Mark Wilkins

How do you describe what you do?

As Managing Partner, I lead financial planning across Guildford, Southampton & Exeter, driving growth, collaboration, and client excellence. I advise on estate planning, tax-efficient strategies, and cross-border solutions for UK-US clients.

What's next for you professionally?

My focus is to grow our regional presence by deepening expertise, strengthening networks, and delivering standout client outcomes. We’ll invest in adviser development and foster collaboration to build a culture of excellence, trust, and innovation.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Treat people how they want to be treated. You are more than your job title. Do it even if you're scared. What you tolerate continues. And above all, invest in positive relationships.

What's an experience with a client that's stuck with you?

Helped a client retire with confidence, gift her children a start on the property ladder, feel secure about future care, and reduce her inheritance tax by over £1 million—giving her peace of mind and the joy of seeing her legacy take shape.

How did you start off in your career?

A friend I was at college with went off to join a Financial Planning business many years ago and said I should go along to their open evening. The rest is history, I was hooked.

What's your area of expertise?

I lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams. As a practitioner in estate planning and business growth, I bring advise with US expertise and deliver tax-advantaged solutions that drive value, protect wealth, and support long-term client success.

Where do you get your inspiration to embrace what's next?

I gain my inspiration from my family, friends, clients, travel and new experiences.

What's your favourite thing about your role?

The best part is helping people feel confident about their future—passing on wealth, making informed choices, and turning financial dreams into reality for those they love most.

What's next for you personally?

Personally, I play the drums and I am currently learning magic which are two skills I would love to master!

Where's your favourite place to meet with your clients?

In their homes, you learn a great deal about your clients from how and where they live and to me, it feels far more personal.

When you're not at work, what's your favourite thing to do?

Travelling and sharing new experiences with my family. We all love to Ski so this features heavily with my 9-year-old using Duolingo to learn Finnish so he can go back to Ski there, I don't have the heart tell him they speak excellent English.

Why does my role as a wealth manager matter?

It changes peoples relationship with money. Money is scary to many, far too complicated and where a little knowledge is dangerous. I guide people and help them make clearer, more informed decisions. It sounds corny but it changes peoples lives.

What qualifications and memberships do you have?

• DipPFS
• CeMAP