This September, Brimmond Financial Planning celebrates three decades in business, a journey that began in 1995 when John West set up the business from their spare bedroom, working every hour while his wife Linda raised their five and six-year-old daughters.
Within seven years, John had outgrown the home office and became the very first tenant of Westhill Business Centre, joined by his wife Linda. Together they built Brimmond into a business founded on integrity, reliability, and clear guidance, always focused on helping clients make informed financial decisions. Specialising in pensions, savings, investments, and protection, Brimmond works closely with families and individuals to secure their financial wellbeing. Many clients have been with the firm since 1995, reflecting long-standing trust and strong personal relationships.
A New Generation Steps In
While John once thought his family business might not pass to the next generation, everything changed when his eldest daughter Rachel met her now-husband, Kris. After 11 years working as an engineer, Kris was searching for something more fulfilling. In 2018, he began retraining to become a financial adviser. Through dedication, navigating COVID, moving house, and welcoming their two children, he achieved Chartered Financial Planner status and was awarded Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society in 2023.
Rachel joined the firm the following year, and it was only then, once both were working within Brimmond, that they realised they could step into leadership and help shape the firm’s future. As John and Linda prepared to step back, Kris gradually took the reins. Since then, Kris and Rachel have been progressively buying the company, ensuring Brimmond remains independent while continuing to grow on the strong foundations laid over the past 30 years.
Over the last five years, Brimmond has experienced remarkable growth, increasing assets under management by 275%. With plans to welcome new advisers into the team, the firm is preparing for its next chapter, while staying true to the values and community spirit that have defined Brimmond from the very beginning.
Building the future
In 2022, Natalie joined Brimmond, quickly becoming the backbone of operations and ensuring the business runs efficiently day-to-day. Rachel, working closely with Kris and Natalie, has focused on strengthening client relationships and driving business development, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team. Together, the three are shaping Brimmond’s future, maintaining excellent service for long-standing clients while attracting new ones and expanding the team.
Today, Brimmond is a small, dynamic team, combining experience with fresh energy, still based in Westhill, still serving families and businesses locally and further afield.
Looking Ahead
As Brimmond Financial Planning enters its fourth decade, the focus remains unchanged: providing clear, straightforward advice that helps clients make informed decisions and feel confident about their financial future.
“From the very beginning, John built a business founded on trust and integrity, values that guide us every day. We’re thankful to our clients, both old and new, for their continued support on this journey.”
Supporting local charities remains a priority, Brimmond is using its recent growth to strengthen its contributions to local charities, continuing a tradition of community support. With a motivated, energetic team and new advisers planned to join the firm, Brimmond is well-positioned for continued success. While some very exciting developments are still under wraps, Rachel adds:
“It’s amazing to see what we’ve built together. Watching my parents grow this business over the years has been inspiring, and now Kris and I are proud to continue their legacy, knowing they’re proud of us as we enter the next chapter, continuing to grow and support our clients and community.”