Susan Tait
Her experience includes working with Trusts and trustees and lay and professional deputies, and since 2003 Susan has specialised in advising individuals and families where a client has suffered catastrophic personal injury or clinical negligence. She understands the needs of her clients and the value of supporting their team of professionals.
Susan’s technical skills adopt the use of cash-flow modelling to empower clients to take control of their financial future and achieve financial independence across Yorkshire and the North. Whether this be for an inheritance tax liability or pension planning, this can offer clarity and a strong foundation for a bespoke financial plan.
With over twenty years of experience advising on all aspects of financial planning, Susan is a Chartered Financial Planner and manages a team of advisers in the firm. She has several financial planning qualifications and keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of her ongoing professional development. As a result of the valuable support she offers her clients, Susan has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years. Susan is also a Dementia Friend, an initiative from the Alzheimer's Society to raise awareness and understanding so that she and others can support people living with dementia.
Outside of providing advice to her clients, she enjoys all sports - mainly football - helping with her local cubs, traveling and spending time with her family.
- Chartered Financial Planner since 2010
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Founding Partner at the Private Office
- Specialist in financial planning for catastrophic personal injury or clinical negligence settlements
- Over 20 years of experience in financial planning
- Vouched for Top Rated Adviser 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
She has provided solid carefully thought out advice backed up by a first class team in whom you can trust.
September 2025
Susan has professionally managed my finances for the last 29 years or so and I have absolute faith in her advice.
July 2025
Roger Clarke
With over thirty years’ experience in the financial services industry, Roger’s expertise includes cashflow modelling, pension advice, planning for retirement and inheritance tax mitigation for high net-worth clients. He started his career at Bowring Financial Services and then Thomson's (now AWD Chase) before co-founding PQR Financial Services in 2004, which was purchased by TPO in 2016.
Roger has lent his expertise to publications such as The Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday and This is Money, providing commentary and financial planning insights to finance articles. As well as being a Chartered Financial Planner, Roger has several financial planning qualifications and keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of his ongoing professional development. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, Roger has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
When he is not providing support to his clients, Roger can be found playing golf, tennis, or his bassoon in a local orchestra.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Award in Pensions Update
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Financial Services
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Over 30 years’ experience in financial services
- Co-founder of PQR Financial Services in 2004
- Published contributor in the Mail on Sunday, Independent Eagle and The Telegraph
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Roger listened to what we are trying to do, and advised us on a suitable path (which matched our thoughts). He didn’t oversell, but informed us of services that we may be able to take advantage of.
April 2025
I have been advised by Roger for about 20 years. I was in need of retirement income advice, and Roger was recommended by my accountant. Having got to know Roger and worked with him over the years, I have complete confidence. Having not been in a position to put enough aside in my pension "pot" during my working life, Roger has advised and managed to "stretch" my pension pot.
January 2024
Paul Sanders
With experience covering a wide range of private clients including high net-worth individuals, families, attorneys, charities, and trusts, Paul takes pride in both identifying and understanding each of his client’s objectives with empathy and clarity.
In 2022 Paul was named in the 2022 PAM Top 40 Under 40 list, which highlights rising stars in financial planning, in recognition of his work supporting our internal adviser training. He was acknowledged by PAM again in 2024, this time making it onto their NextGen Leaders list. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, he has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
Paul is an associate member of the Personal Finance Society and holds other financial planning qualifications such as a certificate in Life & Pensions Diploma in Financial Planning. Before joining The Private Office, he studied Business and Management Studies at Leeds Business School.
When he is not supporting his clients with their financial goals, Paul enjoys learning languages, travelling, all kinds of sports and spending time with his two young daughters.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Financial Planning
- Award in Pensions Update
- Certificate in Life & Pensions Diploma in Financial Planning
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Associate member of the Personal Finance Society
- Expert in Life and retirement planning for high-net-worth clients
- VouchedFor Top Rated Adviser 2021-2024
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Paul has helped me optimise my pension and other financial matters whilst achieving the feeling of my having a family friend advising me - very warm and friendly.
September 2025
He has given what I believe to be expert advice and gone beyond what I thought would be possible to do with my pensions and savings
August 2025
Julian Frere
Julian joined TPO in 2016 and prior to this worked as a Financial Planner for thirteen years at an independent advice firm. His specialisms include tax efficient structures, intergenerational wealth transfer, investment management and philanthropy. He has supported entrepreneurs, business owners, high–income earners and families with generational wealth. In particular, he leads the Family Office team which has responsibility for a number of high-profile individuals in the entertainment, music and sporting worlds.
Along with being awarded Chartered status, Julian is an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Julian also holds a Masters degree in Economics.
As the eldest of six children, he spent his early childhood living on farms in Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia before moving with his family to Bath. It was during these formative years that he developed a deep curiosity and love for learning about people and cultures, philosophy and connecting with what really matters in our world.
