Andrew began his career in financial services in Edinburgh in 2008, working in several sectors from banking to life companies and platforms, gaining greater experience with various tax wrappers along the way. Andrew joined Acumen in Aberdeen as a Paraplanner in 2020, having recently moved back to the area with his fiancée and new baby.

Andrew’s move into paraplanning was a natural progression, building on his previous financial services experience and joining the advice profession. Andrew has completed the IOC (Investment Operations Certificate) with the CISI and attained his Diploma in Financial Planning with the CII, and is working to achieve his Chartered status on top of this.

In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, spending time with his family, trying to learn how to work his metal detector and would like to take up his late grandfather’s hobby of fly-fishing if he can find the time!

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 clients’ 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?

“Achieving my Diploma in Financial Planning was a very proud achievement of mine, it was not easy entering the advice side of financial services at the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, with all the restrictions as well as a very young baby to look after, but thankfully Covid-19 is in the rear-view mirror, my daughter is at primary school and I am now working towards achieving Chartered status”

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

“This probably won’t be a surprise to the people I work with, but I love words. The right word in the right place at the right time can make all the difference, and when you’re reading, writing or saying something you’re proud of, it feels like a symphony with all the notes in the right places.”

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

“’To move a mountain you must begin by carrying small stones’ – useful in all sorts of situations!