Our People

I joined The RU Group in 2013 and was keen to progress through the business learning lots on the way.

Beginning my career as an apprentice administrator, moving through the business to a Paraplanner, I am now part of the advice team. The journey through the business has helped me to understand all of the various roles, picking up many exams along the way to ensure I know what I’m talking about!

I thoroughly enjoy the day to day contact I have with both new and existing clients and I learn so much from helping them. Helping my clients meet their objectives and make life changing decisions to ensure they are in a great position for the future is an aspect that I love. I aim to ensure that I deliver a high quality service while making the financial plan as simple as possible. I provide clear, holistic advice that helps clients enjoy life, hopefully without worrying about money.

Out of work:

• Boxing fan & Football season ticket holder
• Gym/Keeping fit
• Travelling
• Socialising

Ben has really helped shape a plan that gives me confidence my choices will help me when I come to retire.
– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

You can read Ben Slater’s articles here.

I have been helping clients achieve their financial aims and objectives since 2002.

I strive to provide a personalised service to the people I work with, focused on the things that matter most to them. I am extremely proud of the trust and confidence that the people I work with place in me.

I am a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society – the ‘gold standard’ of financial adviser in the UK.

I am also an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and an ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant, and have considerable experience assisting owners and former-owners of all types of corporate/business enterprise.

Out of work:

• Sheffield United Season Ticket Holder
• FA Level 6 ‘County’ Football Referee
• Gaming tournaments and events
• Running and cycling
• Spending time with my young family

Projections, future planning, guidance and advice on all matters financial, giving options and assessing risk factors.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I joined The RU Group in 2003.

I value the importance of understanding clients’ circumstances and concerns.

I enjoy providing an ongoing structured plan with the aim of helping clients achieve their financial objectives and providing peace of mind.

I am a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and have qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner and as a Chartered Wealth Manager.

My specialism is in authorised pension transfers.

Out of work

• Coach at local Swimming Club
• Watching sports
• Keeping fit
• Family & holidays

I receive excellent personal service from David Britton. David has taken time to fully understand my financial needs and tailor accordingly.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I joined the group in 2006, and, as a fully qualified Financial Adviser I have nearly 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

Supporting both corporate company and individual private clients, I am keen to simplify the complex – helping clients plan for the future and managing their wealth.

The most rewarding part of my role is the time spent with clients demonstrating a financial plan and providing reassurance that they can live the life they want to.

Out of work:

• Playing vets 5-a-side football
• Family
• Supporting 3 sons’ passion for sport

My adviser David Mann is very professional and service is excellent.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I joined The RU Group in 2014 and I manage our great team of Advisers and Paraplanners. My role is to help grow our business and to make sure that our client propositions remain appropriate and competitive. I manage our Marketing activities and increasingly lead the firm’s relationships with other professionals. I enjoy my role – no two days are the same and I also really appreciate seeing our team develop.

Out of work

• Road and mountain cycling
• Racket sports, especially badminton
• Developing my (limited) cooking skills
• Dog walking

Advice given, communication with my adviser and RU Group magazines are exemplary and very informative. All this instils confidence as a client.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

You can read Ian Browne’s articles here.

I have a number of years’ experience within the Financial Services sector and I joined The RU Group in October 2015.

I advise clients on all areas of financial planning and specialise in pensions and investments, in particular people approaching and in retirement. I pride myself on providing straightforward jargon-free solutions to my clients and building long-lasting relationships.

I have achieved Chartered Status and am a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

Out of work:

• Watching all sports
• Playing golf and squash
• Family

Extremely happy with Jonathan Nicholls. It’s difficult to improve on what he’s been doing for a number of years!– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

You can read Jonathan Nicholls’ articles here.

I joined the RU Group initially as Corporate Client Services Supervisor with over 25 years industry experience.  My role has changed a couple of times since then but has always lent towards maintaining and developing client relationships in order to ensure they receive a high-quality service.

