About

My Financial services career began at the ‘coal face’ in 1989 with Sun Life of Canada, quickly working up through the management ranks till achieving the role I coveted, Director of tied agencies.

With the closure of direct sales forces I launched my first company, mortgage.com a hugely successful referral business.

I was then engaged as a business consultant to prepare the Inter-Alliance IFA group for Mortgage Regulation in 2004, and subsequently sold the company to them, following my appointment as Mortgage Development Director.

Following their corporate merger I purchased my company back, took on a business angel and launched a franchise advice model called Equity Advice, after being invited as a founding member of an Equity Release working group.

In 2007 I saw a huge gap in the market to launch a Club for advisers in the Equity Release space, followed by a training Academy, and a sourcing tool that became the ‘go to’ for the majority of advisers and lenders in the Later Life lending market.

In 2018, following a clutch of Industry awards, as I looked to expand the market leading position we had developed, I negotiated a successful investment by market leading Key Group based in Preston, who then supported and developed the growth of Air Group (rebranding in 2018) as I took the CEO role until the final successful exit in 2022. I remain the Chairman of Air Club.

At the end of 2022 I concluded the successful sale of my multi award winning company to the largest business in the Equity Release sector, having built the team into the industry recognised brand that lead the sector with the largest ever market share. This followed the successful sale of my first company in 2005, leading to major recognised senior Director roles in distribution for a multi billion pound life office, and the largest IFA network of the time.

Married to Deborah, and now living in the Highlands of Scotland, in a former boutique hotel, with our dogs, Dexter & Willow. Three amazing grown up daughters and four grandchildren keep my feet on the ground!

My growing collection of classic cars (from 1938 through to 1975) coupled with a love of the Highland scenery, and an avid love of fly fishing entertains me, but my burning passion for business success is now at its peak, as the Later Life Funding sector is on the cusp of something very special in 2024 and beyond.

"Stuart has a massive amount of experience with Equity Release and has set up Equity Advice as business which Authorises, Guides and Supports, Specialist Advisers. I would like to Thank Stuart, as without Stuart's support I would not have been able to provide the clients with the solutions which have made their lives so much better!"

"Stuart is a tireless champion for the growth of a safe and vibrant UK later life lending market. As a passionate advocate for industry best practice and good consumers outcomes, Stuart has won a dedicated fan base among market professionals and financial advisers who value his commitment to developing their skills, competency and businesses!"

"I have known Stuart for several years and he is one of the most innovative businessmen I have ever met. His energy and enthusiasm are boundless, coupled with an in-depth knowledge of equity release. He is a gifted orator and well worth listening to at industry events for his no-nonsense yet amusing ability to keep his audience informed and entertained in equal measure. Stuart's advice and support are invaluable. Very highly recommended"