Bristol financial planner strengthens leadership with two promotions

Ken Hall and Naomi Keith have been promoted to partners at The Aspire Partnership - the Bristol-based financial advice firm.

Managing partner Nikki King said both were Bristol "born and bred" and had been been "instrumental" in shaping Aspire into the "incredibly successful and respected firm" it was today.

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The boutique firm has seen a 20% rise in demand from clients who are approaching retirement, in retirement, professionals, trustees, and business owners and is now strengthening its senior leadership team. It also aims to also create new roles in 2025.

Hall joined the firm in 2010 and is a chartered financial planner with the chartered insurance institute and a certified financial planner with the chartered institute for securities and investments.

"I have been in the financial industry since the age of 17, passing my first financial exams at the age of 18. It’s been an enjoyable career that has allowed me to grow and develop over the years.

"This promotion makes me very proud and proves that, if you are prepared to start at the bottom, work hard, listen and learn you can be extremely successful. The most exciting aspect of my new role is really feeling part of the business."

Meanwhile, Keith has been with Aspire for seven years and she typically works with professionals, partners in law firms, CEOs, and business owners.

She is highly accomplished at helping women navigate financial challenges during difficult times, such as divorce or bereavement.

"As a parent of two, I’ve always worked full-time and am a huge advocate for women working in finance," she said.

"Becoming a partner is a big achievement for me, as I have been in the minority as a female adviser since I started my career nearly 20 years ago.”

Aspire noted that despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in financial services in the UK, so the appointment marked significant progress for the firm and the profession.