Wilson to step down as Helm MD

Bruce Wilson has stepped down as managing director of IFA firm Helm Godfrey, passing the baton onto Graham Cross, the current COO.
Wilson, who will continue to work for Helm Godfrey as one of its most senior and experienced advisers, took charge of the business in 1999 following a management buyout when he became the founding management director. He has guided the business through a number of acquisitions and initiatives that have turned Helm Godfrey into one of the largest and most respected IFA firms in the country.
The business, which currently employs 55 people, has been consistently profitable since 2002, peaking in 2007 with a net profit of £775,000 on a turnover of £6.7m. Last year the company reported a net profit of £360,000 on a turnover of £5m.
Following his retirement from the role of MD, Wilson aims to spend more time dedicated to advising his current clients and representing Helm Godfrey’s interests within Nucleus, the IFA-owned and controlled wrap platform the business is a founder member of.
He will also dedicate more time to the Institute of Financial Planning where he is vice president and to Project Eve, the collaboration of UK life and financial planners he set up with Jeremy Deedes, Tina Weeks, Adam Young, James Harvey and Dennis Hall earlier this year, which aims to help consumers with decisions about their money driven solely by their most profound life goals.
Commenting, Wilson said:
“Running an IFA business over the last 11 years has been hugely challenging at times, but very exciting and immensely rewarding. I couldn’t have done it without the help of the team around me which has been both first class and lots of fun.
“I like to think I am leaving Helm Godfrey in a good position for the future, with a strong balance sheet and a new and talented MD who already knows the business inside out and has a vision for the future which will ensure it continues to develop and grow both pre- and post-RDR.”