BWD is a specialist recruitment consultancy with a sole focus on the Financial Services sector. We provide both permanent and interim solutions to our clients nationwide, across several divisions.
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OUR STORY
The company was founded in 2006 by directors; Alistair Brownlee, James Walker and Gareth Davies (you might have noticed the business name is formed from the initials of their surnames) with a set of values and principles which are still at the forefront of the business today
We have seen considerable growth having expanded from the core beginnings of Wealth Management and Sales & Distribution, to now offering permanent and interim solutions to clients nationally across 7 dedicated divisions; Regulatory, Risk & Compliance, Wealth Management, Pensions & Benefits, Sales & Distribution, Change Management, Actuarial (Life/Non-Life) and Specialist Finance & Lending with further growth on the horizon.
View our corporate video
OUR VALUES
DO THE RIGHT THING The right people, for the right opportunity. Partnering with an ethically sound, responsible group
HUMILITY Modest, trustworthy & reliable. We listen and respond, sensitive to our clients and candidates
LOYALTY Always there to guide you. Long-term relationships provide profound satisfaction
GROWTH IS GOOD Expanding your potential. Always helping our clients, our business and employees go further
WHY BWD
WE KNOW FINANCIAL SERVICES
Knowledge and context are vital. BWD are sector specialists within Financial Services and have been since inception. This is the foundation stone of our firm, on which everything else is built, differentiating BWD from other recruitment agencies. Our consultants are specialists within a particular sector of their market, providing a level of insight and confidence to clients and candidates that is unmatched
RESOURCES
Access to a network of over 40,000 Financial Services professionals ensuring we can source the right candidates for the right positions
All our staff have LinkedIn Recruiter accounts which ensures our network continues to expand in an ever-changing landscape
We're a headhunting business which gives our clients access to both the active and passive market
Dedicated marketing division, headed up by a Financial Services marketer with over 20 years' industry experience, a unique commodity for a recruitment consultancy
THE DIFFERENCE
Consistency - For every 5 CVs sent, 3 are interviewed. An average across all divisions
Loyalty - 80% of our clients have worked with us for over a decade
Knowledge – over 150 years' combined recruitment experience
Excellent - 98% of our candidates would recommend us
Alistair Brownlee has specialised in recruiting wealth management professionals for the last 18 years. He is one of the founding Directors of BWD and has been instrumental in winning and maintaining some of the biggest client accounts. Having started his career working in Investment Management, Alistair has a depth of knowledge that few recruiters in the sector have. It is this experience of having both worked in the industry and recruited in it for over 20 years that sets him aside from the competition. He is also responsible for developing BWDs “Engaged Search” proposition which gives clients all the benefits of a retained search for the same cost as a contingent hire. Now heavily involved in training the BWD team, Alistair is passionate about helping others to improve their skills and become better recruiters.
James Walker has specialised in recruiting and advising wealth management professionals for the last 15 years and is one of three founding Directors of BWD. Having started out working in the pensions sector James has been in financial services all his career giving him a level of experience and knowledge that few recruiters can claim to possess. A confidant of many of the leading senior figures in the U.K. Financial services sector, James has a network at his disposal which counts many CEOs and MDs in its numbers. James is the driving force behind much of BWDs commercial activity and it is his steely determination that has placed BWD as one of the leading firms in the financial services recruitment sector.
Gareth Davies has specialised in recruiting Intermediary Sales Professionals for the last 15 years. He is one of the founding Directors of BWD and is widely regarded as one of the, if not the most pre-eminent recruiters in the sector. He also leads the intermediary team at BWD and manages some of BWD’s largest client accounts. What sets Gareth apart from his competitors is not only his level of experience which is unparalleled, but the reach of his success and the number of years he has been at the forefront of the sector. Gareth is extremely well connected with a network that is only possible to develop after 15 years. He is the “go to” recruiter for many clients and candidates who view Gareth as a true subject matter expert in the intermediary sales sector.
