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About

When friends and family were looking for an independent and trustworthy financial adviser with a holistic approach to financial planning, Matthew Clark knew he wanted to help. With extensive experience working for both national and local financial services companies, Matthew realised there was a need for an independent wealth management company offering comprehensive, client-focused advice.

Seabrook Clark was born.

The firm prides itself on giving clients a unique experience. We are committed to providing a complete bespoke wealth management service built on a long-term relationship. This includes professional independent and trusted investment, pension and tax saving advice tailored to a client’s individual circumstances.

At the leading edge of investment, pension and prudent tax planning, we provide an approachable and friendly service, drawing on the latest technology to ensure seamless communication and efficiency.

Why

We’re focused on you and not financial products

We’re focused on you and not financial products Our solutions are built around people, not financial products. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients and we are proud of our long-term relationships and we are family orientated.

We're professional

Our Founder and Director Matthew Clark was one of the first Chartered Financial Planners in the UK in 2005, which is widely recognised as the ‘gold standard’ for financial advisors. He is also a Trusts and Estates Practitioner, and a Later Life Accredited Advisor, both specialist qualifications with strict codes of professional ethics.

We're trustworthy

We believe in transparency and are proud to display the full performance history of all our managed portfolios. This sets us apart from many of our competitors.

We're accessible

We are committed to presenting information clearly in a manner which is free of technical jargon and easily understood.

How
we work

We provide an initial meeting to explore whether we can help you with your financial and investment planning at nil cost or obligation to you.

Following the initial meeting, we send you a proposal letter. This sets out the scope of the work we would propose to undertake for you, the benefits to you and the costs involved. We then set to work on your behalf once you give us the go-ahead and we have completed new client formalities.

If you have legacy pension or investment arrangements, we would gather the necessary information and review as appropriate.

We then undertake relevant research and prepare our letter of recommendations, which we would send you and discuss at a planning meeting.

The aim of the planning meeting is to explore and tweak the proposed strategy as necessary so it fits with your personal circumstances and objectives.

Based on your agreement, we then move to implement the agreed investment or pension strategy.

Normally, a few weeks after implementation, we would meet and review matters with you to confirm that the new investments or pensions are in place. We would also agree a review schedule to keep your financial plan under review.

Regular review meetings are central to the value we can bring you. This is to ensure that pensions and investments are managed in accordance with any change in your personal situation and reflect market dynamics, as well as any change in tax legislation.

Our
team

Matthew Clark

Matthew
Clark

Managing Director &
Chartered Financial Planner

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Matthew Clark

Matthew draws on over 20 years of experience to understand clients’ complex financial planning and investment requirements and deliver comprehensive holistic advice with clarity.

In 2013, when friends were looking for an independent and trustworthy financial adviser with a bespoke and personal approach to financial planning, he founded Seabrook Clark.

He was one of the UK’s first Chartered Financial Planners, is a Certified Financial Planner, Trust and Estates Practitioner, Later Life Accredited Adviser and is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. He holds advanced pension and investment management qualifications and is a qualified family mediator.

Outside work, Matthew enjoys running, road biking, fell walking and classical music.

Emma Ley

Emma
Ley

Finance
Director

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Emma Ley

After graduating with a Veterinary degree from Liverpool University, Emma focused on a career dedicated to excelling in her work and client care. She has always been keen to learn new skills and has a strong interest in financial advice. When the opportunity arose to develop and manage a successful family business, she willingly took up the challenge in 2016.

Outside the office, Emma enjoys all three components of triathlon. To top it off, she enjoys a spot of fell walking with her German Shorthaired Pointer, Percy.

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Hayden
Williams

Chartered Financial
Planner

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Hayden Williams

Hayden began his career in accountancy aged 16, quickly building a strong foundation in tax planning, technical analysis, and client communication. Over five years, he developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping individuals make sense of complex financial matters. By the age of 21, Hayden had attained his Professional Diploma in Accounting, alongside passing advanced-level exams in taxation and law.

These early experiences laid the groundwork for a smooth transition into financial planning — a profession that aligned perfectly with his analytical skills and client-first mindset. Committed to continuous development, Hayden went on to obtain Chartered Financial Planner status at the age of 25, becoming one of the youngest in the UK to do so and one of only around 500 under the age of 30.

In addition to his core financial planning expertise, Hayden holds two specialist investment qualifications and is fully qualified to advise on later life planning — areas he approaches with both technical insight and empathy. He also plays an active role in shaping the firm’s investment approach as a member of the Investment Committee, contributing research and insight to support portfolio management decisions.

Hayden believes that the most effective financial strategies begin with understanding what truly matters to each client. From there, he works collaboratively to design clear, personalised plans that support long-term security and peace of mind.

Outside the office, Hayden enjoys staying active and making the most of the English sunshine whenever it appears!

