Civil engineer makes radical career change and sets up bespoke design company

23 November 2018

A York-based former civil engineer had a eureka moment and decided to retire from a successful 27-year career in engineering to set up an independent design company specialising in making bespoke fine furniture. Richard Frost has gone back to the drawing board and swapped the vocational hustle and bustle for the more laid-back atmosphere of a carpentry workshop. Richard, aged 50, took inspiration from a conversation he had with friends during a short break in the Lakes, when they all answered the question “what would you do if you had the chance?” Richard had always been interested in art, aesthetics and carpentry so decided to combine all three and make the leap into self-employment. Richard, originally from Clitheroe in Lancashire, had the biggest deci... (Read More)

Does your pension cause you tension? (National Pension Awareness Day 2018)

12 September 2018

Ahead of National Pension Awareness Day taking place this coming Saturday (15th September), one of the region’s leading financial advisors shares eight of the most commonly asked questions they receive about pensions. Explore Wealth Management is a family-run firm of independent financial advisers based in Cramlington, Northumberland – who specialise in retirement planning, pensions advice and investment management. Here are the top eight questions on pensions: Am I too old or too young for a pension? Is there risk involved with pensions? Are pensions the only way to save for my retirement? What happens to my pension fund if I die? How much do I need to retire and when can I afford to do so? Why has my employer told me to join a pension scheme? Will havin... (Read More)

Planning your dream holiday doesn’t have to break the bank!

02 August 2018

It’s August and the holiday season is in full swing with the sun shining in the sky, bottles of wine chilling in the fridge and burgers simmering away on the BBQ. People are excitedly counting down to their vacations – that’s if they aren’t already basking on a sunbed abroad. We asked Stephen Sumner, Director of Explore Wealth Management based in Cramlington, to give his top ten tips for people planning their summer holidays (there’s actually eleven but we won’t argue amongst friends!). Top Ten Tips: 1). For cheaper holidays book early especially if you work in a small office and want to choose the best and cheapest dates first! 2). Organise your travel insurance cover as soon as possible. There’s nothing worse than having no cover if you have to cancel yo... (Read More)

North East IFA future-proofs its business with help from boutique London agency

30 October 2017

A North East independent financial adviser is working with a top London-based business consultancy to help strengthen its services to clients and become a specialist, market-leading provider of advice for those approaching retirement. Cramlington-based Explore Wealth Management is working alongside FP Advance through a dedicated mentorship programme lead by nationally-acclaimed financial services business coach, Brett Davidson. Designed specifically for growing financial services firms, the 36-month programme aims to coach financial advice firms on how to maximise their business potential and become more commercially viable while maintaining their client-focus. Stephen Sumner, managing director at Explore Wealth Management, said: “One of the first questions... (Read More)

News