With 20 years’ senior level recruitment experience within the market, Iain has now established himself as a vital partner for clients and candidates across the Pensions and Investment markets. Having built the Actuarial and Investment practices for one of the biggest players in the Employee Benefits Recruitment industry, Iain joined BWD in October of 2017 with a mandate to drive the growth of the Employee Benefits Division. He has, over the years, developed a reputation for candour, professional expertise and delivery that is unmatched in the market, as well as for building high-performing teams of professional and respected recruitment professionals. Testament to this, Iain has accrued a 100% success rate on retained search assignments over the last 20 years, further evidence of his ability to understand and evaluate the professional, personal and cultural needs of clients and candidates alike. A family man, devoted to his wife and 2 children, he is passionate about most sports, cooking, and fine wine.
James Woods has 17 years recruitment experience, the last 15 years spent within the financial services sector. He joined BWD in early 2008 to develop the firm’s coverage in the South. James' area of focus is the financial planning market in London and the South East. He specialises in recruiting mid-senior level client-facing wealth management professionals for Private Banks, Investment Houses, Wealth Managers and Professional Practices. He operates on both an engaged and contingency basis and is account manager for some of our most prestigious clients. He is without doubt one of the market leaders in the Financial Services recruitment sector and his ability to get the job done means he is well favoured by our clients and candidates. There are very few recruiters who can offer the same depth of knowledge, experience, network or level of professionalism as James.
Jordan Forbes has 11 years recruitment experience and joined BWD in 2009. A long standing and senior member of the BWD team, Jordan specialises in advising Finance & Risk professionals in the financial services sector, a team which he now heads up. Jordan manages some of BWD’s largest clients and has undertaken some high profile projects, including a large, exclusive migration project for a global banking brand. He has also been asked to present market intelligence reports to board members and senior leadership teams because of his in depth understanding of the markets he operates in. His clients view him as a true subject matter expert and often call on his knowledge to advise them on the best course of action. It is this level of engagement from his clients that transcends Jordan from a mere recruiter to a trusted business partner as he is able to not only provide the right calibre of staff to his clients time and time again, but can add value with his expertise and be a consultant, which is invaluable when making crucial hiring decisions.
Bret is a highly knowledgeable financial services professional, with almost 20 years’ experience. Having started his career in the advice sector, Bret then progressed into marketing and relationship based roles, holding senior positions at established groups including FE, L&G & O&M. Bret joined BWD in May 2018 and is an integral figure within the business. His extensive knowledge, and contacts gained within the industry, will assist in achieving our own ambitious targets. Outside of work, Bret enjoys socialising, fine cuisine, wine and watching as much sport as permitted, but primarily Rugby Union and his beloved Chelsea.
Ruth joined BWD in mid-2017, following her graduation in Geography from Northumbria University. Ruth supports the directors within the office, while assisting Bret in a communications capacity. When not working, Ruth enjoys athletics, with a particular focus on running. Having completed a couple half marathons with relative ease, Ruth has turned her attention to the Manchester Marathon, competing in the 2019 event.
Joanne has amassed 16 years financial services experience, 14 in the recruitment sector. An advocate for the compliance market, her excellent reputation is justified, with many of the leading distributors utilising her knowledge to place individuals, in this area. Joining as a Senior Consultant - Compliance in June 2017, Joanne’s appointment was a major coup for BWD, further demonstrating our ability to attract the highest calibre of individuals in the industry. Outside of work, Joanne enjoys the theatre, spending time with her young family and is a semi-professional singer.
Helen has 17 years Financial Services experience, 14 of which are in recruitment. Helen joined BWD in ADD and is situated within the Wealth Management Team. Helen is responsible for Paraplanners and support staff within the advisory sector, having started her career in a support role for Towry Law. Helen’s reputation as the ‘go to’ consultant in this sector is certainly justified. This is demonstrated by the high number of returning candidates, who utilise her experience to progress their career. When not recruiting, Helen is a professional actor and classical singer.
Harry joined BWD in early 2017 and is situated within the Pensions & Benefits Division. Harry specialises in Actuarial appointments, ranging from junior to executive level positions. He is forging an excellent reputation within this specialised market, capturing a number of high profile clients since his appointment. Harry gained his 5 years’ experience in recruitment, having moved into the industry as a Trainee Consultant, immediately after graduating from Hallam University where he studied Planning & Property Development. In his spare time, Harry is a very keen amateur golfer and supports Manchester United
Graeme joined BWD in May 2018, as a Consultant within the Wealth Management Division, specialising in recruiting Financial Advisers. Graeme moved from a Financial and Accountancy based recruitment firm, where he has amassed 5 years’ experience. 7 years in Accountancy proceeded the move into financial recruitment. His experience gained in the industry, has enabled his step up into the Financial Services sector a natural progression in his career. When not working, Graeme’s main passion is Cricket, playing at the weekend during the season and supports Leeds United.
