Leading North East financial advisory firm, Lowes Financial Management, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of its first commercial director.
Barry Hopper, 53, takes up the new role after working in various positions within the multi-award-winning Newcastle-based IFA for almost 20 years.
His experience within Lowes means he has a strong knowledge of the business, with a unique understanding of the needs of clients and the role advisers play in their lives, helping them achieve their financial goals.
He also brings a valuable corporate experience to the role having previously worked as a financial director for Sage plc, and before that within British Airways for around eight years.
Barry said: “It’s an exciting time to be taking up this new role. With a degree in accountancy, I bring a combined understanding of corporate and personal finance to the job. I believe I can add some value to the board while appreciating the vital role our advisers play in growing the firm.
“Pre-pandemic I was advising Lowes clients across the UK, from Glasgow to Southampton, and of course the North East. Since early 2022, I have been more involved in business development strengthening our professional connections.
“My new role will see me maintain a business development focus, while supporting Ian Lowes and the board more. I will be helping drive the business forward with a renewed emphasis on clients, our people and company value.”
Ian Lowes, MD of Lowes Financial Management, said: “For a successful business with a 50-year history under our belt, we need a dynamic board and team to drive the business forwards, to cement Lowes as the largest and best IFA in the North East.
“Barry will be important to ensuring Lowes continues to expand our client base while strengthening our growing national reputation.”
Ian Lowes added: “It is important that our advisers constantly add value and help clients build and maintain their wealth. It’s important that in the next few years we make Lowes the ‘go to’ company for financial advice.”
Lowes advises clients across a wide range of financial aspects such as inheritance tax planning, investment management, pensions, tax mitigation, long term care and other general financial planning issues helping clients and their families to secure their financial future. More specifically, Lowes is a recognised national authority in the profession on structured retail products.
Lowes has regularly been recognised as the UK’s Best Investment Advice Firm by financial adviser magazine Money Marketing – winning the award for three out of four years (2018, 2020 and 2021). The Money Marketing Awards are one of the financial services profession’s most prestigious awards that recognise and reward the sector’s leading advisers and providers.
