Oliver Hillsdon's journey

Oliver’s move into financial advice was driven by his need for long-term career stability and financial security for his family.

He had worked in the automotive industry with McLaren for many years before deciding to switch direction.

For Oliver, becoming an independent adviser meant building a career focused on helping others plan for the future and feel confident about their finances. It was something he felt passionately about.

A need for change

But while Oliver’s work as a self-employed adviser gave him a degree of independence and flexibility, a significant personal event became a turning point. Oliver realised he needed to be more available for his family.

At the time, Oliver’s business meant he was often travelling and away from home. He was also working towards targets set by others, which left him with limited flexibility in how he managed his time. As a result, it became increasingly difficult for him to balance work and family life.

This prompted Oliver to reassess his role. He started to consider alternatives that would allow him to continue building his career, but with greater control over how and where he worked.

Finding the right balance

Oliver joined St. James’s Place (SJP) in 2023, attracted by the opportunity to combine autonomy with a greater level of structure and support.

A key factor in his decision was the ability to build his own business , while operating within a framework that could support his growth over time.

The Business Sale and Purchase (BSP) model stood out for Oliver. BSP enables advisers to acquire existing client portfolios from within the Partnership, providing an opportunity to grow a client base more quickly while building a business with long-term value.

Beyond growth, it also provides a clear framework for succession planning. Advisers can choose to scale their business through acquisitions, or over time, realise value through a structured sale, whether in stages or as a full exit.

With an active internal marketplace, where transactions regularly take place across the Partnership, Oliver saw this as a practical and proven way to build and grow his business over time.

Starting from scratch and building forward

Unlike some advisers, Oliver joined SJP without being able to bring with him an existing client bank.

Instead, he built his business from the ground up. Oliver used the network around him within SJP and in his local area to create opportunities and develop new client relationships.

Since joining, he has completed two BSPs, allowing him to expand his client base and grow his business beyond what would have been possible through organic growth alone.

Support and structure

A key part of Oliver’s experience has been the support available to him as he builds his business.

He has worked closely with his SJP business development managers and operates within clearly defined advice guidelines. This gives him confidence in how he delivers advice while maintaining control over his own approach.

More broadly, SJP provides a comprehensive and flexible support model for advisers building their businesses. With access to dedicated business partners, technical expertise, marketing, compliance, and operational support, advisers can draw on a wide range of resources, tailored to their individual needs and growth ambitions.

Flexibility to focus on what matters

One of the most important outcomes of the move to SJP for Oliver has been the flexibility it has created.

With a young family, Oliver has been able to shape his working life in a way that allows him to be present when and where it matters most, while continuing to build and grow his business.

Looking ahead

Now firmly established, Oliver remains focused on continuing to develop his advice business at his own pace.

His journey highlights a way of working that combines independence with support. This allows advisers to build something for themselves, while having access to the opportunities and structure needed to grow.

For those considering a move, Oliver’s experience highlights that it’s possible to build a successful business that aligns not just with your professional ambitions, but with personal priorities as well.