London wealth manager opens Kent firm with ethical investment focus

Chris Redman, a wealth management professional with 27 years’ experience, has swapped London for Kent and launched his own firm specialising in ethical and socially responsible investment and planning.

Redman, formerly investment director of Collins Stewart and divisional director at Barclays and Gerrard Investment Management, will set up business as part of Raymond James Investment Services’ local branch network.

He will advise affluent clients on their finances and investment portfolios, as well as covering accounting, tax and estate planning.

Redman said, “I am seeking to provide local people with a first rate investment service whilst reflecting clients’ individual sensitivity to ethical and socially responsible concerns.

“Currently I have keen interest from private clients, trusts and pension funds, and, together with Raymond James, can offer the best possible wealth management solutions to meet their needs. In keeping with an ethical and socially responsible attitude, I will also allocate significant profits to charitable causes.”

David Hazelton, head of business development at Raymond James, described Redman’s move as “great news” for clients in east Kent. He added, “With his excellent experience of the private client business, [Redman] is well placed to meet local investors’ needs with our global investment solutions.”

Lee Smythe, managing director of Smythe & Walter Chartered Financial Planners, also in Kent, welcomed Redman’s move into specialist ethical and socially responsible wealth management.

“We focus on understanding clients’ long-term goals and objectives and planning to achieve them in the best possible manner. The investment solution will vary based on the client’s preferences and where appropriate we will recommend a discretionary investment manager”, he said.

“I have only come across a limited number of discretionary investment managers who specialise in offering a socially responsible approach to portfolio management and these have tended to be London-based. To be able to access the type of quality management we would expect at a local level will be beneficial for both ourselves and our clients and we look forward to being able to work with Chris in future.”

Further reading:

Survey shows investors continue to value independent financial advice

Investors want trustworthy, qualified and experienced financial advisers 

BlackRock survey: investors focusing too much on the short-term

Climate change and the good adviser

The Guide to Ethical & Sustainable Financial Advice 2013