Andrew joined our Aberdeen office as a Paraplanner in 2020.

Working in financial services in Edinburgh since 2008, Andrew has had many roles. From working in banking to life companies and platforms, he gained experience with various tax wrappers along the way.

Having grown up in Aberdeenshire, Andrew moved back to live with his fiancée and new baby and began working with us as a Paraplanner. The move into paraplanning was a natural progression, building on his previous experience across the financial spectrum. Andrew has completed the IOC (Investment Operations Certificate) with the CISI and passed the R02 exam (Investment Principles and Risk).

In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, initially getting into it when a previous colleague had completed ‘Total Warrior’ and declared to the workplace that “nobody there would be able to do it”. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Andrew signed up to take part the following year and even trained with an ex-royal marine!

Andrew supports Financial Planner, Keith Mackie.

What do you like most about working at Acumen Financial Planning?

“I had heard a lot of good things about Acumen and their approach to financial advice and creating the best outcomes for their clients. I like the genuine positive impact we make on client’s lives. The focus isn’t about selling them a product – it’s about analysing their circumstances and aims and mapping out how best these can be achieved. It’s an aspirational approach to advice that blends current client reality with their desired future. Additionally, as every client is different, there’s a real variety to the daily role.”

What has been your proudest career achievement to date?

“Beyond being hired by Acumen Financial Planning, I won one of the coveted ‘Brilliant People’ awards at Nucleus Financial. Out of a company of over 250 people, there were only six awards, so I was genuinely just pleased to be nominated.”

Tell us one thing that people would be surprised to find out about you.

“I used to be quite good at surfing but haven’t done it for years. It needs serious time investment!”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Treat other people like you would like to be treated. An oldie but a goodie.”