Qualifications

  • Chartered Financial Planner
  • Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
  • Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
  • Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing
  • Award in Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Professional Diploma in Accounting
Harry Bailey - Seabrook Clark

Harry
Bailey

Chartered Financial
Planner

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Fiona Dare

With over four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Harry has developed extensive expertise across both large national corporations and smaller, privately owned regional businesses. His areas of specialisation include personal and trust investment, retirement planning, and estate planning, where he consistently delivers tailored solutions to meet the individual needs of his clients.
Harry holds the prestigious designation of Chartered Financial Planner, is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, and possesses a qualification in Discretionary Fund Management. He collaborates closely with legal and accountancy professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to his clients’ financial planning.
Outside of his professional life, Harry is dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle. He has a strong interest in a variety of sports, including skiing, rugby, and golf, which he pursues with enthusiasm and dedication.

SBC_Mel Steeds

Mel
Steeds

Technical
Assistant

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Mel Steeds

Mel draws on her experience of over 30 years in financial services having worked in both technical and sales roles. Her drive is to simplify the process of financial advice and demystify the jargon that can confuse and make financial planning an enjoyable experience. Her technical skills in pensions and investment planning assist with the research and analysis required to help clients in reaching their financial goals.

Outside the office Mel enjoys running, travelling and skiing whenever she can.

SBC_Sean Kennedy

Sean
Kennedy

Technical
Assistant

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Sean Kennedy

Sean has 13 years experience as a financial adviser, but decided to specialise in technical analysis and paraplanning after a few years away.

Sean holds the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning along with CII Level 4 qualifications in Paraplanning and Discretionary Investment Management.

Outside the office Sean is a football fan, holding a Bristol City season ticket and enjoys walks along the Cornish coast paths with his partner.

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Ella
Steeds

Trainee Technical
Assistant

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Ella Steeds

Ella is a recent Mathematics graduate from Cardiff University, where she built a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. She began her career as a Junior Data Engineer, gaining valuable experience in the technical aspects of data management.

Driven by a desire for a more client-facing role and to help individuals make informed financial decisions, Ella recently transitioned into the financial services sector. She is currently working towards the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), aiming to become a qualified financial planner.

Ella is passionate about building a long-term career in financial planning and is dedicated to continuously developing her knowledge and expertise within the industry.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at the beach, skiing, and travelling whenever possible.

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Joanne
Jones

Client Services
Administrator (Investments)

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Joanne Jones

Joanne joined Seabrook Clark in 2021 and has experience working in various roles in financial services. Prior to her career in wealth management, she spent 13 years working for the NHS. She enjoys the diversity of skills and knowledge that her administrator role on the investment desk requires.

In her spare time, Joanne enjoys reading, knitting and country walks, and is happiest sitting in her garden with a good book.

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Heather
Horner

Senior Client
Services Administrator

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Heather Horner

Heather joined Seabrook Clark in early 2023 as Senior Client Services Administrator and holds the Certificate in Financial Planning (CertPfs) qualification. Heather has worked in financial services since 2005 as an administrator, paraplanner and office manager. Between 2012 and 2015 she managed the Cyprus and Malta offices for a QROPs pension scheme operator. Heather returned to the UK in 2016 and joined a Devon based Independent Wealth Management firm as Office Manager.

In her spare time Heather is an active member and assistant Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Teignmouth and helps with fund raising for local, national and international causes and is Treasurer of the Teignmouth Twinning Association.  She also enjoys walking and spending time with her family.

SBC_Julia Bennett

Julia
Bennett

Client Services
Administrator

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Julia Bennett

Julia has enjoyed 25 years in financial services working in various roles including banking, pension provision and financial planning.  Beginning her career in London, Julia was lucky enough to have the opportunity to relocate to Devon to continue her career and caring for her family.  Julia was delighted to join Seabrook Clark in January 2021 as a Client Services Administrator. 

Outside the office Julia is involved in a local charity group, enjoys walking and spending time with family and friends.

Lesley Ruskin

Lesley
Ruskin

Client Services
Administrator

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Lesley Ruskin

Lesley started working in the financial services sector in 1990 as an adviser for a large insurance company before moving to an administrative role. She has worked as PA to a number of advisers in small local Financial Services companies around Devon. She joined Seabrook Clark as a full time Client Services Administrator in May 2019, handling enquiries and providing an effective & efficient service to our clients.

Outside work, Lesley is a textile artist and enjoys working in her garden.

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Fiona
Dare

Client Services
Administrator

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Fiona Dare

Fiona joined Seabrook Clark in 2023 and has over 25 years’ experience working in various roles in financial services, having spent the previous 20 years working for a local independent wealth management firm.

After growing up in South Yorkshire, Fiona relocated to the West Country in 2000. She balances her working life with raising a young family, enjoys cooking, reading and quizzing, and has revisited her musical youth by joining a local acapella choir.

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Kate
Bennett

Junior Client
Services Administrator

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Lesley Ruskin

With over a decade of experience in managerial and customer-facing roles, Kate joined Seabrook Clark in October 2025, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in client care and relationship management. Having relocated from London, she has returned to Exeter to explore new professional opportunities and further her career within the financial services industry.
 
