Meet the Team
We believe that meaningful financial advice starts with genuine human connection.
Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and business owners to make confident, informed decisions that support their long-term goals and values. We don’t just manage wealth—we help shape futures. That’s why our team is built around a shared ethos of trust, integrity, and putting people before products.
We’re proud of the inclusive, collaborative culture we’ve fostered—one where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and professional development is encouraged at every level. We work as one team, united by a passion for doing what’s right for our clients and our community.
Whether it’s through thoughtful planning, insightful advice, or simply being there when it matters most, the Real Wealth team is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Get to know the people behind the expertise — because who you trust with your future matters.
Sean Carney
One of my happy places is up a mountain because it’s where I feel completely at peace — and it proves the UK can be stunning… even if the weather is trying its best to convince me otherwise and the view is 90% clouds and 10% wishful thinking!
Outside of work, I find my real wealth in doing sport or anything that pushes me physically or simply spending time with my family. I work as Senior Client Support at Real Wealth, helping both clients and colleagues navigate challenges and land on smart, well-thought-out solutions.
I’m at my best when I’m untangling problems and figuring out the clearest way forward. I care about making thoughtful calls, doing quality work, and keeping standards high—because doing things properly matters.
Hannah Crookston
Outside of work, I’m happiest exploring the outdoors. The Lake District holds a special place in my heart, it’s where I spent many childhood adventures with my grandparents and now enjoy walking the Wainwrights with my husband. Whether it’s camping under the stars, relaxing in a glamping pod, or discovering amazing local food, it’s my perfect escape.
I enjoy staying active, working out, and tackling home renovation projects that keep me creative and hands-on. I bring over a decade of experience in financial services, where I’ve worked closely with clients and advisers to ensure every interaction is efficient and stress-free. I take pride in being proactive and approachable, helping clients feel supported at every stage. Connecting with people is what makes my role rewarding.
Ian Cooke
Ian Cooke brings over three decades of experience in financial planning and wealth management, with a career dedicated to improving outcomes for both clients and advisers.
Having built and scaled successful wealth management and platform group Benchmark Capital, Ian brings extensive expertise in growth strategy, operational scaling and value creation. A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, he combines deep technical and technology knowledge with a strong commercial perspective.
At Real Wealth, Ian supports the business as an investor and board adviser, providing strategic guidance to help ensure the firm continues to deliver high-quality, forward-thinking advice to its clients.
Michelle Epstein
My happy place is when I’m canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding with family. Laughter all round, lots of fun and a bit of a challenge!
My real wealth comes in life’s simple pleasures, having time with my daughter and dog to relax, reading, or watching the latest movie. Having built a secure financial base, I now get to enjoy these guilt free.
Having worked across administration, paraplanning and advice roles I have thoroughly enjoy being able to support people in reaching their financial goals. Whether this is with a simple pension contribution to build a retirement fund or an inheritance tax plan to allow succession planning for the next generation. The ultimate satisfaction is speaking to a client knowing we have achieved their end goal.
Ian Henry
Outside the office, my happiest moments are spent travelling the world with my family. New places, new experiences, and the kind of memories that stay with you.
When I’m not doing that, I compete in ultra and endurance events. It’s hard to explain the pull of it until you’ve crossed a finish line after miles of hills and darkness, then it makes complete sense.
I’m a Financial Planner, but the best conversations I have are rarely about money. They’re about what matters to someone, what keeps them up at night, and what they’d do if they knew things were going to be okay. That’s where the real work happens, helping people get clear on what they want their life to look like, and building a plan that protects and grows what they’ve worked hard to build.
Richard Stock
My happy place: There is something very special about Eastbourne, and the International Lawn Tennis Centre. The grass tennis courts are world class, and there is a real sense of pride in representing Somerset in this event. Other than playing tennis, I’m happiest walking our dog in the woods and spending time with my family making memories.
I’ve worked in financial services since 2018, specialising in helping people plan with confidence and invest with purpose. Before finance, I was a professional tennis coach, a background which shaped my disciplined, goal centred approach. As a family man, I value long-term planning, balance, and supporting others to achieve their goals.
Mike Toole
Travelling with my family is my happy place, and I have a particular soft spot for California, where the climate, culture, standard of living and sense of optimism for life and “having a go” really resonate with me.
Finding real wealth outside of work, I enjoy hiking in the Lake District, keeping fit through regular training, and coaching the local under-13’s cricket team, which I find hugely rewarding.
As a founding Managing Director, I am passionate about building high-quality firms that focus on genuine community — with clients, colleagues and the local areas we serve — to truly improve lives. I’m motivated by delivering advice that responds to societal change and its impact on individuals, helping people navigate complexity, make better decisions, and ultimately find clearer paths to greater happiness and wellbeing.
João Nogueira
I’m happiest out in nature, whether that’s exploring woodland trails or discovering new places. Being outdoors helps me slow down, gain perspective, and focus on what really matters.
Outside of work, I practise and compete in Taekwondo, and I’m proud to have won World Champion titles in Sparring and Patterns at the 2017 Barneveld ITF Open. I’m also part of the BUTL National Squad. Taekwondo has helped me develop discipline, resilience, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Alongside this, I’m a Scout Leader, supporting young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and grow through new challenges and experiences.
As a Financial Planner at Real Wealth, I’m driven by helping people discover what truly matters to them. I believe financial planning should begin with understanding the life someone wants to lead, not just numbers. I enjoy helping clients gain clarity, make informed decisions, and build the confidence to create a more fulfilling life, both now and in the future.
John White
One of my happiest places is right at home: my dog and I can step out of the back gate straight onto the foothills of the Peak District. There’s something uniquely peaceful about that doorstep-to-countryside feeling — perfect for clearing my head, stretching my legs and soaking up whatever the British weather decides to give us.
