Paraplanner one of 17 new recruits for South West firm

22 September 2020

Paraplanner Barry O’Leary has joined financial planning group Old Mill, alongside 16 other new joiners as the firm continues its expansion plan.

O’Leary, who joins the Wells Wealth Management team, brings with him a wealth of investment management experience, having previously held roles at HSBC, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank. More recently, he moved across to the personal finance sector, working at a SOLLA accredited firm and an independent financial planning firm in Somerset.

O’Leary said: “I worked with Old Mill when I was a pro bono director of the Somerset Community Foundation and was impressed with their passion for rural communities. To me, Old Mill are the Great South West.”

In addition to O’Leary’s new appointment, Old Mill has welcomed qualified accountant Kirstie Monnington, trainee Charles Tolley and ACA qualified accountant Avril Riglar.

Harriet Bowden and Emma Paull also join the Exeter office, where Bowden will be part of the commercial team and Paull will work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant. Lorna Wooster, a client service associate will form part of the Melksham office, while client service co-ordinator Sarah Emmett will be based in Yeovil, Old Mill said.

The firm has also brought a number of graduates and apprentices on board who will be supported by Old Mill’s training programme to qualify in their chosen fields.

Ian Carlson, managing director, Old Mill, says: “ Our whole reputation is built on the passion we have for supporting our clients together with the trust we build with them, and this means that when the world is in turmoil and our clients need us the most, they know they can rely on us to offer expert help, support, and advice.

“Throughout lockdown, we made sure we were available to clients to offer support whenever they needed it and the commitment of our people has been key throughout this time. They have worked tirelessly to embrace new ways of working, including helping our clients adapt to the use of video technology to hold meetings virtually. I am also hugely proud of the incredible levels of teamwork over the last few months, with colleagues always available to help each other out despite not being able to work in the same physical location as one another.”

Carlson adds: “The HR team has been amazing, making all staff feel safe and secure in the ‘new normal’ and enabling us to continue to recruit just as we did in the pre-pandemic world. For a business of our size to bring in 17 new staff at any one time is a fantastic growth story, but to be able to do so in the current climate is even more exciting and we are delighted to be in a position to give them the opportunity to either start or further develop their careers with us.”

Professional Paraplanner