Graduate joins family firm Northern Spire

Finance graduate Daniel Cook has joined Sunderland-based wealth management business Northern Spire as a trainee financial adviser, following in the footsteps of his father, David, and brother, Matthew.

Daniel, 21, recently graduated from Durham University with a degree in finance and accountancy before joining the firm founded by his father, David Cook, managing partner at Northern Spire. 

He will also work alongside his brother, Matthew Cook, who is an adviser at the business.

In his new role, Daniel will begin training as a financial adviser as he starts his career in wealth management.

He said: “I’ve been in and out of the office since I was 16 and have always been interested in the company and how we can help our clients. 

“I’d always hoped I could join my dad and brother in the family company, and I’m delighted to be Northern Spire’s latest recruit.

“I know I have a lot to learn about the business and our clients, and I’ll start my training as soon as possible – I hope to be a fully qualified financial adviser next year.”

Northern Spire is a senior partner practice of St James’s Place Wealth Management and supports clients with a range of financial planning and wealth management services across the region.

Matthew, who as well as being a financial adviser at Northern Spire is managing director at business network The Mussel Club, added: “We’re excited about Daniel joining the company – we’re best friends as well as brothers, and we complement each other in terms of skill sets.

“He knows a lot about the business already and I’m sure will breeze through his exams to qualify quickly as a financial adviser and then go on to the prestigious St James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy.”

David added: “We were impressed by Daniel’s determination to join Northern Spire, but we didn’t do him any favours. 

“He went through a rigorous and robust interview process which I was not part of. 

“He passed the interview with flying colours and then had to persuade me that him joining Northern Spire was the right thing to do.

“Daniel did well at Durham University, he’s a bright, sharp lad who I know will do well at Northern Spire. 

“We have a brilliant managing director in Deborah Telfer and a top team of financial advisers, paraplanners and support staff and Daniel will fit in well and quickly.

“Having Matthew and now Daniel with me at the company has given me a new lease of life.

“Their ambition to grow the company has been infectious and together we’re looking at ways of taking Northern Spire to the next level while at the same time giving our valued clients the best service we can.

“There’s a new dynamic with Daniel and Matthew here. 

“Daniel will focus on the more technical aspects of wealth management, while Matthew will continue to drive the development of the business, focusing on growth, finding new clients and ensuring our current clients get the service they deserve.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.