When I’m not at home, I like to be close to water — lakes or the sea — and I love the buzz of open-water swimming. Being in or near water resets me and keeps me energised.
Outside of work I find my “real wealth” in sport and outdoor activities, also spending relaxed time with my family. I’m a founding Managing Director of Real Wealth, I support clients and colleagues to achieve strong, well-considered outcomes. I enjoy solving problems and finding the best route forward for people, and I’m motivated by doing the right thing, doing it well, and maintaining high standards.
Piers Rogers
I’m happiest on the golf course because I love the technical and mental challenge of the sport. More importantly, a round gives me around four hours with friends or family in the outdoors away from screens. It is one of the best ways to stay connected to people which is what I value most in my life. I encourage any friend who doesn’t already play to pick up a club.
My career in financial planning began in 2019 and, as a Financial Planner at Real Wealth, I’m looking forward to helping people lead more rewarding lives. I have seen the transformative effect that good financial planning can have on the trajectory of an individual’s future and I’m excited to deliver that to our clients here.
John Fisher
My happy place? Time spent with my family. We lead busy lives, so we make a conscious effort to set aside quality time together and create lasting memories. Everything I work hard for ultimately comes back to family. It’s what gives us joy and keeps life in perspective.
Outside of work, my “real wealth” comes from staying active. Most lunchtimes you’ll find me at the gym in Altrincham, and I cycle to work whenever I can. Keeping up with my young son and his packed sporting schedule is a motivation in itself. He’s probably fitter than I’ll ever be!
Professionally, I’ve spent over 20 years in Financial Services, primarily in leadership roles. The experience I’ve gained along the way now supports me in my role as Operations Manager at Real Wealth. At the heart of how I work is a simple belief: while I want to succeed for myself and my family, I also want to help others enjoy their working day and be at their best. Ultimately, helping others succeed, enjoy their work and be at their best is what makes this role so rewarding for me.
Michaela Green
My happy place is somewhere warm, usually in Spain, where I can relax, explore and enjoy everything around me. I love travelling and discovering new places, whether that’s revisiting a favourite destination or heading off on a city break somewhere new. I also enjoy photography and capturing special moments, as there’s nothing better than looking back on those memories.
My real wealth is having the time and freedom to enjoy the things that make me happy. I’m health conscious and enjoy looking after myself, but I’m equally happy spending time over a leisurely brunch or exploring a local garden centre. I’m passionate about gardening and find it incredibly rewarding to create a space where I can unwind and enjoy being outdoors.
With over 20 years in financial services, I’ve always believed that people should be at the heart of what we do. Building relationships, understanding what matters most to clients and providing support with professionalism, empathy and care are the aspects of my role I value most. Helping clients feel confident about their financial future is incredibly rewarding.
Dave Watson
When I am not analysing market trends or meeting clients, I can almost always be found outdoors, which I consider to be my ultimate happy place. I enjoy walking my dog with my wife and son, or other family and friends. I have always been an avid sports enthusiast and enjoy spending my time on the golf course and supporting my lifelong football team. In the winter months I chase the thrill of the slopes swapping the greens for fresh powder on my snowboard.
As an experienced financial planner with more than 30 years in the financial services industry, I’ve helped hundreds of clients work towards their financial goals through personalised, forward-thinking advice. To me, financial planning is about more than numbers. It’s about building trust, understanding what matters most to each client, and developing long-term relationships.
Whether navigating complex financial markets or enjoying the great outdoors, I bring the same level of passion, dedication, and precision to everything I do.
Glyn Bottomley
One of my happiest places is North Wales. I spend a lot of time there with family, particularly around Conwy, and I enjoy getting out into the hills whenever I can. It’s a great way to switch off, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with the people who matter most.
Outside of work, my real wealth comes from family and friends. I enjoy weekends away, eating out, playing guitar and spending time with my partner and two children. I’m also a Manchester United season-ticket holder, so matchdays at Old Trafford with friends are a regular part of life.
I’m an Independent Financial Adviser and I’ve worked in financial services since 2004. I enjoy helping clients understand their finances, cut through complexity and feel confident about the decisions they’re making for the future. Alongside my role at Real Wealth, I also own a mortgage advice business, so helping people make informed financial decisions has been a central part of my working life for many years.
Jeff Lewtas
As the son of a Master Carpenter, I spent many years learning some of my dad’s skills. Now, both at work and at home, I’m known as “The Fixer of Everything”. I even have a plaque with those words on my office desk!
Away from work, I enjoy nothing more than spending time in my workshop (otherwise known as the garden shed) tackling my latest project. Most recently, I built an oak dining table which now has pride of place in our home. My children also keep me busy with jobs that require a dad’s touch, which means I get to spend plenty of time with both my children and grandchildren.
As a Financial Planner at Real Wealth, I bring more than 40 years of experience within financial services. I enjoy helping clients navigate important financial decisions and working with them to build plans that give them confidence about their future. I am also passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge with the next generation of advisers within the team.
Although I won’t be taking on any of their DIY projects!
Andrew Ford
One of my happy places is Old Trafford, and luckily for me there are two of them! As a Manchester United season ticket holder, I’m there most match days, and when football season winds down I head just down the road to watch the cricket. Whether it’s a last-minute winner or a long summer’s day at the crease, there’s nowhere I’d rather be.
Outside of sport, I find my real wealth in socialising and spending quality time with friends and family.
I work as a paraplanner at Real Wealth, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial services. I’ve worked across administration, paraplanning and advising, so I understand every stage of the client journey and how each part fits together. I also hold the Diploma in Financial Planning and enjoy using the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career to help clients achieve their financial goals with confidence.
