Doncaster teenager becomes youngest ever financial adviser

A 19-year-old from Bessacarr has qualified to become an independent financial adviser, making him one of the youngest in the country.

Ben Butcher of Ideal Finance Management started his studies when he was just 17, gaining the necessary qualifications at a finance school in Manchester. Since then, Ben has passed his final exam in London to gain the financial adviser title – making him one of the youngest in the UK.

Following his time at Hall Cross Academy, Ben decided not to go down the university route despite many others his age heading in that direction. Speaking to the Doncaster Echo, Ben told us university wasn’t for him, as he was more keen to learn whilst having an income behind him.

“I began at Hall Cross Academy, and continued through to the sixth form there. I found the second part of the year at sixth form began to focus on university; however I knew I did not want to do that. I felt I could do more with my time with an income behind me whilst learning.

“After choosing not to go to university, I took on an apprenticeship for 18 months to qualify as a mortgage adviser. In February 2018, I was put on to another course after qualifying. This was the Advanced Finance Advisor (AFA) qualification – which trained me to advise on pensions and investments.”

Ben recently passed his final AFA exam, ensuring he received a diploma in financial planning. Following his achievements, he will continue to work at Ideal Finance Management assisting those with financial concerns or targets.

Following Ben’s good work, it was also quickly noticed that alongside a handful of others across the UK, he was one of the youngest to receive a diploma in financial planning.

“When I first started the Advance Finance Adviser course, I was sat amongst a number of people who I realised were mid-twenties. I spoke to a couple of the trainers there, and they all said I was definitely the youngest to take on the course.”

“After doing some research, we found out that there was one more boy who has achieved the feat, and another two girls in Scotland!”

A life-long dream of Ben’s to work in a business capacity, he said his current role gives him a ‘kick’ and is something he enjoys doing on a daily basis. Ben was also keen to thank directors at the company, father Brian Butcher and Dave Patrickson, who have helped him on his path to achieving the diploma.

“I have always taken a strong interest in business; there is something exciting about it to me. There are a number of things you can achieve, so I have always been drawn to that side of life. I really get a kick out of what I do, helping others and giving someone a meaningful service.

“I must also mention Brian and Dave, who are the directors at Ideal Finance Management. I have worked closely with Brian, he is the one who has helped me and pointed me in the right direction, which of course I really appreciate. I have also worked closely with Liane Patrickson, 28, who is Dave’s daughter. We both qualified from the same course, and will continue to work with one another.”