James Etheridge
Director & Financial Planner
James has worked in the financial services profession for over 20 years.
Prior to becoming a Financial Planner, he worked for insurance companies and other financial product providers. During this time, James decided that there was a better way of providing financial advice. He felt he could not only do the job better but also provide a service that he believed clients required and deserved.
In 2011 he set up his own firm, which became Focused Financial in 2014.
Professionally
James specialises in working with people at all stages of retirement planning: whether they’re preparing to stop working in 10 years, ready to retire now or already retired. His personable and empathetic approach also means that he has many years’ experience in working with people who are going through divorce or separation.
All regulated financial advisers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and therefore appear on their register. You can find James’ entry here. You can also click here to view James’ up-to-date Statement of Professional standing.
Personally
James lives in Bearsted and is married, with two young children.
Outside the office, James enjoys spending time with his family, going out with friends and reading (when the kids allow it!). He enjoys training at the gym and is a follower of Millwall and Maidstone United football, as well as Kent and England cricket teams.
In the spotlight
What do James' clients have to say?
Meet the rest of the team
Chris Beecroft
Practice Manager
Chris ensures the smooth-running of the business on a day-to-day basis and supports James in the work that we do for clients. Chris is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Chris first met James when they worked together in Tunbridge Wells; more years ago than either would care to admit! Since then, Chris worked in investment management before joining Focused Financial in 2018. Outside work, Chris is a keen follower of Brighton & Hove Albion, and when not taxiing around his two young children you will find him on the golf course.
Lucy Etheridge
Client Services Administrator
Lucy is the first person you will generally meet when visiting our offices; she provides client and administration support.
Lucy took a break from work while looking after her young children, previously working as a PA to a Managing Director of an advertising agency in London. Lucy is a dedicated follower of fashion, who also enjoys getting out for runs and taking part in gruelling fitness classes.
Louise Spence
Paraplanner
Louise is our outsourced Paraplanner; her specialist area is the technical detail of pensions. She recently completed a master’s degree in financial planning and business management.
Outside work, she is kept busy with an ever-expanding collection of cats, dogs and horses.
Get in touch
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