ECFS was originally established by David Carr in 2006 to fully meet the demand for financial advice and planning. We operate as the independent financial services division of Edmund Carr LLP Chartered Accountants.
We have many years’ experience providing practical financial planning advice to individuals, families and businesses in Chelmsford and the surrounding area.
We provide advice across a wide range of services including investments, savings and protection. We place our clients at the heart of everything we do and recognise regular client contact and reviews are key to successful financial planning.
We ensure we understand your objectives and deliver solutions that are right for you.
We pride ourselves on the friendly and approachable nature of our advisers and staff, and on playing an integral part of the local community.
We want your experience to be positive in every way and aim to exceed your expectations.
Phil Giles
Director, Adviser
I joined ECFS in October 2018 and became a Director of the firm in 2019.
Having worked in financial services now for 40 years, I believe that there has never been a more important time for clients to receive the benefit of face to face, honest and independent advice. I hope that my wealth of experience and knowledge will help clients make the best decisions in order to grow, enhance and protect their wealth over time for themselves and their loved ones.
I am married to Nicola, a primary school teacher in Chelmsford, have 4 wonderful grown-up children and, at the last count, four beautiful grandsons! I have a passion for live music, film and theatre and a keen interest in family genealogy.”
Gary Bennett
Director, Business Management
Gary is a Chartered Financial Planner, who joined ECFS in Feb 2021. He has over 30 years of experience in banking and financial planning, leading teams, supporting staff and clients of the NatWest Group, which included the prestigious Coutts & Co and Adam private banking arms.
Gary is married, with two children and enjoys watching West Ham, playing golf, and travelling.
Suresh Sreedharan
Adviser
I joined ECFS in June 2022 as a Financial Adviser and have over 22 years of experience within financial services from initially advising on mortgages, right through to full estate planning, equity release and trusts as well as all the other aspects of financial planning. I am looking forward to passing on my expertise, knowledge and experience to both the team and our clients, helping them to achieve their financial goals.
I am married with two grown up children and one teenager and have a keen interest in cars, both classic and modern. I love watching football and enjoy socialising with my friends and family.
Clare van Belkum
Adviser
I joined ECFS in June 2017 and hold CISI’s Level 4 Diploma in Investment Advice (Financial Planning & Advice).
I have worked in financial services in varying roles for over 30 years and enjoy using this experience to work with clients to help them achieve their goals and ambitions through financial planning.
Outside of work, I am married, and we love to travel as much as possible. I enjoy skiing during the winter months and paddle boarding during the summer.
Kevin Wheatland
Adviser
I have worked in financial services for over 15 years and held many varied positions within the industry, I feel that I am well equipped to assist most clients in any situation where they may need help or guidance with financial matters.
I currently hold Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning. I also have experience advising on Long Term Care, Equity Release and Mortgages.
I love engaging with my clients and working together to achieve their goals.
Outside of work I still like to play football when I can and more recently, I have taken up running. I have been lucky enough to run in the last two London Marathons.
I have 3 children, all boys, who keep me busy when I am not working.
Jacqui Charleston
Office Manager
I joined E C Financial Services Limited in September 2014 coming from a banking/ secretarial/ administrative background having worked for RBS/Coutts for 11 years and Lloyds Bank for 14 years, where I supported senior management and enjoyed helping and getting to know clients.
I enjoy working with the team at E C Financial Services Limited in a friendly and professional environment supporting our clients.
I am married and have two lovely grown up children and also two lovely grandsons, and enjoy spending time with all my family. When I get the time I love to read and walk.
Claudia Mitchell
Administrator
I have worked in financial services since 2016 and joined ECFS in 2018 to start working within the Financial Advisers side of the industry.
I am now working towards my diploma in paraplanning having already received my Level 3 Certificate in Financial Services following the completion of exams. I support the advisers with technical research/ queries and day to day management of our client’s portfolios. I enjoy working in a small team, ensuring we meet and exceed the needs/ expectations of our clients every day.
Outside of work I enjoy going out with family/ friends and my partner. I have a Maine Coon named Yoshi who needs a lot of love and attention and I also try to squeeze in some time gaming when I get the chance.
Want to know more?
To find out more or to arrange a meeting with us, please call 01245 294900,
or email advice@ecfsltd.co.uk