Julian continues to be driven by these interests, which hugely influence his work at TPO. He loves working with and getting to know both colleagues, clients and other professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and working collaboratively with them to achieve fantastic outcomes.
He loves sport and all things outdoors, and also enjoys painting, live music, reading and adventure. He lives in Bath with his wife, their three children and bonkers dog Bodhi!
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Financial Planner
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
- Chartered Member of the Institute of Securities & Investments
- Affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- Certificate in Financial Planning & Long Term Care Insurance
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Award in Long Term Care Insurance 2019
- Certificate in Equity Release Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Fellow of the Personal Financial Society
- Working in financial advice since 2002
- Leads the TPO Family Office team, which sources and coordinates the services wealthy individuals and their families need
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Been a client of Julian's for a number of years now and he has been excellent. Always arranging reviews, even when we did not request one, making sure we had cash flow charts every year and arranging half yearly reviews. Definitely takes the anxiety out of managing your own money.
October 2025
Pleasure to meet Julian. Utterly professional, delivered his brief clearly and concisely. I understood the instructions, the idea, strategy and concept very well. Julian is open to discussion, gave me plenty of time and understood my objectives. Couldn't ask for more at this stage.
August 2025
Edward Tudor
Ed joined TPO in 2016; prior to this he has worked in private equity, business training, and for a large city wealth planner, demonstrating a breadth of experience and knowledge within the financial sector. His expertise covers business owners, protection planning, and maximising tax allowances.
Ed holds a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, an IFS Diploma for Financial Advisers, as well as Certificates in Discretionary Investment Management, Equity Release and Mortgage Advice. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, he has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
When he is not advising clients, Ed can be found spending time with his family and enjoys playing and watching sport. He is also a self-described ‘reluctant’ marathon runner.
- Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- IFS Diploma for Financial Advisers
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Equity Release
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- Working in financial services since 2006
- Previous experience in private equity
- Experience supporting entrepreneurs working towards a business sale
- Vouched for Top Rated Adviser 2021 - 2024
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Ed has helped me through the process of a pension transfer and has been thorough in his advice. Ed takes the time to explain everything, answering all my questions without hesitation. I've always enjoyed our meetings and feel confident that Ed's depth of knowledge and expertise is tailored to my needs.
July 2025
I cannot think of anything Ed could have done better. He has helped me understand and create a pension that really works for me.
February 2025
Dean McSloy
Dean specialises in retirement planning and investment portfolio management and is an advocate for cashflow modelling and its use in allowing clients to plan long-term to ensure they lead the lifestyle that they desire without the fear of running out of money. He is always working to ensure his clients are able to enjoy their retirement with a clear strategy designed to meet their needs. Most of his clients are professionals or business owners who need a trusted adviser to guide them through their financial affairs as life evolves.
The long-term trusted relationships that Dean creates with his clients are a testament to how he works together with them to build, develop and achieve their financial goals. He has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for several years and in 2021 he won an award at the Unbiased Trusted Professional Awards in recognition of the support he provided his clients during the pandemic and his use of our secure client portal, TPO Wealth. He has been a published contributor in articles in FT Adviser, The Independent, and the Financial Times, where he has covered topics such as ESG investing.
Alongside being a Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist, he is also a member of The Private Office’s Investment Committee.
Outside of his work, Dean is a keen sports enthusiast and can be found both playing and watching most sports.
- Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist
- Diploma in Investment Planning
- Award in Long Term Care Insurance
- Award in Pensions Update
- IFS Certificate for Financial Advisers
- Experience in financial services for nearly twenty years
- Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist
- Named in the 2021 PAM Top 40 Under 40
- Featured contributor in The Financial Times, Money Marketing and FT Adviser
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Dean has been superb. Very knowledgeable. Very approachable. Excellent advice provided over recent years. I fully recommend Dean
October 2025
Dean was introduced to me by a friend. He is incredibly patient and will go over things until I am completely satisfied. I feel comfortable asking him questions about my investments. I feel confident that my investments are being monitored and invested carefully.
June 2025
David Dodgson
David has expert knowledge in achieving optimal financial outcomes during divorce negotiations and post-divorce settlements. He has a great ability to demystify the complexities around pensions on divorce, and as a result, this has proved of great value to both clients and matrimonial solicitors.
In addition to his expertise in financial planning for divorce, David is also an Accredited Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist, helping to advise on the best course of action for potential defined benefit pension transfers.
With over twenty years of experience working in financial advice, David’s expertise is widely recognised and he has supported articles in publications such as The Times, International Adviser and the Financial Times. He has led and presented webinars on topics such as intergenerational wealth planning and retirement planning, where he makes complex financial advice subjects easier to understand. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, David has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
When he is not providing his expert knowledge to his clients, David can be found ferrying his son to football and clearing up after his daughter’s pony!
