Chartered financial planner Laura Critchley has joined independent financial advisers Hockney Stevens.

The appointment reflects the growth in demand for the firm’s expertise in the specialist area of occupational pension transfer advice, with Hockney Stevens’ managing director John Hockney one of only a select few practitioners in the Isle of Man qualified to UK regulatory standards in this area.

The firm is also one of only a small number of IFAs in the island with Corporate Charter status, awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute and widely recognised as the industry’s ‘gold standard’.

A Fellow of the Personal Finance Society Laura has been in the financial services industry more than 13 years, during which time she has acquired a wealth of financial planning skills. She said: ‘I am delighted to have joined the team and to have the opportunity to apply my expertise to support clients of Hockney Stevens who are clearly attracted by the firm’s reputation for delivering bespoke financial planning solutions.’

Mr Hockney said: ‘As one of only a very small number of practices in the Isle of Man able to offer a “start to finish” final salary pension transfer service, we welcome Laura’s extensive technical expertise in this complex area of financial planning. Her in-depth specialist industry knowledge will prove of great value, not only to our business but to our growing number of clients. We are delighted to have Laura join our team.’

Photo - Hockney Stevens’ Laura Critchley, left, with directors John and Belinda Hockney. Picture Andrew Barton.