Mike is a highly experienced financial services professional with over 20 years’ experience. Starting his career at Bank of Scotland in Bancassurance, progressing to Private Banking & Corporate Lending roles. After nearly nine years, Mike moved into Financial Services recruitment, quickly establishing himself as a specialist in senior and boardroom level positions. Expanding his expertise into Specialist Finance & Private Equity, Mike forged an excellent reputation within these niche markets, culminating in Mike working for himself. After five successful years, Mike joined BWD in July 2018 as Client Director, in the newly created Specialist Finance and Lending Division. Mike is a Manchester United fan, enjoys going to the gym, despite injuring his knees playing American Football, and spending time with his family.
Gary Raine has 12 years' recruitment experience and has specialised in recruiting wealth management professionals for the last 10 years. He is the longest serving member of the BWD team and during his 10 years with the firm has recruited across an ever-changing market for banks, wealth and investment management firms. Gary’s competitive advantage is definitely his experience - it is rare to find someone with 10 years at the same firm as recruitment is a very transient market. It is not only his level of experience but the reach of his network and closely built relationships that he has developed over this time. Such relationships cannot be underestimated and allow him to keep fully in touch with market changes and access to key decisions makers. Gary has an excellent understanding of the market and has continuously placed people in roles ranging from Directors, Wealth Managers, Paraplanners and Sales Support staff.
Sam joined BWD in September 2018, following his graduation from the University of York with a 2:1 in Business & Management. Whilst studying for his degree, Sam also worked as a Brand Manager for Red Bull for a year. Sam gained an interest in recruitment, after undertaking a placement during the summer break from University. Gym, socialising and some quality time with Netflix, ensures he is kept occupied outside of work.
After six dedicated years’ service to the nations armed forces, Stuart has utilised his skill sets of discipline and recognising peoples abilities to good use in the world of recruitment. Stuart has accumulated eight years as a consultant, starting in Education before moving into Accountancy and Finance. Stuart wanted to further enhance his knowledge and career, joining BWD as a Senior Consultant within the Pensions & Benefits Division, in Autumn 2018. Married with a 3-year-old son, Stuart doesn’t have the freedom to enjoy Rugby, Boxing and socialising as much as he used to, but does embrace the opportunity when presented.
Lorraine has extensive financial services experience, having spent 15 years in professional banking roles with HSBC. Since moving into recruitment, Lorraine has specialised in the contracting and interim market, amassing an impressive portfolio of successful projects in Multi Scale, Multi Process Operations Management, Global Migration, Change Management and Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management.
Mohammed Chaudhry joined BWD in 2018 as Divisional Director to head up the business’ Actuarial Division, and personally specialises in the recruitment of Actuarial professionals in the Non-Life market, providing clients with both permanent and interim solutions across the UK. A well-regarded recruitment professional with an extensive network within the Actuarial space, he has gained a wealth of specialist sector expertise during a career that spans more than 8 years and has built some long-standing relationships along the way. Mohammed still takes an active role in business development and client relationship management across the division as well as working closely with BWD’s in-house training and marketing teams to ensure the division consistently achieve their potential.
Alistair Brownlee has specialised in recruiting wealth management professiona...
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James Walker
Founder & Managing Director
James Walker has specialised in recruiting and advising wealth management pro...
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Gareth Davies
Founder & Director
Gareth Davies has specialised in recruiting Intermediary Sales Professionals ...
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Iain Garfield
Divisional Director - Pensions & Benefits
With 20 years’ senior level recruitment experience within the market, Iain ha...
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Lorraine Robertson
Divisional Director - Interim & Change Management
Lorraine has extensive financial services experience, having spent 15 years i...
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Mohammed Chaudhry
Divisional Director - Non Life Actuarial
Mohammed Chaudhry joined BWD in 2018 as Divisional Director to head up the bu...