Kate is deeply passionate about building meaningful relationships and is eager to contribute to a team that values personalised service and long-term client engagement. Her approachable yet professional manner allows her to connect effectively with clients, ensuring their needs are met with the highest standards of care. She is committed to continuously developing her skills in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
 
Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly her new niece, catching up with friends, and pursuing her interest in fashion.

Outside work, Lesley is a textile artist and enjoys working in her garden.

Ethical

Our Ethical Policy

We are committed to providing a high standard of financial advice and service. The interest of our clients is paramount to us and to achieve this we have designed our systems and procedures to place you at the heart of our business. In doing so, we will:

  • Conduct our business with integrity, dignity, respect and confidentiality, being mindful of the well-being and best interests of our clients at all times.
  • Treat all clients fairly regardless of their status or circumstances. We will avoid conflicts of interest, but where there is a conflict, this will be disclosed to you.
  • Comply at all times with the requirements of the FCA, the professional code of ethics of our professional body, the Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society, as well as all relevant laws and regulations. This includes all our advisers maintaining a Statement of Professional Standing and appropriate continuing professional development.
  • Ensure that all advice is given or overseen by a Chartered Financial Planner.
  • Invite any client to involve a trusted friend or family member if they are over age 65, or for any advice concerning care funding, equity release or estate planning. The written record of advice provided to our client would also be provided to the nominated person if agreed by our client.
  • Communicate clearly, promptly and without jargon.
  • Check if our client has a potential disability, including hearing or visual difficulties, and take this into account when communicating. This may include large print or inviting an assistant to meetings, as well as ensuring the pace and duration of meetings is appropriate. In addition, home visits may be offered as well as assistance with access and parking as appropriate.
  • Seek your views and perception of our dealings with you to ensure it meets your expectations and identify any improvements required. We take any complaints or expressions of dissatisfaction seriously. We have a clear and transparent procedure for dealing with any complaints, which is explained to all clients and complies with all regulatory requirements, as well as those of our professional body.

Our Environmental Policy

Seabrook Clark is committed to protecting the environment and seeks continually to improve the environmental performance of our activities by minimising the impact of our operations. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its ongoing suitability.

 Aims & Objectives

  • Ensure as a minimum standard, full compliance with relevant environmental legislation and other regulations relating to the sustainable use and protection of natural resources.
  • Raise staff awareness of and train employees on this Environmental Policy and environmental matters and legislation applying to our activities.
  • Promote sustainable options for staff travel and encourage meetings to be conducted via telephone or videoconferencing wherever possible.
  • Monitor waste generation and recycling rates, promote waste minimisation and progressively improve levels of re-use and recycling in all activities.
  • Adopt electronic client communication as a default to minimise printing and the need to deliver by post.
  • Encourage suppliers and contractors, through appropriate specifications, to develop and supply environmentally preferable goods and services.
  • Give full consideration to the impact on the environment before committing capital expenditure or entering into any new venture or project.

Awards & credentials

We are a firm of Chartered Financial Planners. This means that we rank amongst top flight firms in respect of both professional qualifications, relevant experience and ethics. As pension specialists, we also hold the Pension Transfer Gold Standard, which is awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

In addition, Matthew Clark is both a Trust & Estates Practitioner (TEP) and Later Life Accredited Adviser (LLA).

We are proud that although financial services is a very competitive sector, we have been consistently recognised by our clients, peers and industry experts as demonstrating high standards of professionalism, expertise and service.

2020
New Model Adviser:

Top 100 firm
in the UK

2020
Exeter Living Awards Finalist

2020
Money Marketing Awards 2020:

Best Paraplanner
Award

Kerry Roffey Finalist

2019
New Model Adviser:

Top 100 firm
in the UK

Matthew Clark
Personal Finance Society

2019
Exeter Living Awards Finalist

2018
New Model Adviser:

Top 100 firm
in the UK

2017
New Model Adviser:

Top 100 firm
in the UK

2013
Chartered Financial Planner of the Year Finalist

Matthew Clark
Personal Finance Society

Fees

We act in the best interests of our clients at all times, as reflected by our Ethical Policy. Accordingly, we are committed to providing a transparent fee structure, with no unexpected hidden charges and we do not receive commission from product providers in respect of any investment or pension we recommend you to implement. 

We provide you with an initial meeting free of charge at which we will describe our services more fully and explain our fees. If you decide to go ahead, once we have agreed our fees in advance with you, we will: 

  • Gather and analyse personal and financial information about you and your aims and objectives;
  • Recommend and discuss any action we think you should take and, with your agreement, arrange relevant solutions for you.
  • All recommendations are documented in writing. 

Let's
chat

Contact

Fill in our online form and one of our advisers will call you back

Email

info@seabrookclark.co.uk

Call

London: 0203 5986528

Exeter: 01392 875500

STEP
Exeter Living Awards 2020
Pension Transfer Gold
FLSP Endorsed
MMA Top 100
Chartered Financial Planners