We are a Chartered, multi award-winning, independent financial planning firm where professionalism, integrity, and client outcomes come first. Just as importantly, we are a people-focused business that values collaboration, career development, and long-term success for both clients and advisers. 

A place where independence really means independence 

We are proud to be truly independent. That means no product bias, no pushy sales targets, and no pressure to compromise your advice. Instead, we focus on what matters most: delivering meaningful, long-term outcomes for clients. 

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, you’ll have the flexibility to grow your business your way, while benefiting from the support, infrastructure, and reputation of an established, respected firm. 

A team that genuinely works together 

We believe that great advice doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built on collaboration, shared expertise, and a culture where people support one another. 

You’ll be joining a vibrant, experienced team that champions: 

• Professionalism at every level  

• Genuine teamwork and knowledge sharing  

• Real career development and internal progression  

Our advisers have an average length of service of 9 years with us, reflecting our culture and the long-term opportunities available. Across the team, we have strong stability and experience, creating an environment where people build lasting careers, not just jobs. 

We are proud of the diversity of experience within our team. Recently, one of our Financial Planners achieved Chartered status at the age of 61, while we are also proud to house the UK’s youngest Chartered Financial Planner, who qualified at just 21. This reflects our belief in developing talent at all stages.  

A stronger, more sustainable future for advice 

We are actively building a firm that reflects the future of financial planning. 

With an average adviser age well below the UK sector average, we are successfully bringing in and developing younger advisers while maintaining deep experience across the team. This gives us exceptional succession planning for those advisers who care about their clients. 

As Nathan Harris, Partner & Chartered Financial Planner at SSFS explains, this has been achieved through organic growth rather than external consolidation or private equity investment, allowing advisers time to develop properly: 

He adds: 

We try and find the right type of person to come and work for us, which is not simply about having the best marks in professional exams or having the biggest client bank, because that is only a part of the job. We protect people, nurture them, and help them build and maintain meaningful relationships with their clients, knowing they are doing the best for them, not the corporate owners. 

A culture built on excellence 

We are proud to be recognised across the industry for both firm-wide and individual achievements including: 

• Five of our Chartered Advisers were recognised in this year’s VouchedFor’s Top Rated Financial Advisers and were proudly featured in The Times.  

• Winning the Adviser Firm of the Year at the Professional Adviser Awards 2025  

• Being named the Advice Firm of the Year (South West) at the New Model Adviser Awards in 2024, 2025 and in 2026.  

• Being named as a Citywire Top 100 Firm for 12 consecutive years 2014–2025 

• Rachael Martin, Head of Paraplanning, awarded Young Paraplanner of the Year and Jonathan Hickson awarded Young Financial Planner of the Year (South East & West) at the Money Marketing Young Financial Planner Awards 2025 

These achievements reflect a consistent commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client-first advice. 

Real independence, real support 

We believe great financial planning happens when advisers are free to focus on what matters most to clients. 

That means: 

• True independence with no product bias  

• A supportive, collaborative team environment  

• Clear career progression and internal development pathways  

• Investment in future talent through our Academy and graduate programmes  

• Lifelong learning and ongoing professional development  

Making a difference beyond financial advice 

We believe financial planning should be a cornerstone of the community. 

Through our work and wider initiatives, we support charities and grassroots projects in the areas where our clients live and work ensuring success is measured not just financially, but through positive impact. 

Ready for something new? 

If you’re a financial planning professional ready for your next challenge, you’re based along the south coast, and you value independence but also want to be part of a vibrant team that champions professionalism, teamwork, and real career development, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Nathan.Harris@ssfs.co.uk