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James Woods
Senior Client Director
James Woods has 17 years recruitment experience, the last 15 years spent with...
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Jordan Forbes
Client Director
Jordan Forbes has 11 years recruitment experience and joined BWD in 2009. A l...
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Joanne McPherson
Client Director
Joanne has amassed 16 years financial services experience, 14 in the recruitm...
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Mike Aitchison
Client Director
Mike is a highly experienced financial services professional with over 20 yea...
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Bret Jackson
Head of Marketing & Communications
Bret is a highly knowledgeable financial services professional, with almost 2...
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Edward Duffy
Operations Manager
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Ruth Buckingham
Finance & Administration Officer
Ruth joined BWD in mid-2017, following her graduation in Geography from North...
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Gary Raine
Senior Consultant
Gary Raine has 12 years' recruitment experience and has specialised in recrui...
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Helen Spriggs
Senior Consultant
Helen has 17 years Financial Services experience, 14 of which are in recruitm...
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Harry McNeill
Senior Consultant
Harry joined BWD in early 2017 and is situated within the Pensions & Benefits...
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James Jackson
Senior Consultant
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Stuart Brooke
Senior Consultant
After six dedicated years’ service to the nations armed forces, Stuart has ut...
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Graeme Winn
Consultant
Graeme joined BWD in May 2018, as a Consultant within the Wealth Management D...
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Josh Bridges
Consultant
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Sam Scott
Consultant
Sam joined BWD in September 2018, following his graduation from the Universit...
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Haleema Hussain
Resource Consultant
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Alex Cranford
Resource Consultant
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TESTIMONIALS
It was an absolute delight to work with the skilled experts at BWD to find my current position. Having a deep understanding of the Specialist Finance sector, they took time to properly understand my experience and goals, thereby ensuring potential vacancies were closely matched. By working closely with the candidate and keeping regular communication, everyone benefits. The long and short of it was, I was offered my new role in a matter of weeks. I can highly recommend you give them a call.
AB, Head of Marketing (Hampshire Trust Bank)
I would highly recommend James to others in Financial Planning or Wealth Management. From the very beginning James was personable, interested and listened to what I was after. He was realistic with expectations and able to offer solutions to problems that were posed. I was not actively looking at the time but James reached out in a personalised manner about a specific opportunity that he, correctly, thought I would be suitable for. He was able to offer me alternative positions to the one he initially suggested so I was able to gain perspective, and flexible to work around my needs.
Financial Partner
“James took the time to not only understand my current personal and professional position but also helped me see a new future in a rapidly changing Financial Services Sector. James understands both the company and the candidate he represents resulting in a great personal and cultural fit. The advice, guidance and discussions gave me the confidence to make the next step in my career. James knew the opportunity was the right move for me before I did, and this is testament to his skill and experience in the sector. I would highly recommend James to anyone seeking a new role or a company looking to build their team.”
Financial Planning Director
Jordan understands his clients’ businesses well and goes above and beyond in providing relevant and useful preparatory information ahead of interviews. This extended to providing an overview of interviewers’ style, career path and immediate desires for the incoming candidate, which well surpassed information available on LinkedIn. This allowed me to not only prepare for the technical side of my interviews, but also to tailor my interview approach to the interviewers style. I really feel that this gave me an invaluable edge and this has demonstrated that Jordan’s level of commitment to candidate preparation is, in my mind, unrivalled in the recruitment market.
Director of Compliance - Markets
The level of service you’ve provided has been the best I’ve experienced. (1) I’ve never felt better prepared for an interview, [allowing] me to go in and perform confidently. (2) You called when you said you would, kept me updated, and been flexible in your channels of communication to allow me to get on with my day job. (3) You’ve been pleasant to deal with all the way through the process.
Vice President - Recovery & Resolution Planning
I would highly recommend Harry to anyone looking to change to a different actuarial employer. He listened carefully to what I was looking for and clearly has good contacts within the industry as he found a number of potential roles that would be of interest which results in a successful move. Throughout the process he was very proactive and always kept me in the loop of what was going on, including following up on questions I had with my new employer and dealing with salary negotiations. What impressed me most was that he didn't give me "the hard sell" or try to persuade me into a role when I wasn't sure - he would give you the space to weigh up the options and make sure you make the right decision.