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Working in financial advice for over 20 years
- Featured on Sky News
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
David stays on top of changes in the markets and advises me to move my money to better options available. He has helped map out my retirement income, looked at my saving goals and investment strategies around my lifestyle and future needs. Having someone to check in with helps me stick to a plan the way a coach keeps an athlete on track.
September 2025
Very helpful and clearly knowledgeable. Provided useful guidance even at our first short meeting. I felt that David was acting in my interests and was very transparent about what I should expect about the costs associated with his professional services.
April 2025
Daniel Schofield
Daniel’s advice is predominantly focused on the disciplines of personal and corporate financial planning, investment portfolio management, inheritance tax (IHT) planning and mitigation, legacy and succession planning, and cash-based investments. He works closely with a trusted group of professional peers to provide a truly holistic service to clients which is both advice and solution-orientated.
Working in financial advice since 1997, Daniel trained with a Harrogate-based firm of Independent Financial Advisers before joining Chase de Vere Financial Advisers as an Area Manager and practicing financial planner.
Daniel holds a Diploma in Financial Planning, a Certificate in Financial Planning and Certificate in Life & Pensions. He is also the Vice Chair of the internal Investment Committee (TPOIC) and a regular contributor and presenter on the global markets and asset allocation at seminars across Yorkshire.
Outside of work, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking and running, and he is a proficient scuba diver.
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Working in the finance industry since 1997
- Significant experience in senior positions at financial advisory firms
- Experience advising owners of private companies
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Daniel came up with a clear proposal to mitigate my mother's IHT exposure, communicated it clearly and effectively to all involved and executed it efficiently. Sadly my mother died earlier this year but the actions he put in place have significantly reduced the IHT liability on her estate.
January 2025
Daniel and his team have been a great help in planning our financial stability in our retirement years. I don’t think they could have done any better.
July 2024
Daniel Blandford
Daniel is a specialist in many areas of financial planning including defined benefit pensions, investing and long-term care insurance and can offer services and support for these across the South West.
Daniel is a Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist, was named in the 2023 PAM NextGen Leaders list, and has been a VouchedFor Top Rated Adviser for the past few consecutive years. He also manages a team of Advisers and is actively involved in mentoring new colleagues and sharing his experience and knowledge.
In addition to being a Fellow of the PFS, Daniel has numerous other qualifications including certificates in equity release, securities advice and dealing, and discretionary investment management.
When he is not advising his clients, Daniel enjoys travelling, history and rugby.
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Award in Pensions Update
- Award in Long Term Care Insurance
- Certificate in Equity Release
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Financial Services
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- Certificate in Securities Advice & Dealing
- Chartered Financial Planner since 2017
- Published contributor on thisismoney.co.uk
- As featured in PAM Insight NextGen Leaders list
- Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
He has excelled every expectation I might have had. A pleasure to deal with. Responds quickly to any requests and is always in command of his subject.
June 2025
Daniel has been instrumental in providing exceptional advice and guidance in all elements of financial planning. An excellent example of the highest quality to all his clients/ peers.
April 2025
Alex Hatfield
Alex specialises in lifetime financial planning and cash-flow modelling to empower clients to take control of their financial future and achieve complete financial independence. His experience also includes defined benefit pension transfers and he is one of several Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialists at TPO.
In addition to being a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (PFS), he is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments and has certificates in Financial Planning & Lifetime Mortgage Activities, Financial Planning & Long Term Care Insurance and Life & Pensions.
Alex graduated from the University of Hull with a BSc in Economics and has worked in financial advice for over thirty years, joining and becoming a Partner of The Private Office in 2014. He has provided comments for a number of publications, including the Financial Times, The Telegraph, and FT Adviser.
When he is not working with clients, Alex can be found cycling in France and the Chilterns, running marathons and, when not being led a merry dance by three teenage daughters, is an avid enthusiast of music and silent film. He is also a committee member and active volunteer for Project Volunteer – a small charity that works alongside SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana to help support and develop resources for its orphanages.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Certificate in Equity Release
- Award in Pensions Update
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- Certificate in Financial Planning & Lifetime Mortgage Activities
- Certificate in Financial Planning & Long Term Care Insurance
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Award in Long Term Care Insurance
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Published contributor to the Financial Times, The Telegraph and FT Adviser
- Pension Transfer Gold Standard Specialist
- Over 30 years experience in financial planning
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Alex has allowed us to move ahead confidently without day to day worries about our financial security. Alex’s calm, considerate and reassuring manner has been of enormous benefit to us as we worked through our financial plans.
September 2025
Alex is an experienced professional who I trust implicitly to help me make the right decisions that fit my circumstances and objectives.