Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Financial Planning Solutions
Established in 2012, we are independent financial planners dedicated to helping individuals and business owners across the East Midlands achieve their financial goals. With over 26 years of industry experience, our Chartered Financial Planner combines deep technical expertise with a personable approach to create tailored solutions. We hold prestigious accreditations including Chartered status from the CII and Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society. Our Which? Trusted Trader endorsement reflects our commitment to transparency and client-centric service.We specialise in life-centred financial planning, focusing on retirement strategies, investment management, and business owner solutions. Our five-step process ensures comprehensive understanding of client circumstances, followed by implementation of robust, adaptable financial plans. We maintain ongoing relationships through regular reviews and secure digital communication tools.
Services
Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Investment Management
Pension Advice
Business Owner Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 26 years of financial services experience with Chartered status
- Our independent status allows unbiased recommendations in your best interest
- We hold Which? Trusted Trader endorsement for consumer protection standards
- Our personable approach combines financial expertise with genuine client understanding
- We serve clients across East Midlands with local knowledge and accessibility
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Financial Planner (CII)
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS)
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (MCSI)
- Which? Trusted Trader
What people say
Financial security
Sound advice
Peace of mind
Personalised approach
Investment growth
Services
Financial Planning
We create comprehensive financial plans tailored to individual life goals. Our approach combines cashflow analysis with risk assessment to develop sustainable strategies. Clients benefit from ongoing reviews that adapt to changing circumstances and legislation, ensuring long-term financial security through retirement and beyond.
Retirement Planning
Specialist retirement planning services help clients maximise pension benefits while minimising tax liabilities. We develop sustainable income strategies that adapt to market conditions, ensuring clients maintain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement with regular portfolio adjustments.
Investment Management
Our investment management service creates diversified portfolios aligned with risk tolerance and financial goals. We implement strategic asset allocation with regular performance reviews, adjusting strategies to market changes while maintaining cost-effective management structures for optimal returns.
Business Owner Solutions
Tailored financial solutions for business owners address succession planning, tax efficiency, and personal wealth management. We develop integrated strategies that protect both business assets and personal finances, ensuring smooth transitions while maintaining family financial security.
Pension Advice
Comprehensive pension advice covers consolidation, drawdown options, and tax-efficient withdrawals. We help clients navigate complex pension landscapes, optimising retirement income through strategic planning while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
People
Darren Cooke
Chartered Financial Planner
With 26 years' experience, Darren holds Chartered status from the CII and Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society. He established Red Circle Financial Planning in 2012 to provide bespoke financial solutions, winning multiple industry awards for professional excellence and client service.
Melanie Cooke
Practice Manager
Melanie oversees business operations with 15 years' experience in financial management. A Chartered Management Accountant, she ensures efficient systems and client communication while maintaining financial controls, combining professional expertise with practical business management.
Valerie Cook
Administrator
Valerie manages administrative operations with extensive experience in financial services. She processes applications and coordinates provider communications, leveraging her industry knowledge to maintain accurate documentation and support seamless client service delivery.
Questions
What financial planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive financial planning including retirement strategies, investment management, pension advice, and business owner solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
How does your financial planning process work?
Our five-step process begins with understanding your situation, establishes current financial positions, creates bespoke plans, implements changes, and maintains ongoing reviews to adapt to life's changes.
What qualifications do your advisers hold?
Our lead adviser holds Chartered Financial Planner status from the CII, Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society, and Membership of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment.
Are you independent financial advisers?
Yes, we are fully independent and not tied to any specific providers, allowing unbiased recommendations that prioritise client interests.
What areas do you cover?
We work with clients across the East Midlands region including Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, North Leicestershire, and South Yorkshire.
How are your fees structured?
We provide transparent fee structures during initial consultations, with charges based on the complexity of financial planning requirements and agreed service levels.
