wish I had found Mike and West Country Financial earlier in my career. I am now very happy to be associated with them."
Tim caters for all age groups and aspects of Financial Planning.
Outside of work Tim enjoys sport, but as he sadly admits his playing days are over and he is now happy watching rugby, cricket and
formula one.
John Trusson
(Protection Adviser)
John joined West Country Financial in 2012 and specialises in Protection advice and General Insurance.
John is a family man who enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.
Christine Weekes CeMAP
(Independent Mortgage & Protection Adviser)
Christine is a Mortgage and Protection Adviser who joined West Country Financial in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience, having previously worked in the banking industry for 30 years.
Christine's career began in Johannesburg when she and her husband emigrated to South Africa where Christine worked for Nedbank. Upon returning to the UK Christine went on to work for Nat West Bank, The Woolwich Building Society and Santander.
Christine decided to take up an opportunity to work as an Independent Financial Adviser where products could be selected from the whole of market rather than be tied to limited products available from the bank.
Christine is happy to assist you with advice regarding mortgages and related life cover.
Christine is fluent in Italian.
Ian Colville
(Paraplanner)
Ian has been in Financial Services since 1987 during which time he worked for two major Insurance Companies, one of them as an Area Manager until 2000. He then became an IFA and in 2004 became a Director in his own IFA Company for 10 years before joining West Country Financial as a Paraplanner.
Peter Cook
(Paraplanner)
After spending many years working in management and senior positions with life and pension companies, Peter worked as an IFA between 2005 and 2014. Peter has extensive Pension, Investment and Inheritance Tax Planning knowledge exceeding the required level for Chartered Status and uses this knowledge to assist all of our advisers in formulating their advice.
Adam Brown
(Compliance Manager)
Adam has overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of West Country Financial overseeing the admin team and advisers along with Mike James, the Principal, ensuring that all business is carried out in a manner compliant with the Financial Conduct Authorities Rules.
Alison Nicholls
(Office Manager)
Alison joined West Country Financial in 2016 to assist in the day-to-day running of the business. In her current role as Office Manager, Alison works alongside Adam to ensure the office operates in a timely, efficient and well organised manner. Alison has responsibility for the accounts and brings many years of experience in varied
administrative roles.
Outside of work Alison enjoys time in nature and can often be seen walking or cycling around Tavistock.
Sue Fowler
(Administrator)
Sue joined West Country Financial in 2021 having worked in the banking industry for Midland Bank and HSBC Bank since 1986 in various roles and branches. She brings her banking knowledge and excellent customer service skills to the team. Sue joins Alison on the Admin Team dealing with the accounts and general office duties.
Outside of work Sue likes homely pursuits such as baking, sewing and gardening, and also enjoys walking and photography.
At West Country Financial, we have a team of experienced and qualified mortgage brokers who can provide quality solutions to your needs.
Based in Tavistock, we offer our services throughout the surrounding areas.
CONTACT US TODAY
If you have a complaint or dispute with us, you are entitled to make a complaint.
We have a complaints procedure available on request.
If you wish to register a complaint, please contact us either in writing, by telephone or email.
Please be assured we treat complaints seriously. For your protection, if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service ('FOS'). Please see the following link for further details:
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Call us on: 01822 618 535
in Tavistock
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