Perspective (North East) and AYP Financial Planning

Kim Alexandra established AYP Financial Planning Ltd (AYP) in Hexham in 2005. It began by providing women—including those running their own businesses and those going through a divorce or separation—with a special, independent financial planning service.

Now, Perspective (North East) Ltd, which was founded in 1985 as Wilkinson Hatton in the village of Bardon Mill by fellow financial advisor Mitch Wilkinson, has bought AYP.

Ian Wilkinson, his 19-year-old son, began working for the company in 1989 after finishing school and working on a farm for three years.

Sarah Chandler, Ian’s sister, also joined the company. Ian’s firm had substantial growth and even merged with another company.

Ian has advanced to become the chief executive officer of Perspective Financial Group Ltd., one of the top national wealth management and financial planning companies in the UK, which has over 30 offices, 120 financial planners, and 450 employees, in addition to managing director of Perspective (North East) Ltd., based in Seaton Burn.

I knew we needed additional help and support to sustain and grow the business.”

We determined that finding a larger partner that could assist with the growing regulatory burden in addition to giving access to the next generation of advisers was the best course of action for our clients and employees.

“It is fantastic to have found Perspective after doing a thorough search, especially considering that they too originated in the Tyne Valley. They completely adhere to the same standards of decency, expertise, and customer service as us. This relocation will secure our capacity to offer our clients long-term financial guidance, give our employees greater career opportunities and career stability, and allow us to expand our Hexham office.”

“Perspective maintains the feel of a local firm, even with the scale of a national group,” Ian continued. Hexham stands to benefit from the unique combination of AYP and Perspective since it will have immediate access to national-level specialisations and knowledge.