Andy initially worked in the chemical industry but moved to the financial sector in 1991, when he joined S G Holding & Partners in 1993. He established BlackBear Financial Group with his wife Karen in 2018. Andy is qualified in many areas of financial planning but specialises in investment and retirement planning.
Karen worked for a solicitors’ firm and, in 1982, she joined her father Sid’s firm S G Holding & Partners. She helped to build the business and later qualified as an independent financial adviser. Karen is a non-advising director of BlackBear Financial Group and is actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Karen is a qualified estate planner, although not regulated by the FCA, her business Will Creation, provides solutions which complete the financial planning process – Wills, trusts and Lasting Power of Attorneys.
Chris deviated from his family profession of financial management to take up a golf scholarship which led him to become a golf professional in his formative years. He then decided to follow in the family tradition and revert back to finance, qualifying as an independent financial adviser with Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. Chris is a great asset to the BlackBear team. He has excellent interpersonal skills and uses his exceptional analytical skills and experience to find the best solution for the needs and objectives of his clients.
After graduating from the University of Bath with a degree in Physics, Max decided to join BlackBear and begin working towards becoming an Independent Financial Adviser. Max supports Andy and Chris with client management, reviews, and cashflow modeling, whilst studying towards his CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
Stella is a compliance and auditing specialist with extensive experience of working with the legal profession. In identifying compliance, risk management, and emerging risk issues. She is also experienced in business development. She has a key role in overseeing our compliance which is essential in such a highly regulated industry.
Having completed a degree in Audio Engineering from the Univesity of Middlesex, Guy joined BlackBear in 2018. Guy provides essential support to the business, having an excellent technical background. He manages and develops all aspects of the IT and back-office system securing an efficient operation
