Armstrong Watson continues expansion of financial planning team as demand for pension and inheritance tax planning grows

Armstrong Watson is continuing to strengthen its Financial Planning Team in 2026 with the recruitment of four new Financial Planning Consultants across its offices. Joining the firm are Charlotte Fletcher and Glyn Jenkinson (specialising in protection advice) in Leeds, Murray Greig in Glasgow, and Fiona Durham in Carlisle.

This latest expansion follows a successful 2025, which saw the addition of four Financial Planning Consultants and 12 new financial advisory colleagues in Glasgow as part of Armstrong Watson’s acquisition of Martin Aitken & Co. These developments have grown the Armstrong Watson Financial Planning cohort to more than 70 colleagues across the business.

In addition to these new appointments, Martyn Pottage, who joined Armstrong Watson in 2021, has been promoted to the Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Ltd board as Financial Planning Director, and Marcus Dodds, who joined as a trainee in 2016 and achieved chartered status in 2018, has been promoted to Regional Financial Planning Manager.

The expansion of the Financial Planning team reflects Armstrong Watson’s commitment to helping more clients navigate the latest changes announced by the UK Government, including updates to pensions and inheritance tax (IHT).

Mark Frier, Financial Planning Director – Operations and Commercial, said: “By growing our expertise and presence across key regions, Armstrong Watson Financial Planning can continue to provide tailored advice and support to individuals and businesses seeking financial security and long-term prosperity, providing the best client experience. Martyn and Marcus’s promotions are both very well deserved, with them each playing a key role in the development and delivery of our services.”

Commenting on his new role, Martyn said: “I’m looking forward to continuing to shape the future of financial planning with our fantastic team, guided by our values of Passion, Honesty, Humanity, and Trust, and delivering on our quest – to help clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.”

Joining Armstrong Watson’s Leeds office, Glyn and Charlotte bring more than 40 years’ combined experience. Glyn specialises in business protection, helping commercial and corporate clients safeguard their organisations, identifying key risks and advising on solutions such as key person, shareholder and partnership protection.

Charlotte, who specialised in equity release at Age Partnership before joining Armstrong Watson, will support client in all areas of financial planning. She added:  “The main thing that attracted me to Armstrong Watson is that the clients are the focus of what we do and the decisions that the business makes. I am looking forward to building long-lasting client relationships of my own within the business.”

Fiona joins Armstrong Watson in Carlisle after eight years with Mark Nield Wealth Management, Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place. She said: “My goal is to help clients achieve their financial goals through clear, trusted advice. I was attracted to Armstrong Watson because of the firm’s strong reputation and the depth of experience within the team which I believe will provide me with an excellent environment to continue to grow and develop throughout my career.”

Murray’s background is in the Glasgow Stock Exchange, where he worked for 15 years after leaving school and became a senior trader. He then became a financial adviser in 2002, giving him a uniquely balanced perspective on markets, money, and long-term financial wellbeing. Based at Armstrong Watson’s Glasgow office, Murray supports clients on all aspects of financial advice and has a particular interest in retirement planning. He said: “I was delighted to take the opportunity with Armstrong Watson and look forward to many years here.”