Ricky Bird - Cert PFS
Independent Financial Adviser

I am aged 52 and though born in Darlington, I lived and grew up in Barnard Castle, being educated at Bailiol School. In 1976 I was married to Janice and we moved back to Darlington at that time, where we have lived since with our son and daughter, Alex and Gemma.

In my spare time I like to walk in the Lake District and the local dales, though my main hobby is most definitely fishing, being an active member of the local fishing club, taking part in competitions and also helping with the administrative part of the club.

Prior to starting work in financial services some 18 years ago, I was a supermarket manager for Amos Hinton, (whom some of my older readers may remember) and my belief, both then and now, is that people like receiving face to face advice, preferably in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

My first job in insurance was for an Australian company, Colonial Mutual, (now owned by Winterthur), where I stayed for 6 years before a short stint working for the Prudential. Whilst at the Pru I was approached and recruited by Mark Horner to work for London & Manchester Assurance, though, sadly, that company was taken over in 1998 by Friends Provident. Two years later the sales force was subsequently sold to Royal Liver Assurance where I remained until September 2004, when I became an Independent Financial Adviser.

In reaching my decision to become an IFA, I took into account a number of factors, namely: for the past 15 years, (working as a tied agent), I could only advise on that company’s products, as opposed to researching the market to find the most appropriate plan for my clients’ needs and, secondly, I was disillusioned with being bought and sold and of having absolutely no control over whom I would be working for.

Though it has now three years since I joined Family First, and I can honestly say I do not regret making the move to being independent as the service I can now provide for my clients is second to none. Being now able to advise on Mortgages as well as all the other areas of financial planning. Combined with this is the support and systems that are in place which allows me to give my customers the level of service that I have always believed they deserve.

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