I also provide a ‘Secretary to the Trustees’ role for our final salary clients.

Out of work

• Zumba
• Playing Badminton
• Socialising with family and friends

Keeping in touch, good attention, made to feel wanted and of value.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I joined The RU Group in 1990 opening our Sheffield Office shortly afterwards.

I am responsible for the development of our Sheffield Office and maintaining relationships with our professional connections, including our joint venture partnerships with two leading firms of Chartered Accountants.

My professional qualification is DipPFS.

I provide advice to new and established clients, many of whom are or have been business owners like me, so I understand the challenges they face.

As clients become more successful their needs become more complex. I enjoy helping clients with their immediate financial challenges as well as planning their own and their family’s futures.

Out of Work

• Family
• Countryside walking
• Football

I have always been very satisfied with The RU Group. My adviser has always made himself available for me if I telephone and puts me completely at ease.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I originally joined The RU Group in 2014 as a member of our paraplanning team. I have since progressed to become an Independent Financial Adviser here and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

I focus on working with clients to put in place a bespoke financial plan to help them realise their goals and bring peace of mind.

Our commitment to working at the highest professional standards is essential which is why I am proud to be qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner.

 Out of work

∙ Football
∙ Cinema
∙ Socialising with friends

Keeps their clients well informed on many aspects of their investing by good and clear advice.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I thrive on building long-term relationships with clients, helping them make the right financial decisions at the right time. Great client outcomes often mean that I need to work with other professions especially those in law and accountancy to achieve this.

I am a member of the senior leadership team and responsible for our culture of learning which ensures that all our staff are trained to the highest professional standards. I am also on the Chartered Insurance Council in Nottingham and regularly contribute financial articles to national newspapers.

I am proud to be a Chartered Financial Planner which is the ultimate endorsement of excellence and professional achievement. I hold the Chartered Insurance Institute High Achiever Award for Nottingham 2017 and was a Finalist in the Personal Finance Society Chartered Financial Planner of the year 2018.

My current goals are to promote financial education in schools with Young Enterprise and support the Personal Finance Society with its Forces Money Plan programme helping ex forces personnel receive high quality financial advice.

Out of work:

• Dedicated taxi driver to family
• Adoption panel member at Adoption Plus
• Assistant Scout leader

I have been more than happy with Nick Onslow’s advice and instructive evaluation as he makes you think outside the box. They employ talented advisers such as Nick who enable customers like me to sleep well at night.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

You can read news and opinion from Nick Onslow here.

I joined The Ru Group in 2017 and have worked in the financial services industry since 2006, following my graduation from Sheffield Hallam University. I hold a degree in Financial Services and the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.

My role as a Chartered Financial Planner is to understand each client as an individual and to help them achieve their financial goals by providing solutions to their needs and provide ongoing support.

I enjoy building and maintaining long-term client relationships in order to help clients achieve their financial objectives.

Out of work:

• Going to the gym
• Running
• Spending time with family and friends
• Holidays

They take the time to fully understand their clients needs and provide personal tailored solutions.”– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020

I have been a Financial Adviser since 1999.  During that time I have also held senior management roles within two regional firms.

I joined The RU Group in 2014, working more closely to home and focusing on clients – the part of my job I have always enjoyed the most.

My role is to help clients plan their long term future and manage their financial assets. This way, they can protect the things that are important to them and live the lifestyle they want, without the fear of running out of money.

The best aspect of my job is helping people achieve something they did not think they had the resources to do. For example, being able to retire early and still maintain their standard of living.

Whilst I look at all areas of financial planning, I specialise in pensions and investments (in particular with people approaching and in retirement).

My professional qualification is the Diploma in Financial Planning.

Out of work:

• Family
• Astronomy
• Real ale
• Reading

Gives good sound advice. I like the fact that I am made fully aware of any risks with my investments and thus given the choice of the level of risk I want to take.– Client Satisfaction Survey 2020