This summer, Becketts opened a new office at Empire House in Slaithwaite.
This move welcomed Andrew Young to Becketts, a Chartered Financial Planner and our first dedicated adviser for Yorkshire – bringing expertise to support families, business owners and individuals across the region.
In the week before Christmas, we sat down with Andrew Young to discuss his experience, the new Slaithwaite office, and what the future holds for Becketts in Yorkshire.
Andrew, you’ve recently joined Becketts as the first adviser for the new Slaithwaite office. How have you found the experience so far?
“It’s been a brilliant start. The support that I have received from the Becketts team has been incredible who have been warm, kind and hard working. We have had a fantastic response from the local community which shows just how important face to face Financial Planning is.
I grew up in the area and my home is very much in this part of the world. There’s always been a real sense of loyalty in the communities of Saddleworth & Slaithwaite, and people want to work with people they trust. Being part of a firm like Becketts, where trust is built into everything we do, has made it feel like a natural fit. Many of our clients value that personal touch, and having a presence at Empire House means we’re available to have those important conversations in person.”
Tell us a little more about your professional background and what brought you to Becketts?
“I started my career in financial services at Landmark Financial Planning which was based in Saddleworth. Developing under my mentors, Eric Mowinski & Shelagh Taylor gave me a strong technical grounding.
Over the years, I developed a passion for holistic financial planning, and I qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2022. Working closely with clients and seeing how the right plan can literally change someone’s life is hugely rewarding.
What drew me to Becketts was their values. They don’t just talk about ‘continuous improvement’ and ‘client-first’ service—they live it. The company’s approach means every process is constantly being refined, and that really appealed to me. The chance to be part of something like that, especially leading the charge in a new region, was too good to pass up!”
How do you think having a local office benefits clients in the region?
“It’s all about access and reassurance. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you just want to be able to pop in and have a conversation with someone you trust. This new office makes that possible.
While many clients are comfortable with video calls or phone conversations, some prefer a face-to-face meeting—particularly if there’s a big decision to be made or a lot of technical information to go through.
Having this local base in Slaithwaite gives us that extra layer of support. Clients can meet me in person, talk through their goals, and leave with clarity.
There’s something special about being able to say, ‘We’re right here when you need us.'”
What trends are you seeing in the financial planning landscape that local clients should be aware of?
“There’s definitely a growing awareness of financial resilience. The events of the past few years have made people realise the importance of having a solid financial plan in place.
We’re seeing more clients ask about cash flow planning and scenario analysis—tools that help people visualise how their financial future might play out.
Following the recent autumn budget, intergenerational wealth planning if now on people’s minds a lot more.
People want to make sure their children or grandchildren are set up for success, whether that’s helping them get on the property ladder or providing for their education. This kind of planning requires careful thought about tax efficiency, inheritance planning, and gifting, which are all areas where Becketts has a lot of experience.”
Finally, what are you most excited about for the future of Becketts in Yorkshire?
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to grow something from the ground up. We have this incredible opportunity to embed Becketts’ culture of excellence right here in Slaithwaite and Saddleworth.
Every client interaction we have will be an opportunity to show what Becketts stands for — thoughtful, clear, expert advice, delivered with care.
I’m also looking forward to getting involved in the local community. One of the reasons I’m so passionate about financial planning is that it’s about giving people peace of mind. By having a local presence, I think we can have a real, tangible impact on people’s lives. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
Looking Ahead…
As Becketts continues to grow, the Slaithwaite office represents a new chapter. It’s a reflection of our belief in proximity, partnership, and presence. Having Andrew Young at the helm of this new base means clients in Yorkshire can expect the same high standards of service, expertise, and personal care that clients across the North West have come to rely on.
If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to visit us at Empire House. Stop by for a chat, meet Andrew, and see how our tailored approach to financial planning can make a difference in your life. The coffee’s always on!
If you’d like to send us an enquiry – check out our dedicated page here: https://www.beckettsfs.co.uk/saddleworth
If you are local to Saddleworth in particular – you may want to read Andrew’s recent interview with the Saddleworth Independent.
